That can't be right. I always have something to say.
Our church has been struggling for the last couple of years with getting good solid youth programs up and off the ground. It's not that we aren't trying. And there is a lot of theory's about why they are working. The kids have been telling us what they want for the last couple of years. It's just trying to find something that not only the kids like but something that is OK with the church.
I think we have finally done it. Last year a fellow parish member mentioned to me a program called "Teen Life". I mentioned it to our youth minister last year but there really wasn't an interest. The program is very expensive. This year we got a new youth minister, but unfortunately we lost most of our high school youth. My daughter was the only one interested.
She scheduled a meeting with Shannon (new youth minister) and discussed how much she really wanted an active high school youth group. I then mentioned "Teen Life" again. Shannon looked into it (it was her husband who talked to me about it to begin with). Long story short. If we pull all the 4 church's in the area together, suddenly the program is a little bit more affordable. Plus, Shannon added the middle school and the young adults to the group.
This Sunday is our kick off. The kids seem very open minded about it and us parents who are involved are very excited. I am super excited to be a part of this and a "Core Team" member. I will be working with Shannon and the high school kids. One of the things we are doing, is bringing these kids back to the Bible. I know that sounds crazy to you non-Catholics. But one of our biggest non-truths is that Catholics are not allowed to read the Bible. So not true.
Also, both Shannon and I have gone to Catholic schools. We are finding ourselves reading the "Teen Life" material and saying, "I didn't know that." I am so glad that my kids will be a part of this and that I am going through it as well. Steve and I are finding that we are closer to our faith then we have ever been before. I am in no way dropping to my knees screaming Alleluia at the grocery store (not at these prices), but there is something good and positive going on in my life right now.
If you and your church is looking for a good, uplifting Catholic youth program. Check out Teen Life. I think you will like what you see.
I guess I was wrong....................I did have something to say.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Friday, January 04, 2013
Christmas Fest
Our church held their 1st annual International Christmas Fest the weekend before Christmas. The idea was to stop by our Church for a hot meal and a free concert by the band Forgiven. All of this was free to anyone who came.
My only regret, was that I was in the kitchen most of the night and didn't get a picture of the band. Which is a real bummer because they are the reason this got started. Forgiven is a non denominational worship band in our area. All the members come from different churches. We where lucky enough to have Forgiven at Augustfest this past year. Three of the members: Janet, Ed and KC belong to our church and we are very lucky to have them. If you are in Eastern Oregon and can listen to them play, you won't be sorry.
The picture above is right before the crazy rush we had. We also had a Christmas program done by the CCD and youth groups. By the time the show started there was not an empty spot in the gym. The guess is about 500 people served over the course of the weekend. I like what one church member said, "It is nice to have something to do where money isn't a concern."
Jason reading his part.
Megan was the narrator.
There are my two little starts. Doesn't she look good in glasses.
The servers: Anthony and best friend Hayden. Kesha, who has not allowed me to take her picture for the last 7 years. And Angela, who I often joke that I want to be her when I grow up. She makes throwing a dinner for 500 people look easy.
Some of the youth group kids, including Megan. They are running the crafts table.
Jason, running one of the international tables. The idea behind the weekend was to see the different Christmas traditions of other countries. I wanted to do a Portugal table but was in the kitchen all night and couldn't pull it off. As it turned out, we had so many people and the gym was just to small to see all the international tables.
The ladies guild also set up a display of nativity scenes.
It was a difficult weekend to pull this off. But I will say, I am so glad that my family was a part of this. Yes, I was tired and a little stressed about getting things done for my own Christmas day. But doing something for others is really what Christmas is all about. Plus, every time I do something like this, I walk away feeling like I have gotten to know someone I didn't know before.
You know the weekend was a success when you have bought out every can of spaghetti sauce in this town.
My only regret, was that I was in the kitchen most of the night and didn't get a picture of the band. Which is a real bummer because they are the reason this got started. Forgiven is a non denominational worship band in our area. All the members come from different churches. We where lucky enough to have Forgiven at Augustfest this past year. Three of the members: Janet, Ed and KC belong to our church and we are very lucky to have them. If you are in Eastern Oregon and can listen to them play, you won't be sorry.
The picture above is right before the crazy rush we had. We also had a Christmas program done by the CCD and youth groups. By the time the show started there was not an empty spot in the gym. The guess is about 500 people served over the course of the weekend. I like what one church member said, "It is nice to have something to do where money isn't a concern."
Jason reading his part.
Megan was the narrator.
There are my two little starts. Doesn't she look good in glasses.
The servers: Anthony and best friend Hayden. Kesha, who has not allowed me to take her picture for the last 7 years. And Angela, who I often joke that I want to be her when I grow up. She makes throwing a dinner for 500 people look easy.
Some of the youth group kids, including Megan. They are running the crafts table.
Jason, running one of the international tables. The idea behind the weekend was to see the different Christmas traditions of other countries. I wanted to do a Portugal table but was in the kitchen all night and couldn't pull it off. As it turned out, we had so many people and the gym was just to small to see all the international tables.
The ladies guild also set up a display of nativity scenes.
It was a difficult weekend to pull this off. But I will say, I am so glad that my family was a part of this. Yes, I was tired and a little stressed about getting things done for my own Christmas day. But doing something for others is really what Christmas is all about. Plus, every time I do something like this, I walk away feeling like I have gotten to know someone I didn't know before.
You know the weekend was a success when you have bought out every can of spaghetti sauce in this town.
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