Today was a great day!
In the morning after prayers, mass and breakfast, we traveled to NJ for a vocation weekend where some of the young men discerning a Salesian vocation were hanging out for a long weekend of talks, prayer, sports, fellowship and fun.
It was good to meet all the guys, to share an awesome game of softball which we probably lost by 30 runs, and to share our stories of journeying with the Lord.
Tonight we had to be back home for a dinner and formation for all the Catechists in our town. Two speakers Veronica and Fr. Tom gave excellent and moving talks.
Veronica spoke on the importance of connecting Hispanic ministry with the culture of Hispanics. She felt it was important to remember that Hispanics are a people that first take in an experience from the heart and then understand it through their mind. She challenged us to share with them and with all of our faith communities a lived experience of the Risen Christ and then to educate more formally so that a strong bridge will be built linking experience with Church teaching.
Fr. Tom challenged us to a greater vision for youth ministry. He helped us to reflect on how we could better bring parents into youth ministry experiences, give young people real experiences of lived faith, and also to think much bigger than merely our Sunday school text books to create opportunities for the young to encounter the God who thirsts for them.
As this day draws to a close I have to thank God. Sharing some great experiences with wonderful people and learning a lot about ministry was fantastic, but what made the day amazing was that He walked with me all day and has truly filled my heart with such joy!
Rejoice and be glad O Virgin Mary, Alleluia, For the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia!
