Hi:
I’ve been involved with CCO since this past summer when Impact (a domestic mission) was in Calgary AB. In a word, amazing. Very friendly people, and in my estimation very non-judgmental At the Cornerstones, I saw people from high-school age to moms and dads with their sons and daughters and older, at least at Impact. I’ve also seen Catholic priests there that are roughly my age wearing clericals I know if I hadn’t connected with one gal in particular, I’d be a far different Catholic and far more introverted. Very genuine. Primarily their target age group would be university-age, but even post-university age people go to these things. I’m still in school, and they’ve welcomed me with open arms. I personally haven’t been to a RiseUp conference, but I’ve heard amazing things about it. I’d imagine registration would be closed by now, but if you can get in go for it. I’m a relatively newbie Catholic myself, but it really brought me out of my shell. I converted shortly after I graduated from university and I had heard about CCO through a couple who was involved with them out in Halifax, but I thought nothing about it till I moved out here (to Calgary). Their monthly Eucharistic Adorations (called Summits) are bar none one of my favourite things to be involved with. I know I wouldn’t have as many solidly Catholic friends out here if they hadn’t come to Calgary both for Impact this past year and at University of Calgary (their first year in this city). Amazing people and amazing organization. Even their founder is very down-to-earth. Get involved if you want to be challenged but also encouraged. I know I’ve grown leaps and bounds in my faith as well as way more open about my struggles.
Chantal
I went to their conference (Rise Up) two years ago in Toronto (it was great!). Anyone can attend these conferences/workshops, not only students, but it’s a bit cheaper for students. There are people who continue to be involved in CCO after they graduate, in any case I’m planning to be. Hope that helps! the only thing to know perhaps, is that they have praise and worship music at their events, so if your style is different, it might not be what you are used to. However, my style of prayer/worship is quite traditional (I attend the Latin Mass) and I still found the conference very uplifting/moving and I loved their Eucharistic Adoration evening (that was the best part for me). I liked the praise and worship music too. The talks, workshops, etc, were solid in their theology. It helped me in my faith especially when I was a new Catholic. It was also awesome to see so many young Catholics excited about their faith. God bless