Bishops’ Ball Back in Person: February 12, 2022
UPDATE: The plans for Bishops' Ball have been revised by popular request - it is still in person, but will be a one-day event on February 12, 2022. All details have been updated below.
For the first time in more than two years, Bishops’ Ball, one of the most beloved diocesan gatherings for youth, is back in person February 12, 2022. As we have since the start of the pandemic, the event has been adapted from its usual multi-day gathering to a one-day celebration at Holy Comforter, Burlington in the hope it will help those attending feel safer and ready to enjoy being together. The cost is reduced, and the registration deadline extended to February 7.
What is not changing is that Bishops' Ball provides youth from across the Diocese an opportunity to engage with the bishops, attend workshops, and have fun and fellowship with their peers.
This year's event will include all the favorite activities: music, workshops, building community, worship and the dinner and dance.
“This event is all about the youth in our diocese being with their bishops and learning what the church is, that it is more than their home parish and that they are a part of the larger Church,” said Lisa Aycock, lead youth missioner for the Diocese of North Carolina. “Bishops’ Ball is probably the only time our youth spend with our bishops actually sharing meals, attending workshops, playing, dancing and having conversations that aren’t interrupted by adults.
There is a real sense of community, and after the last two years, our young people need that more than ever.”
(The video from Bishops' Ball 2020 was made by the youth who attended in celebration of the community they shared.)
“A church community is unlike any other community,” said Amy Campbell, diocesan children and family missioner. “All ages are represented, and children and youth have many adults with whom they can develop positive and encouraging relationships.
If relationships alone aren’t enough, studies show that youth with a strong faith foundation – whether through church attendance or a regular prayer life – are generally happier, make healthier choices, have a stronger social network and are better equipped emotionally, all of which are positive tools to have on the journey to adulthood.”
Extensive COVID protocols and safety precautions will be in place for the in-person Bishops’ Ball. For more information on the event or the safety protocols in place, please contact [email protected].
“Bishops’ Ball is an event like no other,” said Aycock. “We are really looking forward to having the youth come back together again to experience the love of Christ in our diocesan community.”
Registration is open through February 7, 2022. The registration fee is $45, with scholarships available.
