ADJ Recap - Lifesavers, Lectio, and Last Days

The activity proved much more difficult than anticipated. It seemed simple, put a seven inch wooden stick in your  mouth and use it to pass lifesaver candies straight on down the line from one person to the next. What seemed simple in theory was very difficult in practice - but fun to watch!

The Amigos de Jesus youth group met for its regular session on Friday, May 20 in the Hope Room at Annunciation Catholic Church. It was a much larger group than anticipated, despite competition with "Battle of the Bands" and several high school graduations. It is beautiful to see so many young people putting God in the first place in their lives.

As May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the session began with two decades of the Rosary led by Antonio and Kim. Afterward, it was time to pass the lifesavers (see the photos - too hard to explain).

The youth then broke up into small groups for Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase which means holy reading. The groups reflected prayerfully on this Sunday's Gospel in which Jesus tells his Apostles that he and the Father are one, that he is going to heaven to prepare a place for them, but will come back and bring them to heaven as well. The youth listened to what Jesus was saying to them through this reading - what was he saying to their life, to their situation, to their sufferings. Each of the youth then shared with the group about how God was speaking to them and how they could respond to this word.

Following the small groups, several youth asked questions on different issues that come up during the sessions. In particular, questions were asked about the supposed "end of the world" on May 21, hearing disturbing voices, experiencing doubt about God, and how to deal with temptation. A good discussion followed.

Alejandra then led the youth through several dynamic songs, including the ever popular "Padre Abraham." The youth then watched a small clip from the film "Jesus Camp," a documentary on the radical methods used by some Evangelicals to indoctrinate children. The youth then talked about how such practices were at odds with Catholic Christianity.

The session ended with the youth receiving their forms for the upcoming Steubenville of the Rockies on July 8-10. Alejandra, Jose, and Karla concluded the evening with prayer.

Next week we will have Eucharistic Adoration and the opportunity for Confession. Please plan to arrive promptly by 7:00 pm. The session will end at 9:00 pm. We will also celebrate a couple of birthdays. Hope to see you there.

God's peace,
Br. Joseph