November 6, 2005

Dear friends in life and in ministry,

On Wednesday evening - the Feast of All Souls - we remembered 40 parishioners, family members and friends who entered eternal life during the past year. It was a beautiful Mass. As their loved one's names were
read, family members came forth to light a candle from the Easter candle. Our bell choir added to the beauty of the evening by ringing a chime as each name was called. Fr. Erb, Fr. Wydeven and I then prayed briefly with family members.

Some of the families had not been in our church since their loved one's funeral. Reconnecting with these families was an emotional experience for me as was lighting a candle when my own mother's name was called.

My 62nd birthday passed on Friday without incident. In what promises to be a foretaste of what's to come I went to bed at about 8:00 p.m. and slept until 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Perhaps hanging around with 20,000 teenagers last weekend was too much excitement for me. This weekend's "Sent to Serve" column provides some reflections on the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Atlanta.

Take a minute to view this week's bulletin has a great picture of Bishop Matthew Clark surrounded by a group of our NCYC pilgrims.

Blessings to all . . .

Click image for printable column... (Adobe PDF file, plugin needed) (Click Here For Sent To Serve Archives)

November 6, 2005

WINDS OF CHANGE
Atlanta NCYC—An Awesome Experience

If you want to experience a "joyful noise" plan on attending the 2007 National Catholic Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio. I am. After returning Sunday afternoon with our delegation of 21 parish teens and adults, I can testify to it being an awesome experience of God's powerful love for both teens and their adult chaperones. This year's NCYC - held in Atlanta's Georgia Dome and Georgia Convention Center featured keynotes by truly inspiring and talented people, well chosen music and very well choreographed liturgical dance. Throughout the three conference days, ten television cameras and production techniques that we've grown to expect at football games - captured the faces and spirit of both the speakers and enthusiastic audience and projected them to a giant screen behind the speaker.

Singer, songwriter, and storyteller Steve Agrisano served as the NCYC emcee. With a gentle and caring, yet assertive style, Steve led the 20,000 teens and adult chaperones in prayer, song and an array of joyous shout responses, “God is good.” “ALL THE TIME!” “What are we going to be this weekend?” “NICE!” “Amen!” “ALLELUIA!”

Friday morning Keynote speaker Tammy Evevard told of an Rolling Stone Magazine interview with internationally heralded pop star Sting in which the singer stated that in spite of his fame and material riches, there was a huge hole in his life. Evevard quoted St. Augustine who, after a life of excess, noted that “our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” She told the young pilgrims that in spite of what they see on TV, music videos and film, true happiness and peace can only be found in a personal
friendship with Christ.

Jamaican Bishop Gordon Bennett, S.J. continued that theme in Friday evening’s keynote telling his young listeners to “Stand strong in our faith.”

Perhaps the most powerful keynoter was Jesse Manibusan a singer, songwriter, guitarist and teller of humorous tales and inspiring witness. Jesse shared from the heart the love of Christ and the call to live out our Baptism in every aspect of our life. Also using the shouted response, Jesse urged his enthusiastic listeners to “PRAISE GOD ABOVE ALL THINGS.”
In addition to the keynote presentations, we were treated to several outstanding Catholic entertainers and musicians including Tony Melendez who first came to international attention when he was selected by the youth of Los Angelus to perform for Pope John Paul II. Born without arms and legs because of the prescription drug Thalidomide, Tony plays guitar with his feet.

One unmistakable theme underlying the NCYC was pride at Being Catholic. Tee Shirts proclaimed “100% Catholic” “CATHOLICISM is Not a Spectator Sport!” and “Proud to Be CATHOLIC!” But more than being enthusiastic about the Church, speakers, singers and participants proclaimed the Good News that God loves each of us with an everlasting, unconditional and always forgiving love.

The two hour closing Eucharistic liturgy was so prayerful and uplifting - that not one of the 20,000 young members of the congregation even thought of leaving early. Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta concelebrated this closing Mass along with our own Bishop Clark and about ten other Bishops and hundreds of priests and just enough deacons to proclaim the Gospel and assist in the distribution of Communion.

THEY WERE NICE!
I can’t let this opportunity pass without reporting that our kids and from my observation all NCYC pilgrims were did us proud. As Steve Agrisano requested - they were NICE. Special thanks to: Mary Carol Wall for her organization, leadership and great faith in God and in our young people; Sara and Caitlin Wall who led daily debriefing and sharing sessions; and adult chaperones Amy Badeau, Betsy Carisetti, Judy Harris, Dave McRae, Bill McNamara and Geri Sheehan. Next week’s bulletin will include comments from the teens and adults who traveled to Atlanta NCYC. I’m sure their witnesses will inspire us all.

Have a good week. Serve one another well.

I pray that you will enjoy this visit, and if you like,
                                          E-Mail me with your comments

.