Covenant House South Florida Vigil Draws 300 Teens, Parents, Raises $3,000

Archibishop McCarthy High School Vice Principal and Covenant House Florida Board Member Reverend Kris Bartos, Covenant House Executive Director James M. Gress, Samantha Gress, Pastoral Minister Ron Hrubes McCarthy High students and Covenant House kids participate in the Candlelight Vigil for Homeless Youth procession. Pictured are Amanda Gonzalez, Rocio Pla and Mayela Landa (L-R) Raffaela Romanella and Bianca Arroyave lead the Candlelight Procession Young Professionals for Covenant House Michelle Zimmer places her candle in remembrance of homeless youth

Keeping in mind the thousands of youth across the country who sleep under bridges and in cardboard boxes, 300 teens and their parents joined together to participate in the 19th Annual Covenant House Florida Candlelight Vigil for Homeless Youth. The vigil, hosted at Archbishop McCarthy High School in Southwest Ranches, began with a somber candlelight processional followed by a moving program that included compelling stories by homeless youth.

James White, 20, told the group he had been sleeping at a bus terminal prior to coming to Covenant House Florida. He said he had stayed in 65 to 70 places over the last three years and often slept in a cardboard box outside of a church and prayed for help. His prayers were answered when he found Covenant House Florida.

"I wouldn't even call it a shelter. I feel like it's family and these are all my 'house cousins,'” White said, prompting his fellow residents to cheer in approval. “The past 19 days have changed my life. My goals used to be to find somewhere to sleep and eat. To have these things - it's such a blessing."

The blessings of Covenant House Florida also fell upon the McCarthy High teens who have warm, safe homes.

“The candlelight vigil was truly inspirational,” said Christina Gandarillas, 11th grader. “It opened my eyes to see all the love that this community has to offer. This ceremony showed the effort and participation that is needed to make a safe and loving place for the least in our midst."

These “least” have challenges that most youth ever expect to face. And yet, Covenant House Florida pulls these kids through time and time again.

“Covenant House Florida has done a lot for me and my friends,” said resident Dayon. “I’m very proud of that. It’s not just a shelter, it’s a second chance.”

Covenant House Florida Executive Director James Gress reminded every youth in the audience, "There but for the grace of God, I go."

Gress moderated the evening program. After the group processed to the outside courtyard, they placed their candles on the steps in front of the podium. Circled by the glow of candlelight, Gress introduced several student speakers and Covenant House Florida residents. He also thanked the students and parents of Archbishop McCarthy High School. Students and parents collected and donated an abundance of clothing including 120 new t-shirts. Plus, between on-site donations and sponsorships, the event raised $3,000 for Covenant House Florida.

Gress gave a special thank you to Assistant Principal for Christian Formation Reverend Kris Bartos, who also is a Covenant House Florida board member, and Theology Instructor Chris Covone.

“The young people that Covenant House Florida serves are not that different in age from our students, so it helped our students understand that people in their age range are in difficult situations sometimes and are in need of help,” said Cavone. “We have a responsibility to do what we can.”

11th grader Alannah Alfonso added, "The vigil touched me in a special way. It showed me how grateful I should be for everything and everyone in my life."

The event was supported by sponsors Archbishop McCarthy High School, Stiles Corporation, Cindy Schutt PR and Brinkley, Morgan, Solomon, Tatum, Stanley & Lunny, LLP.

Dayon, a Covenant House resident, participates in the vigil program