STANDISH — Maine teens gathered at Saint Joseph’s College in Standish from Monday, July 5, through Thursday, July 9, to learn what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ and how to share their faith with others.

New Evangelization Week, is a Catholic leadership program sponsored by the Diocese of Portland’s Office of Lifelong Faith Formation. The crowd of more than 80 participants was the largest in the event’s six-year history. The program featured workshops, group sessions, morning and evening prayer, and daily Masses. N.E.W. also included fun activities, evening socials, and the opportunity to make new friends.

Through workshops and sessions, N.E.W. focused on discipleship by helping teens strengthen their personal relationships with Christ and evangelization by teaching teens ways in which they can effectively spread Christ’s message in their schools and communities. The workshops were presented by youth ministers and priests from throughout the diocese.

On Thursday, July 9, N.E.W. concluded with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert P. Deeley. During the Mass, the bishop talked about the friendships that were built between the teens during the course of the week, and the importance that those connections hold.

As the teenagers head back to their homes and parishes, the bishop told them to let the joy of the Gospel shine forth in their lives.