Take a Lenten Journey with the Youth

Sunday the 8th of February we talked about the "Dignity of the Human Person" and how this dignity is wrongly defined in our culture as "usefulness". As God tells us in the scriptures, “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31.
Saint John Paul II says, "The opposite of love is not hate- it's use". How do we contribute to this cycle of use? Do we see those around us including ourselves as only good if they can contribute to our needs and desires or meet the demands of society?
To be "pro-life" we must stand for the dignity of the human person in the way we speak and act in our daily lives. This means a total transformation of self and bravely going where the culture does not go; asking the homeless to pray with them, speaking out against injustice, and living an authentic Catholic Life.

Sunday the 15th of February Fr. John talked about Lent by comparing a scene from "How to Train Your Dragon" to how we should approach God during the Lenten season. We need to reach out in complete faith and with persistence to achieve intimacy with God just like the Viking "Hiccup" reached out the dragon "Toothless" in the movie. He did not get discouraged or resentful, just rather waited patiently for a response. This is our call during Lent! Let us prepare the way of the Lord!

Sunday the 22nd of February we talked about Masculinity and Femininity and the ways in which we need one another's special calls to holiness. Men and women are very different but both image our Creater in beautiful and life-giving ways. For each one of us to live out our calls to holiness, we need our brothers and sisters in Christ to lead us to heaven. Let us take up the crosses God intended for us and walk with one another this Lenten season!

Sunday the 1st of March we talked about Sexuality and the Church and what Christ desires for our sexuality. We established by an analysis of the pop culture music video "Stay with Me" by Sam Smith, that the human person desires perminant, sacrificial, and meaningful relationships. Then we watched the video "Crucifixion Type Love" as the radical re-definition of relationships, sexuality, and a love that lasts. The devil works in division, isolation, and use. God works in unity, communion, and eternity. Let us not forget that a love that is not willing to suffer is not a love good enough for the life God has in store for us!

Sunday the 8th of March we heard Mr. Robbie Shadburn's witness talk about his troubled past and incredible redemption. He discussed the role that Christ played in his life and how God's great love for him brought about the many blessings he now has. His powerful witness touched us so much! Thank you for your witness to the faith, Mr. Shadburn!


Peace in Christ,
Abby Riley
Youth Ministry Coordinator