Youth

Loving Faith

Last night I received a note from a young woman who was in the youth group many years ago. She included her “testimony” of sorts that was very moving and encouraging to me. I am sharing it here. “I’ve been somewhat off and on Catholic for the last seven or eight years, always praying and […]

Meaningful Old School

Today I went to a BBQ with the Fostering Hope program. The event was held at the Catholic school that I attended when I was in first grade. I have driven by it a couple of times but this is the first time I had actually been back on the grounds. As I looked around, […]

Graduation and Faith

There were many ceremonies and celebrations on the college campus that were included in the whole graduation experience. My son and I attended 5 of them in the course of two days. There was an Honors Reception, Senior Toast, and of course the Convocation and Commencement. One that I had not anticipated was the Baccalaureate Mass. I […]

Graduation and Friendship

Before my son started college 5 years ago, he decided to live in the “Honor’s Dorm” that housed those who had chosen to enter into the Honor’s Program. He also got online and chose a roommate. I remember moving him in and meeting his roommate for the first time. They seemed to be a good […]

He’s a Sailor

This is my nephew’s final week of Navy boot camp. My sister waited anxiously for the phone call telling her that he completed the training. He was on my mind today as well. This afternoon, I took a look at the clock and told my dad that my sister should be getting the phone call any […]

The 9th Language

My mom’s friend came over today and we all got caught up on the happenings of the past week. I told her about the Fostering Hope dinner I was involved with over the weekend. Several youth and the adult team (including me) made pizza dinner and cookie pizzas for dessert. Most of the time, we […]

Unexpected Memories

This morning when I looked at my phone, the first thing I saw was a picture from 10 years ago. It was me and the youth group I worked with at that time. Included with the picture was a thank you from one of the guys. I was overjoyed and humbled at the same time that […]

Uplifting Despite Hardships

I spent some time this afternoon with a group of young people who came to the church to help pack Christmas food baskets for people who are in need. The event was organized by the group who works with teens in the foster care system. I had met several of the kids before as I […]

From Ministry to Minister

A couple of months ago, I connected with a young woman who I knew from my previous home. She is now living in the same state as me, so we caught up over dinner. The other day she told me that her brother was going to be in town for a short time and asked […]

Just to Chat

I love my nephew. He and his mom lived with us for a couple of years when he was a toddler. When they moved away, he would come and spend some time during the summer. We have always had a great relationship. Now that we live closer, I do see him from time to time, […]