The National gathering of younng adults who are inspired by the person and life of Edmund Rice will focus on the twin themes of 'Immersion' and 'Leadership'.  In Matthew's Gospel we hear that "his teaching made a deep impression on the people, because he taught them with authority unlike their own scribes!"  Jesus had the leadership and the authority of credibility and presence.  Jesus spoke up and challenged situations of injustice with courage and conviction! Ultimately this choice was to cost him his life.  This National gathering then is for young adults who have "walked the talk" in getting involved with those who struggle within our society through Edmund Rice Camps and other ministries.  The other major theme of this gathering is that of immersion.  We are hoping to deepen our Leadership skills through an immersion into the lives of those who struggle and our reflections around how this experience touches our own lives.