What is Happening?

Happening is a weekend renewal experience for teenagers within the Episcopal church.

A Happening weekend is made up of various talks interspersed with games, singing, small and large group activities and a good deal of fun. The talks, as well as all other aspects of the weekend, are led by youth who have been on previous Happening weekends. There are a few adults and clergy who also work with the youth to enable the weekend to function as a viable Christian formation experience. There are liturgical services and times for spiritual reflection built into the weekend schedule, as well as a few surprises.

How Did Happening Get Started?

Its origins stem from the early 1970's in Texas where a group of youth had seen a difference in the lives of parents and other adults who had experienced a Cursillo renewal weekend. These youths set out to design a renewal experience which would help them to encounter Christ in a manner similar to what they had seen their parents experience. The very first Happening was in Dallas, Texas in 1975. Diocese of Florida is one of many dioceses now holding Happening renewal weekends.

When and Where Does Happening Take Place?

There are three Happening weekends each year in the Diocese of Florida. They are generally scheduled in September, January/February, and April. The Happening weekend runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. The candidates and team members stay in cozy cedar cabins at the Diocesan Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center, in Live Oak, FL.

Who Can Attend Happening?

• Teenagers in grades 9th (spring weekend only) through 12th
• Adults actively involved in youth ministries
• Priests 
• Preference is given to Episcopal applicants, but when there is room on the weekend, people of other denominations are welcome to attend! If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact your youth leader, or Jean Gottuso, our registrar.  

 Applying as a Candidate

Being a candidate is not only fun, it's pretty easy, if you follow a few certain steps:

1. Complete a Happening Candidate Application!  You may obtain an application from one of the following sources:
   
• Your Youth Leader
  
• Your Parish Priest
  
• The Diocesan Youth Activities website
• Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center
  11057 Camp Weed Place
  Live Oak, FL 32060
  (386) 364-6021
2. Get your application signed by your youth leader and parish priest!
3. Have a sponsor! Anyone who has been to Happening at least once can sponsor you. If you need help finding a sponsor, ask your parish priest or youth leader. Former Happeners are usually quite willing to sponsor a candidate! Your sponsor will be in charge of making sure you get to and from camp for the Happening weekend and that you have everything you need for the weekend.
4. Get your application in by the deadline! This is essential due to the great many candidate applications received by the registrar for each weekend. Applications should be sent to:  Jean Gottuso, Registrar
   68 Dolphin Blvd.
   Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
   FAX 904-473-4020
5. Know what to bring with you!  Be aware of items you need to bring and items you don't need to bring. If you have any questions, your sponsor should be able to answer (or find answers to) your questions.
6. Relax! You're going to have a great time!