Happening

A renewal weekend for youth in high school. In some places, early college youth and/or adults who work with youth may attend. It was created in the Diocese of Dallas in the early 1970s, based on the Cursillo model for adults and a Roman Catholic derivative of Cursillo for teens called Search. The Rev. Pat Hutton and lay youth workers are credited with its initial development. Happening is designed to provide an opportunity for participants to encounter Christ in the midst of an intentional Christian community. Features of the weekend include teen leadership with support from clergy and lay adults, talks, songs, worship, and small group activities. Happening is a diocesan event under the authority of the diocesan bishop. The Happening National Committee (HNC), formed in 1983, provides information to dioceses concerning the program. It sponsors a biennial National Leadership Conference in even-numbered years. See Cursillo; see New Beginnings; see Vocare.