A Good Thief & A Thanksgiving Feast

It was a dark and frigid evening as the Amigos de Jesus youth group gathered for its regular session on Friday, November 19 in the Hope Room at Annunciation Catholic Church. It was week three in the four week catechetical cycle focusing on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The remarkably large gathering began with the bilingual recitation of the Rosary. This was followed by a brief review of the major themes and topics covered so far this month.

Alejandra led the group in a very dynamic activity. Forming two lines of joined hands, a single person had to do a forward trust-fall and body surf through the waving aisle of arms. Only a couple of people crashed through to the floor, but it was a very fun and lively icebreaker overall.

Following the activity, the group broke up into their two smaller reflection groups to continue focusing on the theme of reconciliation. Br. Joseph and Alejandra led their respective groups in Lectio Divina on the story of Dismas, the good thief from the Gospel of St. Luke. Many of the youth shared their own experiences of God's mercy and the entrustment of their lives and past sins to His love. The groups reconvened in the Hope Room for final announcements and a closing prayer.

Thanks so much to Kim, Anahy, and Teresa for serving the sick and elderly in the parish visitation ministry. Accompanied by Br. Anthony, the youth visited a number of different people, including shut-ins and a nursing home. According to the youth who participated, it was a very moving experience.

On Saturday evening, following Mass, many of the youth from Amigos de Jesus, as well as a number of Confirmation students, celebrated an early Thanksgiving in the Hope Room. There was a ton of food – burritos, mole, arroz, shrimp pasta, spaghetti, fresh bread, cakes, pies, cookies, and more! By the end of the evening, several people were a few pant sizes larger. A great time was had by everyone who participated.

Reminder: next week's Amigos de Jesus session (Friday, Nov. 26) will be held in the gym at Annunciation Catholic School. We hope to see you there.

God's peace!

Br. Joseph