Heated & Holy Discussions

For Amigos de Jesus, the second week in November continued the month's catechetical theme, the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As customary, the session began in prayer. After Br. Joseph read a section from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina on the mercy of Jesus, the youth went to their knees before an image of the Divine Mercy. Together, they prayed the beautiful chaplet for all the young people who were far from God and for all those who would die that day.

Following the prayer, Alejandra assigned a challenging activity: come up with a song that celebrates the themes in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The youth broke down into four groups to brainstorm. After fifteen minutes of eager expectation, it was showtime. The groups sang their best to the themes of mercy, forgiveness, peace, and change of heart. It was certainly difficult to decide on a winner.

Before proceeding further, Br. Joseph reviewed the key points of reconciliation talked about the previous week. Afterward, the group broke up into six small discussion groups. Brother presented them with a real-life scenario in which they had to identify the different aspects of the moral act and make a judgment as to whether it was right or wrong. They also had to explain the reasoning behind their decision. After a half-hour of intense discussion and no small amount of disagreement, the small group members presented their conclusions to the whole group. A very lively discussion then ensued.

Brother Joseph then went back over the scenario with the whole group, carefully outlining the various elements of the moral act in question. He then explained the issue in light of the Catholic Church's teaching on the matter. The overall discussion was a great experience and really required the youth to think in new categories. The session ended with group prayer and semi-frozen pumpkin pie.

A special thanks to all the members of the youth group who showed up on Saturday to volunteer their time and talent in babysitting for the parish children. Thanks as well to the youth who were present to assist with the Confirmation classes. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Next Saturday, the Amigos de Jesus youth group will celebrate a special Thanksgiving Party for all members of the youth group and any students from the Confirmation classes who would like to attend. Please bring a dish to share with others if you are able.

God's peace,

Br. Joseph