The October Faith UNwrapped (FUN) session explored the Call of the Prophet Jeremiah (found in Jeremiah 1) and looked at modern-day excuses that we give for not answering God’s call. Although our excuses differ a little (but not as much as you would think) from Jeremiah’s, we learned that God meets us with the same reassurances that he met Jeremiah with… God will give us the words to speak, God will guide I feet to the right places, God will give us the talents and gifts needed to complete his mission, and when we are ridiculed God will be at our side… what an amazing God we have! The teens in the youth group spent some time considering what God was calling them to—a deeper prayer life, a devotion to Scripture, more meaningful relationships with God and others, and more! At the close of the youth group session we considered the question, “What impact would it have if all young people chose to answer God’s call for their lives?” Below are the impacts that the teens came up with: The impact on our parish… · More teens at youth group · More teens at Mass · Greater involvement of youth in parish ministries · More teens preaching! · More Jesus Music · More $ to the poor · Stronger community · A crowded Heaven · More selfless people · More people serving God (making God happy) · A better environment- more Jesusy and happy people · More churches! · More vocations to the priesthood · It would always be as crowded as the Christmas Eve Mass · Jesus would be happy! · More people would attend Church activities · Get lots of money for the Church · Youth group would be PACKED The impact on our schools… · No enemies · We would find more value in learning · More enjoyable · Less teen pregnancies · Less drug use · More confidence—no fear of judgement · More joy in our friendships · Less pressure in academics · More respect between teachers and students · More people would pray in school · No violent behavior · More Acts of Random Kindness · Homework would be turned in on time · School would be more fun The impact on our cities… · More Church goers · Less crime · More sense of purpose · Less fear · Cleaner environment · Friendlier/More Welcoming cities The impact on our families… · More empathic relationships · No jealousy · Greater honesty · Better communication · More supportive (encouragement) · Willingness to help each other · Less material excessiveness · Obedience to one another · Houses would be cleaner · Closer and happier relationships · Less fighting · Less stress in the family · More love and understanding · Families would attend Sunday Mass more willingly The parish and the youth ministry program will continue to focus on the theme of Discipleship throughout the coming year. I share this reflection with you because the vision of the world filled with young disciples that these teens presented has me excited to continue growing as a disciple myself, and to continue helping them grow as disciples. If you are a teenager, a parent, a parishioner, or someone near to the Saint John Neumann family and you are also excited about this vision, contact me about how you can become involved in making it a reality! Peace! -Chris
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AuthorsContributors to this blog are teen leaders, adult team members, staff members, parents, alumni, and other supporters of SJN Youth Ministry. Archives
November 2014
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