Youth Elect Representatives, Take Survey

It was right down to business for the Amigos de Jesus youth group on the October 15, Friday meeting. Alejandra and Br. Joseph gave a brief summary of Tuesday's meeting with Fr. Francisco in which he asked that the new guidelines for using parish property be read and that each group select two of its members for the parish council.

After breaking into two groups and reading the new parish property guidelines, the youth had a brief discussion on the different ways they would like to be supported by the parish. The youth are very happy with the great support they have received. Following this discussion, the youth selected two of its members to serve as their representatives on the parish council. Omar Perez and Kim Gurrola were chosen.

Br. Joseph then presented the results of a recent religious knowledge survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religious & Public Life. The nationwide poll was conducted from May 19 through June 6, 2010 among 3,412 Americans age 18 and older. On average, Americans answered only 16 of the 31 questions correctly and Catholics were outperformed by atheists, agnostics, Jews, Mormons, and Protestant Evangelicals. According to the results, atheists got an average of 20.9 correct out of 32, while White Catholics got only 16 correct, and Hispanic Catholics got only 11.6 correct.

Unfortunately, results from the youth group were not much better. Of the 22 Amigos de Jesus youth who participated in the survey, the average score was 12.8 out of 32. Antonio Castaneda received the best score in the group, getting 26 answers correct. The survey only emphasizes the vital need for ongoing catechesis following the Sacraments of Initiation.

The highlight of the evening was the celebration of two October birthdays: Alejandra and Jose. After a few failed attempts to blow out the trick candles, the fiery darts were thrown onto a paper plate and the white frosted culinary delight was matter-of-factly devoured. Luckily, there was a chocolate cake waiting in the wings. Friday's session ended with group prayer at 8:00 pm.

Next week, following the regular session, the youth are invited to spend an hour in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament as part of the parish vigil (8:00 pm – 9:00 pm).

Thanks to Francisco, Antonio, Anahy, Robert, Miguel, and Kerin for being present to help with the Confirmation classes on Saturday evening. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

God's peace,

Br. Joseph

NOTE: I will no longer be posting photo slide shows of the session on this blog. It is too time-consuming. If you would like to see all of the photos and videos from the sessions they are available on our Facebook group. You can reach it here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=248871035657