Climbing Trees & Confessions

The regular Friday session of Amigos de Jesus opened with the youth gathering around the new Advent wreath and lighting the first of the four candles, while Kim read the Scripture reading and Br. Joseph the prayer.

After a few brief announcements, the youth filed out into the chill night air for one of Alejandra's dangerous and frightening activities. Standing beneath the tall tree in the courtyard, the youth were told that each person need to scale the long branch twelve feet from the ground. Forty minutes later, the youth huddled freezing, but victorious on the other side of the tree. Many who thought the task impossible or feared they would never be able to attempt it, had found their courage. It was an effort which would have been fruitless without the support of the group as a whole and, in that, was the lesson.

Following the activity, the youth returned to the Hope Room to learn more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation in this fourth and final week of the catechetical theme. In order to demonstrate the process of the sacrament as well as the inner dispositions which one should have, Br. Joseph conducted a few pretend confessions. Asking some of the youth to make up a list of “fake sins,” he walked them through the steps of the sacrament: prayer to the Holy Spirit, examination of conscience, confession of sins, receiving the penance, making an act of contrition, and making satisfaction. Throughout the lesson, the youth asked some great questions about the sacrament and particular issues that they did not understand.

The session ended on a rather sad note as the youth said goodbye to one of their most consistent members, Anahy Garduno. Anahy and her family are moving back to Mexico, D.F. On Sunday and are uncertain as to whether or not they will return. The youth presented Anahy with a card which the group members had signed and serenaded her to the tune of “She's a Jolly Good Fellow.” After, all enjoyed cake and said their farewells to their friend.

Anahy did her two year Confirmation preparation at Annunciation and was Confirmed with her class last April. Since that time she has been a regular member of the youth group, participating in retreats, prayer days, the “Encuentro,” and many of the youth service ministries.

We will miss you Anahy, but you are in our thoughts and prayers as we wait eagerly for your safe return!

God's peace,

Br. Joseph