November 1, 2004 - Feast of All Saints

On this feast of All Saints, it is with great sadness that we inform you that an everyday saint in our midst is now gone.

CYM received word over the weekend from Free the Children that Joe Opatowski, our Nexus 2004 keynote presenter, died in a car accident Friday, October 29, 2004. 

Joe was a mentor, a friend and an inspiration to his colleagues and to the youth to whom he reached out. He touched every person in his own very special way. We feel blessed that he graced us with his incredible presence, energy and love. At Nexus 2004, Joe dazzled the audience of high school students and leaders with his insight and wisdom. The young people literally sat on the edge of their seat as he encouraged them to get involved and to stay involved in issues of social justice.

Joe was twenty-one years old. But he was wise beyond his years: he understood that he had to be the change he wanted to see in the world, and was passionate about sharing his message with others.

Free the Children and Leaders Today encourage people to share their memories and thoughts about Joe at

rememberjoe@freethechildren.com or rememberjoe@leaderstoday.com.

Please inform your students as you feel is suitable. Joe deeply touched many students, and we want them to feel supported and loved during this difficult moment.

More details will be forwarded as we receive them. In the meantime, please keep Joe's family in your prayers.

May Joe's soul, and the souls of all our faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.

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