The 20th-annual “BASH” is the Diocese of Arlington’s largest gathering for middle school-aged children, aimed at strengthening their faith and building a foundation for lifelong involvement in the church. The event, held in May 2024, brought together nearly 1,400 Catholic middle school students from Northern Virginia at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington. The event has grown considerably since its inception in 2003 and had to close registration early this year due to the expanded venue’s capacity constraints. Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington celebrated Mass for attendees and emphasized the importance of seeking a relationship with Jesus amidst life’s challenges.
The event aimed to encourage teens to pause from their busy lives filled with extracurricular activities and technology to strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Bishop Burbidge highlighted the significance of prayer and advised the attendees to dedicate time to prayer and silence to allow Jesus to guide and console them. Despite the rainy weather, the event went on, with attendees enjoying games, pizza, and messages from faith leaders from across the country. Burbidge stayed to speak to some of the teens during dinner, providing them with inspiration and encouragement to stay involved with their parishes as they transition to high school.
The Diocese of Arlington hopes that events like BASH will inspire teens and tweens to stay active in their parishes as they grow older. Most BASH attendees are not from Catholic schools but are involved in various parish programs. The event aims to increase the likelihood of teenagers remaining engaged in their faith as young adults by surrounding them with caring adult leaders in their church community. Additionally, BASH addresses the mental health crisis facing young adults by promoting healthy and positive relationships between teens and adults, which can help them avoid at-risk behaviors.
Fr. Gregory Thompson, parochial vicar at St. Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia, highlighted the value of events like BASH in allowing students to experience the joy of being a young Catholic among their peers. Attendees shared their experiences of the event, with one expressing how inspiring the talks were and leading them to return for a second year, despite initial reluctance. The event was described as a day of friends, faith, and food, creating a sense of holy energy that is not experienced every day. With a focus on building relationships with adult leaders and mentors, BASH aims to provide a supportive environment for young people to grow in their faith and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms for mental health challenges.
