On Saturday, July 1 in the Hyatt Regency Orlando, a couple thousand Catholics gathered for an Evening Marian Devotion focused around Mary, Mother of Evangelization as part of the Convocation of Catholic Leaders organized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Allow me to pause to say that despite my birthday falling on a Marian feast (Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15), and my name including a Marian-variation (Marie), I have not found myself to have a strong Marian devotion. Not that I have anything against this amazing woman who said YES to God, gave birth to our Savior and raised Jesus; I was just raised to believe that I can go directly to Christ with my prayers. So I didn't "need" Mary as much. Please do not judge me harshly as I share this only to admit that I may have considered skipping this Saturday night event.... but I did go, and I was so glad that I did. It was a highlight of the Convocation for me. I left inspired and faith-filled. Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS of San Antonio and Bishop Martin D. Holley, DD of Memphis each shared their appreciation for and strong devotions to Mary that began during their childhoods, nurtured them as they grew up and how she assist them now as they serve the Church. They also discussed that Mary is called upon by Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium: "Mary let herself be guided by the Holy Spirit on a journey of faith toward a destiny of service and fruitfulness. Today we look to her and ask her to help us proclaim the message of salvation to all and to enable new disciples to become evangelizers in turn." ~ EG, no. 287. We then prayed the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, with an amazing couple of twists: 1. a myriad of languages were used to pray the Hail Mary, including English, French, Vietnamese, Igbo, Tagalog, Italian, Creole, Polish, Gaelic/Irish, and Spanish; 2. different styles of songs that connected to each Mystery were sung at the completion of each decade ("The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came," "Mary's Canticle," "What Child is This," "Mary's Song," and "El Perpetuo Socorro," along with "Immaculate Mary" at the end.) The changing up of languages during the Hail Mary really made one pause and listen to the words, rather than speeding through it as can happen in some recitations that I have been part of (and even led that way, as though there is a prize for finishing fastest!) and the songs assisted me in reflecting upon that Mystery. All the while, different images of Mary were displayed on large screens in the room. This helped to show the various ways in which people relate to the Holy Mother around the world, and in the U.S. Together, we prayed through the songs, prayers and images. It was an inspiring and up-lifting evening that I wished you could have all been part of with us. However, you can participate in spirit in the following ways: 1. Watch recordings of some parts of the evening devotion: Part 1 (bishop's talks, Ave Maria) www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLpTzvCOJa7DClAPQHoEQVv3skscx37UGo&v=wnT3V77JHaA Part 2 (praying the Rosary) www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2ZdJL1h5yI&list=PLpTzvCOJa7DClAPQHoEQVv3skscx37UGo&index=27 2. Pray the Special Prayer of Dedication to Mary taken from Evangelii Gaudium: Mary, Virgin and Mother, you who, moved by the Holy Spirit, welcomed the word of life in the depths of your humble faith: as you gave yourself completely to the Eternal One, help us to say our own “yes” to the urgent call, as pressing as ever, to proclaim the good news of Jesus. Filled with Christ’s presence, you brought joy to John the Baptist, making him exult in the womb of his mother. Brimming over with joy, you sang of the great things done by God. Standing at the foot of the cross with unyielding faith, you received the joyful comfort of the resurrection, and joined the disciples in awaiting the Spirit so that the evangelizing Church might be born. Obtain for us now a new ardor born of the resurrection, that we may bring to all the Gospel of life which triumphs over death. Give us a holy courage to seek new paths, that the gift of unfading beauty may reach every man and woman. Virgin of listening and contemplation, Mother of love, Bride of the eternal wedding feast, pray for the Church, whose pure icon you are, that she may never be closed in on herself or lose her passion for establishing God’s kingdom. Star of the new evangelization, help us to bear radiant witness to communion, service, ardent and generous faith, justice and love of the poor, that the joy of the Gospel may reach to the ends of the earth, illuminating even the fringes of our world. Mother of the living Gospel, wellspring of happiness for God’s little ones, pray for us. Amen. Alleluia! (EG 228) May Mary, Star of the New Evangelization and Patroness of the Americas continue to pray for us!
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During the Ash Wednesday 12:10 p.m. Mass homily at St. Columba Cathedral,
Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. began by sharing that the word Lent means springtime. Often springtime conjures images of cleaning out things after winter. He then continued to talk about spiritually cleaning one's heart for a better relationship with God. However, my mind veered off a bit to the meme seen above. Many people on social media have been sharing this idea of physically cleaning things out this Lent... to simplify your home but also to potentially assist those who may need things. As a bit of a clutterbug (not quite up to the TV show "Hoarders" level, yet, but I have the potential), this is an exhilarating and scary idea. But, I am going to give it a try.... if not 40 large trash bags, then at least several bags and boxes. I am also reminded of the Zelda Fitzgerald quote: What most people need to learn in life is how to love people and use things instead of using people and loving things. While I do my best not to use people, I may have a tendency to love things, as I was taught to treasure gifts from loved ones, and I place perhaps too much emotion into items I own. Therefore, this might just make for a good Lenten practice for me, as I will need to pray my way through it. One prayer I will be praying is the Suscipe by St. Ignatius of Loyola (proud of my Jesuit education): Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O lord, I return it. All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and thy grace, for this is sufficient for me. Amen. (As one who grew up in the "Glory and Praise" era of Church music, I often 'hear' this prayer in the musical form, which if you are not familiar, I would encourage you to listen: www.bing.com/videos/search?q=take+lord+receive&view=detail&mid=61D9CBCC50671448A0A861D9CBCC50671448A0A8&FORM=VIRE Please pray with me, and perhaps join in me in this process of letting go. Maybe in the giving of material things, my heart will also let go of hurts, disappointments, or other feelings that impede a joy-filled relationship with God? May I be able to clean out all things that block God's love for me, so that I can be open to a deeper Easter joy. May your Lenten practices do the same for you! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Whoever confers benefits will be amply enriched, and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Whoever hoards grain, the people curse, but blessings are on the head of one who distributes it! Proverbs 11:25-26 I was a bit disheartened to read a recent article published by Our Sunday Visitor written by CARA researcher Mary Gray in which he explains reasons why so many Millennials are no longer practicing Catholics. Based on analysis from two different studies the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) conducted, they found such things as: > the typical age for this decision to leave was made at 13. > 63 percent said they stopped being Catholic between the ages of 10 and 17. > Another 23 percent say they left the Faith before the age of 10. I am well aware of the "rise of the nones" as the largest growing religious "label" in the US lately, and that many young adults who leave don't come back as was once believed (once they marry or once they have kids... they'll be back to Church, many would say.) And I have seen high school youth ministry programs shrink in size over the past two decades. There are have been many guesses why and I've seen families shift focus from religious activities to time-intensive extra-curriculars for the kids (i.e. seasonal sports now include year-round commitments with weightlifting, training camps and ongoing practices.... musical and dance groups have increased rehearsals and competitions... speech and debate now is most of the school year... and so on.) But this was the first time I have reflected on nearly a fourth of young people saying they "checked out" of the faith by 4th or 5th grade (yes, read that age 10 bit above again.... and let that sink in...) (See article at: https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/PapalVisit/Articles/Article/TabId/2727/ArtMID/20933/ArticleID/20512/Young-people-are-leaving-the-faith-Heres-why.aspx) Searching for answers, I read: <<important to their decision to leave: that they had stopped believing in what the Catholic Church teaches, and that they did not like the Catholic Church’s rules and judgmental approach. >> OK, those facts are not new... we often spend time in youth ministries 'defending the faith' and correcting misunderstandings. What was new was a clearer explanation on how young people understand science to be in contrast to Catholic teachings.... this gave me a sense of hope, however. Young people must hear and see how Catholicism and science cant co-exist.... that gives some clues on ways we may be able to turn around this trend of leaving! 1. We can begin to better educate our catechists, volunteers and core team members on the Church's teaching on MANY of the scientific theories. “‘Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 159). 2. We can include intercessory prayers to patron saints of the scientific fields Here are just a few I found with a quick Google search: Albertus Magnus/Albert the Great – natural scientists, scientists, biology, chemistry, Barbara - mathematicians, geoscientist Cosmas – doctors, pharmacists, surgeons, Damian – doctors, pharmacists, surgeons, Dominic de Guzman - scientists Dymphna – mental health professionals, psychiatrists, Hubert of Liege - mathematicians Isidore of Seville – computer scientists, Joseph of Cupertino – astronauts, Rebekah – physicists (Challenge the youth to find the patron saint of a certain area... could be fun online or book research project.) -------- Here is a prayer I found that may come in handy: O Divine Creator, Saint Albert was a bishop who introduced Greek and Arabic science to medieval Europe, raising understanding of botany, biology, physics, and other studies of nature. A scientist himself, he wrote many books on these subjects. I ask him to pray for all scientists today, for their talents to be used to promote life rather than to destroy it, for elusive cures to be found, and for the moral use of the discoveries that they have already made. O Lord, fill them with Your Holy Spirit to guide them into understanding and respecting that You are the Author and Master of all creation. Saint Albert, pray for us. Amen. ------- 3. We can highlight the many Catholic scientists who have contributed greatly to the various fields of study. (Another research endeavor for the teens!) 4. We can recruit more Catholics working in scientific fields to be involved with our ministries -- as catechists, volunteers and core team members or at least as guest speakers (talking about how their faith and their work co-exist and perhaps nurture each other!) What other ideas can you think of? I'd love for us to pray and work together to try to stop this trend for the current and next generations of young people. Fr. Walker shared this brief reflection, and I send it along for your consideration:
A young lady was having a heart to heart conversation with her grandmother about school, careers, and relationships. "Tell me, Grandma," she asked, "at what age are men most fun?" Grandma replied, "Men are like record players. They play at different speeds according to age but they are nice to have around at 33, 45, or 78." Grandma, turns out, was only partly right. All of us, not only men, play at different speeds, and many of us, much like the world, find ourselves moving faster all the time. Sometimes we have no choice. Our lives are busy. We have responsibilities. People depend on us and so we have to be where we're needed. However, in life, we need a slower gear. We have that slower gear but it often falls into disuse. Life is more than the sum of our days. It's more a matter of the depth and experience of our relationships. And going slow must start with an inner awareness of ourselves and knowing that our happiness and peace can only come to us in the simple and profound appreciation for our lives as a gift from God. Do you know the average adult breathes 32,040 times per day? Each breath is a miracle and a gift from the God who knew each of us in his mind and heart BEFORE we were conceived. Take time each day, slow down, become aware of each breath and the mystery of your life. Don't have time? Can't afford it? Better yet, can you afford not to? World Youth Days: Retrospect and Prospect Posted by Thomas Rosica on 1 July, 2016 (Cindee's Note: While this is a bit long, there are GREAT reflection questions for parish staffs and youth ministry teams to consider, even if you do not have young adults participating in the WOrld Youth Day Pilgrimages.) In preparation for World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland later this month, I have prepared a series of reflections that I will share with you in the coming weeks. I write these thoughts from Canada, especially today on our country’s national day: “Canada Day.” I had the privilege of serving as the National Director and Chief Executive Officer of World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto, Canada. It was a unique, unforgettable experience that changed my life and the lives of the hundreds of young adults who world closely with me in preparation of that blessed event. Fourteen years after the great event of World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto, we are still reaping the benefits of those blessed days when joy and hope invaded our nation, from sea to sea to sea! One of the first fruits of Canada’s international event in 2002 was the birth of Salt and Light Catholic Television Network in 2003 – a unique media platform which now enters its fourteenth year. As we prepare for the next edition of World Youth Day in Krakow later this month, let us ask how the vision and hope of St. John Paul II have impacted our own efforts in pastoral ministry with young people. The experiences of World Youth Days in recent years have brought much new life to each of the countries where the great events have taken place. One of the important goals of World Youth Day is to instill hope and vibrancy in the church – to differ with the cynicism, despair, and meaninglessness so prevalent in the world today. Pope John Paul II knew well that our world today offers fragmentation, loneliness, alienation, and rampant globalization that exploit the poor. What have the joy, exuberance, and creativity surrounding World Youth Days in Canada (2002), Cologne (2005), Sydney (2008), Madrid (2011) and Rio de Janiero (2013) taught us, and how have they transformed youth and young adult ministry in our local churches and dioceses? How have we initiated a “preferential option” for young people in the church today? How can we give the flavor of the gospel and the light of Christ to the world today? Let us consider seven aspects of World Youth Days. I will use our own Toronto experience as a mirror or backdrop but know that these aspects apply to each World Youth Day, no matter where it took place.
Does the bible play a significant part in our ministry with young people? What biblical stories and images animate our pastoral initiatives with young people? How often have we turned elsewhere to find “themes”, “ideas”, “fillers” for our work with young people, rather than drawing our deepest inspiration from biblical stories, biblical language, biblical themes that no consulting agency, pop-jargon or fleeting trend can offer?
Is the teaching of the Blesseds and Saints an integral part of our catechesis, Evangelization, formation of young people? In a world that desperately seeks authentic heroes and heroines, how often do we present the Blesseds and Saints as the real role models for young people today?
Over the past fourteen years, I have received hundreds of letters, testimonies, witnesses from young people speak convincingly that their vocations were born at large vigil ceremonies with John Paul II, during the Sacrament of Reconciliation at World Youth Days and in the midst of catechesis sessions. A whole new generation of young adults identifies the World Youth Day experiences to be critical in their discernment process. In working with Catholic young adults, we have the responsibility and obligation to raise the subject of priestly, religious, and lay ministry vocations with openness, conviction, pastoral sensitivity and common sense.
How many times have I heard university chaplains, vocation directors, formation directors and youth ministers express fears and even disdain over the pious and devotional practices of today’s generation of young people. Such piety and devotion are not to be downplayed or dismissed in vocational and priestly formation work. They can indeed become a creative foundation upon which we can build for the future. Piety and devotion can be springboards to mature faith. World Youth Day does not belong to one Pope In remarks at the concluding Mass of World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia, Cardinal George Pell thanked Pope Benedict XVI for his presence at Australia’s great event. Sydney’s Archibshop said that World Youth Day acts as an antidote to images of Catholicism as in decline or wracked by controversy. “It shows the church as it really is, alive with evangelical energy.” Your Cardinal, George Pell concluded his address to Pope Benedict XVI at Randwick Race Course with these prophetic and affirming words: “Your Holiness, the World Youth Days were the invention of Pope John Paul the Great. The World Youth Day in Cologne was already announced before your election. You decided to continue the World Youth Days and to hold this one in Sydney. We are profoundly grateful for this decision, indicating that the World Youth Days do not belong to one pope, or even one generation, but are now an ordinary part of the life of the Church. The John Paul II generation – young and old alike – is proud to be faithful sons and daughters of Pope Benedict.” World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto was not a show, a rave party, a protest, or photo opportunity. It was an invitation and a proposal for something new. Against a global background of terror and fear, economic collapse in many countries, and ecclesial scandals, World Youth Day 2002 presented a bold, alternative vision of compelling beauty, hope, and joy… a vision and energy. We may choose to speak of our World Youth Days as something in the past – that brightened the shadows and monotony of our lives at one shining moment in history in 2002 or in 2005, 2008, 2011 or 2013. Some may wish to call those golden days of July 2002 or subsequent summers “Camelot” moments. That is one way to consider the WYD – fading memories of extraordinary moments in national histories. There is, however, another way: the Gospel way. The Gospel story is not about “Camelot” but about “Magnificat”, constantly inviting Christians to take up Mary’s hymn of praise and thanksgiving for the ways that Almighty God breaks through human history here and now. This way is not only nourished by memories, however good and beautiful they may be. The resurrection of Jesus is not a memory of a distant, past event, but it is Good News that continues to be fulfilled today – here and now. The Christian story is neither folklore nor nostalgia – a trip down triumphal church lane. As we in Canada continue to bask in the glorious light of the summer of 2002 in Canada, we must be honest and admit that World Youth Days offer no panacea or quick fix to the problems and challenges of our times, or the challenges facing the Church today as we reach out to younger generations. Instead, World Youth Days offer a new framework and new lenses through which we look at the Church and the world, and build our common future. One thing is clear: no one could go away from Toronto 2002 thinking that it is possible to compartmentalize the faith or reduce it to a few rules and regulations and Sunday observances. World Youth Day 2002 and the visit of St. John Paul II brought Toronto not gold, silver and bronze medals, but something even greater: it gave Canada its soul. Through those blessed days, we experienced once again the fulfillment of the Second Vatican Council’s desires: together we were witnesses to the Council’s hopes and dreams for the Church and for humanity, when every nation, every tribe, came together to worship the Lord. Now let us pray together that the Generations of John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, will truly become the Spirit’s joyful witnesses to the ends of the earth… that they may be truly become Catholic, universal, open to the world. PRAYER FOR WYD KRAKOW 2016 “God, merciful Father, in your Son, Jesus Christ, you have revealed your love and poured it out upon us in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, We entrust to you today the destiny of the world and of every man and woman”. We entrust to you in a special way young people of every language, people and nation: guide and protect them as they walk the complex paths of the world today and give them the grace to reap abundant fruits from their experience of the Krakow World Youth Day. Heavenly Father, grant that we may bear witness to your mercy. Teach us how to convey the faith to those in doubt, hope to those who are discouraged, love to those who feel indifferent, forgiveness to those who have done wrong and joy to those who are unhappy. Allow the spark of merciful love that you have enkindled within us become a fire that can transform hearts and renew the face of the earth. Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us. Saint John Paul II, pray for us. Saint Faustina, pray for us. (End note: please do keep all those involved in World Youth Day events in your prayers, in particular the 5 pilgrims going to Poland from our diocese: Anna, Nicky, Rena, Andrea and Cindee.) A virtual retreat for dads and those who have dads from Busted Halo (Paulist YAM) recently arrived in my emailbox. I appreciate the subject line: to celebrate relationships that continue to influence us as young adults. What a creative idea for celebrating the holiday that involves more than a text, a card or a tie. BustedHalo writes: Father’s Day is this weekend and it’s time to honor dear old Dad. Fathers share helpful advice and wisdom throughout our lives (or at least they try to.) Even if we’re too busy or stubborn to listen, dads are giving us tips on how to make our lives the best they can be. This virtual retreat helps young adults and their fathers connect with those wisdom moments and one another. You can do this retreat on your own or with your dad! Live far away? E-mail Dad the link and get on the phone, Facetime, or Skype. So, in addition to a card or gift (don’t forget!) celebrate Father’s Day with your father in a unique way. Why not take a few minutes to reflect and pray this weekend? Let me add just one brief thought as I considered: What piece of wisdom have you gotten from your dad? My father died when I was 12, but I knew that he loved his family, his community and his faith in the way he lived.... he was not only my dad, but also a brother son uncle god-father police officer usher at St. Joseph in Cuyahoga Falls Knight of Columbus (past Grand Knight), handy-man Marriage Encounter participant retreat leader neighbor and more... Through the ways in which he lived these roles, he taught me (among many other things) from an early age: Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. (1 John 3:18) Love is not just a word, not just a noun, but a verb... and action word that has to SHOW how one feels. Of course, he was human and not perfect, he could have an Irish-temper and be moody as he body adjusted to shift-changes on the police force, but what I remember most from my chidlhood are the numerous moments of LOVE. I am so fortunate that when I pray the "Our Father" and think of God as a fatherly-figure, I do have an image of love as displayed by my father. (I am sad for those who are unable to think of the word father with appreciation and love due to less-than-positive experiences, and pray that they can make a better situation for the next generation.) I think I will now go find the Amy Grant song that comes to mind, called "Father's Eyes". She captured my heart's desire so clearly. (I may have shared this before, but it is so fitting here today.) Father's Eyes Lyrics: I may not be every mom's dream for her little girl, And my face may not grace the mind of everyone in the world. But that's all right, as long as I can have one wish I pray: When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say, She's got her father's eyes, Her father's eyes; Eyes that find the good in things, When good is not around; Eyes that find the source of help, When help just can't be found; Eyes full of compassion, Seeing every pain; Knowing what you're going through And feeling it the same. Just like my father's eyes, My father's eyes, My father's eyes, Just like my father's eyes. And on that day when we will pay for all the deeds we have done, Good and bad they'll all be had to see by everyone. And when you're called to stand and tell just what you saw in me, More than anything I know, I want your words to be, She had her father's eyes, Her father's eyes; Eyes that found the good in things, When good was not around; Eyes that found the source of help, When help would not be found; Eyes full of compassion, Seeing every pain; Knowing what you're going through, And feeling it the same. Just like my father's eyes, My father's eyes, My father's eyes, Just like my father's eyes. My father's eyes, My father's eyes, Just like my father's eyes. Songwriters: CHAPMAN, GARY WINTHUR Father's Eyes lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group Here is a video of that song, if you are interested: (And Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there.... and to all their sons and daughters! May we all have our Heavenly Father's Eyes, and maybe our earthly father's eyes as well!) I am looking forward to gathering with about 150 others on March 10, 2016 to preview a new movie that supposes what Jesus may have been like as a seven year old. (If you are reading this post prior to this date, you can check for information on joining us at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/the-young-messiah-premiere.html After that date, just look for the resources linked towards the end of this post.) As the Gospel of Matthew chapter two ends, after hearing about the magi visiting baby Jesus, we read that Joseph received a dream that it was safe to return "home" so they set out from Eqypt to Nazareth. Then chapter three begins with John the Baptist preaching in the desert and Jesus approaching as a man. What happened in between? Luke adds one story of Jesus at age 12 preaching in the temple. Then, only these words before he appears before John the Baptist: 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man Mark and John do not even discuss Jesus as a child. So, what are we to think about Jesus and a child and a teen? The Holy Spirit leaves that to us I suppose as the Church focuses on the importance of in incarnation (God becoming man as a boy born in Bethlehem), Jesus' ministry, and the Pascal Mystery. But as humans, we may just wonder about the in between time.... Anne Rice did when she wrote the book Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt. And now the book has been adapted as a movie entitled "The Young Messiah." They describe it as follows: Remaining true to the character of Jesus revealed in the Bible, The Young Messiah film is an inspirational story about the childhood of the Savior for the whole family. When the mystery of Jesus’s divinity begins to unfold in His early years, He turns to His parents for answers. But Mary and Joseph, in an effort to protect their child, are afraid to reveal all they know. How do you explain the ways of the world to its Creator? How do you teach the Teacher? How do you help the Savior who came to save you? Follow the young Messiah as He and His family take the dangerous journey from Egypt to Nazareth and on to Jerusalem—where His true identity and profound destiny are revealed. I look forward to seeing what someone envisioned this time of growth, discovery, anguish, joy, family-time, relationships, and faith for Jesus. It will be interesting to see how someone imaged Mary and Joseph as parents. I pray that the movie deepens an appreciation for the Holy Family and the wonder and awe for each family members acceptance of God's plan for their lives. If it is done as well as I hear it is, we may be recommending that youth groups and/or families with teens get out to see the movie. There are already discussion guides available for your use at the parish or to share with families for home-catechesis. Catholic Youth Study Guide/Lesson Plans: http://youngmessiahresources.com/Websites/youngmessiah/Blog/5368158/tym_discussion_guide_youth.pdf Catholic Study Guide for Families with Youth http://youngmessiahresources.com/Websites/youngmessiah/Blog/5368158/tym_discussion_guide_family.pdf Discussion Guide (for adults) http://youngmessiahresources.com/Websites/youngmessiah/files/Content/5376800/tym_discussion_guide_hq.pdf Perhaps more will be added by the promotional company: http://youngmessiahresources.com/ Even if you do not see this movie, it can be fun to pull some of the scripture reflections and discussion questions out for use in your youth and family ministry programs. Lenten blessings to you as you reflect on Jesus in your own life. May you continue to claim him as messiah (young or old or ageless!) 1/4/2016 Follow Up from a Large Event (NCYC, DYC, retreat, March for Life, Mission Trip, etc.)Read NowDuring the last workshop round at the 2015 National Catholic Youth Conference, I participated in a "What Now" session with teens and adults from the Archdiocese of Dubuque. A pastor, youth minister and 4 youth shared their experience of the previous NCYC and how they took the energy and learnings back to their parish. They then invited all participants to consider what they may do after leaving NCYC.... and invited them to select one of the following areas in which to focus: What do I want to work on after NCYC? - Improve prayer life - Improve charitable actions - Grow YM at parish - Teach others about the faith - Liturgical ministries - Be more active in parish in general - Overcome challenges in life - Improve relationships Teens gathered in small groups around each of these areas and brainstormed ways they can take action back home. I thought this was a GREAT way to start bridging the experience with some practical ideas, and that while this was NCYC specific at the time, how it can easily be adapted for any large event. Consider it when you are busing back from the March for Life, or before leaving your retreat, or after attending the next Diocesan Youth Convention (DYC) or mission trip. (It is also not too late to gather your NCYC participants, if you went, to do this activity... after spending a little time reminiscing about the General Sessions, Camp Techakwitha, Prayer rooms, and break-outs, then ask them how they would like to build upon the experience in the New Year!) I have often seen that a "mountaintop experience" can have a tremendous impact on a young person. We may want to be like Peter, James and John at the Transfiguration who wanted to build a tent and stay there (Matthew 17).... but we must go back home and rejoin our 'regular' lives at school, work and with family and friends. However, pulling from another chapter of Matthew's Gospel (13), the large events are opportunities to sow seeds. If the seeds of the experience are not nurtured and fed, they quickly die... we must help our young people tend to the seeds so that they can bear great fruit for the individual, but even for our faith communities! "But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13: 23) Idea for discussion: HOW DOES YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG CONNECT TO CHRISTMAS? Ask each teen to consider their favorite Christmas song, and how it connects to the holiday. (This means they may have to think a little harder about how "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" intersects with the Nativity than "Silent Night" does!) Have a couple of your own ready to go to start the conversation.... Have them share in small groups, and let the groups pick one to share with the larger group. Challenge to add - as one teen says the name of a song, challenge the others to write down an many lyrics as they can... (shows the influence of music, and possibly how we can 'hear' without truly listening... after the song is presented, discuss any words or phrases they do not understand. Look up any you do not know to share the answers the following week!) Ones that are easily tied to the Nativity could include:
What others would you/your teens add to the list? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This can easily be adapted for use with YOUNG ADULTS (and you can probably have them play the songs from their cell phones for all to hear) and for FAMILY MINISTRY by asking families to work together as a small group. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One quick personal reflection on "Mary Did you Know?" and "Breath of Heaven" I recently read one article critiquing the theology of the first song, but I have to say that it was a transformational song for me along with "Breath of Heaven"... these two songs gave me a deeper respect for Mary, the Mother of God. Before reflecting upon the lyrics, I pretty much glossed over level of sacrifice and pain that Mary may have experienced in her saying "YES" to God via Gabriel. These two songs helped me to relate a bit more to the humanity of this young girl who once walked the earth. Perhaps I did did not before give her credit for having emotions, except for when I envisioned her crying during the Stations of the Cross. Since I have not experienced pregnancy, I never really thought much about how she could have felt which Jesus grew in her womb. Since I have not given birth, I had not really considered the physical pain being paired with emotional concerns for his health and safety and well-being even though she KNEW he was God's own son. However, especially in the second song, I learned that doubting or questioning are not the important aspect of the story... faithfulness is! Even IF Mary wondered if she were worthy, she remained faithful. Even if Mary didn't completely comprehend how Jesus would suffer as a young adult, she new He was in God's hands and she just needed to do what God called her to do, Who God called her to be. Isn't that we are all asked? While my epiphany moments began after first hearing "Breath of Heaven" back in 1992, I still pause each Advent to deepen my appreciation and work on my own openness to God's call in my life. ********************************************************************************************* Lyrics: "Mary Did You Know" (originally by Mark Lowry (lyrics) and Buddy Greene (melody)) Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand? Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God? Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo The blind will see. The deaf will hear. The dead will live again. The lame will leap. The dumb will speak The praises of The Lamb. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am. ********************************************************************* Breath of Heaven(CHRIS EATON, AMY GRANT) I have travelled many moonless night Cold and weary, with a babe inside And I wonder what I've done Holy Father, you have come And chosen me now To carry your son I am waiting in a silent prayer I am frightened by the load I bear In a world as cold as stone, Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now Be with me now Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Light up my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one one should have had my place But I offer all I am For the mercy of your plan Help me be strong Help me be Help me Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Light up my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Light up my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Breath of heaven |
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
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