Tis the Season

The Advent and Christmas seasons are among the best times to be a member of the Amigos de Jesus youth group. During Advent the youth group focused on the theme of preparation through reconciliation. Through Scripture reflections and small group discussions the youth examined their own lives of faith. This culminated with an Advent Eucharistic Adoration and Penance service on the first Friday in December.

Also during Advent, the youth group gathered together to bake Christmas cookies. Despite the mess and the unfortunate sour icing (don't use lime juice!), the youth had a great time pressing dough and decorating treats while Christmas classics played in the background. A few of the youth were covered in flour.

Mindful of the need to go out and bring the love of Christ to others, the youth spent a day preparing sandwiches with Br. Anthony and Br. Joseph. They then hand-delivered those sack lunches to the homeless people on "the triangle" across from Samaritan House.

At the request of Fr. Francisco, the youth group hosted a posada for the parish on Friday, December 17. Sweet bread, home-made cookies, and hot chocolate were among the treats the youth provided. The evening began in the Church with the recitation of the Rosary, followed by hymns and the traditional pinata. A great time was had by everyone.

On December 21, members of the youth group gathered at the parish to go Christmas Caroling. Visiting several houses within the parish boundaries, including San Antonio Capuchin Friary, the youth recited "Silent Night" in both Spanish and English and presented the people with bags of homemade Christmas cookies. It was a beautiful way to spread the spirit of Christmas and prepare our brothers and sisters for the birth of our Lord.

The second annual Amigos de Jesus Christmas Party was held on December 22 in the Hope Room at Annunciation Catholic Church. Alejandra, Br. Joseph, Br. Anthony, and Jose prepared a large meal of Spaghetti pasta, Caesar salad, flan, and jello as a gift to the youth. After the first course in the seasonally decorated Hope Room, Br. Joseph read the account of the birth of Christ from the Gospel of St. Luke. He afterward reflected on the fact that it is really Jesus who is waiting for us. We need to get rid of those distractions and obstacles to union with Christ. He is the meaning of our lives and our ultimate happiness will be found in him alone.

Several of the Amigos de Jesus will help with the Christmas Vigil on December 24. We hope to see you there. God bless you and Merry Christmas!

Br. Joseph