Through the Narrow Gate

It was the first meeting since the youth group retreat for the Amigos de Jesus and the focus was Sunday's Gospel, in which Jesus exhorts his disciples to enter through the narrow gate.

The session began with the recitation of the Rosary in the courtyard outside the Hope Room. Following, Kim and Alejandra gave an update on the upcoming Encuentro Juvenil. The weekend for Hispanic youth will take place September 2 and 3 at Regis University. The cost is $20 per youth.

Following the announcement, Alejandra led the group in a name-game type icebreaker complete with strange sound effects. After the activity, the youth broke up into their two smaller groups. The groups continued reflection on the youth retreat and looked ahead to Sunday's Gospel. In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to strive to enter by the narrow gate. The youth discussed what Jesus meant by this and how it applied to decisions in their daily lives.

The groups got back together around 7:30 pm for some closing comments. Br. Joseph spoke about an aspect of the youth group that is weak, but which is very important: service. As a group, we spend time in prayer, we frequent the Sacraments, we go on retreats, we reflect on the Gospel and the words of Jesus. But a gift received is never wholly for oneself. The gift must be shared. Jesus sends his disciples out on mission. That is the origin of the word Mass in Latin: missio, "to be sent." Brother spoke about the different opportunities for service at Annunciation parish. These include helping with the Bible Camp, the Confirmation classes, visiting the migrant workers, and a new door to door evangelization program which is in the works. All of the youth are asked to participate in some way.

The session ended with the celebration of an absent Steffany's birthday. There was flan, carrot cake, and chocolate cake. Plenty of calories to go around! Happy birthday Steffany!

Congratulations to Leslie who won the flan raffle. Enjoy that flan Leslie!

Finally, thanks so much to Omar, Massiel, Kim, Robert, Anahy, and Iliana for being present to help with the Saturday evening youth Mass. Thanks especially to Iliana for her courage in doing the readings. You did a great job! Below is a slide show presentation of images from the session.

God's peace my little brothers and sisters,
Br. Joseph