Parents, Evangelizers and Corn Mazes

The Amigos de Jesus youth group met at its regular time Friday, October 8 for its first-ever parents' session. The group - youth, parents, youth leaders, and pastor - gathered together in the school cafeteria for the extra large session. Br. Joseph began the meeting with the recitation of the Rosary, explaining to the parents that every session is begun in this way. Prayer must be central to our lives as Christians. All that we do should begin and end in prayer and we learn how to pray, primarily, in the family.

Following the Rosary, Alejandra led the large group in several activities and songs. Afterward, she explained that many of the songs and activities used for the youth group are a means of “breaking-the-ice” and helping new members to acquainted with the group. Other activities are meant to teach a lesson or reinforce a theme from the Gospel.

After the activities, Br. Joseph gave a fifteen minute talk on the important role youth groups play in helping young people stay committed and active in their Catholic faith. Too often, he remarked, we live fragmented lives, professing Catholic beliefs, but living in ways which are contradictory to faithful discipleship. Young people need authentic witnesses to the faith, and that must always begin with the family. The family is the first church, the domestic church and school of love, where young people first encounter God and learn to pray. We spend so much time and effort, Brother commented, making sure that our children have a good education, nice clothes, doctor visits, dental cleanings, etc. But at the moment of death, all of that passes us by. How well are we preparing our young people to be faithful followers of Jesus? That is where they will find the true meaning of their lives and the values that are eternal.

Following Brother's talk, youth group members and their parents were invited to share their personal reflections on the role their involvement in the youth group has played in their lives. Several parents shared reasons why they were happy that their children were participating in the youth group and the changes that they saw in their lives as a result. A number of youth also witnessed to how important a role the youth group has played in the deepening of their faith and Catholic discipleship.

Fr. Francisco thanked both the youth and their parents for their involvement in the life of the parish community. He assured them that, although the demands of a pastor often keep him busy, the youth are always on his mind and in his heart. He also thanked the youth ministry team for their commitment to serving the young people of the parish.

Saturday afternoon, members of Amigos de Jesus accompanied Br. Anthony in the parish's new door-to-door evangelization ministry. Kim, Anahy, and Brother spent several hours knocking on doors and visiting houses in the surrounding neigborhood. The youth invited the people to Annunciation Church and brought the good news of Jesus Christ through their joyful witness.

Numerous youth from Amigos de Jesus helped serve their brothers and sisters preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. In addition to leading activities with the classses and helping with preparation and set-up, the Amigos serve especially by the witness of their presence, both for the class and at the Mass following.

Right after the evening Mass, about twenty youth, accompanied by Fr. Francisco, Br. Joseph, and Alejandra, took the youth on a road trip to Brighton for the Maze of Mayhem, a “haunted” cornfield. There were two mazes, one scary maze and one non-scary, but large and confusing maze – which was difficult to get out of! In addition, there were hot dogs, apple cider, and plenty of kettle corn to go around. It was a late night, but the youth had a great time.

God's peace,
Br. Joseph