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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John
Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Don’t miss our Annual Kickoff Party – Saturday, September 4, 2010
from 4pm to 8pm at the Neumann House. FOOD, GAMES, FUN! This is a great way to get to
know all of the “youth groupies.” And, if you don’t want to come by yourself, bring a
friend! ALL FALL DATES AND EVENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT http://www.sjnyouthministry.com There you’ll find a printable calendar and you can even merge our Google Calendar with yours
so you’ll always know where to be and when! The Announcements. - Annual Kickoff Party – Saturday, September 4, 2010 from 4pm to 8pm at the Neumann House!
- IMPORTANT! Youth Group now meets regularly on Wednesday evenings. Starting WEDNESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm we will be meeting EVERY WEDNESDAY in the Parish Center.
- DON’T MISS Prom Kickball – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. 2010 from 4pm to 6pm with pizza following.
Find the ugliest OR most creative prom outfit (for the least amount of money) and come on out to play some crazy kickball.
(Girls, I have some dresses if you can’t find one).
Words of Wisdom Back To School – the books, the pens, the
cafeteria food – how exciting, right? For some of you the reality that Summer is over has hit like
a ton of bricks (or books I should say). For others, the ones who live for putting book covers on their
books, school is a welcomed relief from the nonsense of Summer. Either way, school is a change and it can
sometimes cause stress even for those of us who love it. Time management becomes and issue all over again
and we do nothing but stress over it. A couple of practical suggestions? Get a calendar!
Google Calendars are great because you can input all of the data electronically and it will automatically email you
the changes. Plus, you can incorporate our Youth Group Calendar into your own be in the KNOW when events
are coming up. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Knowing when to say “no”
to activities is a wonderful skill. Get good sleep. Schedule a bedtime.
I know, you’re not 10 anymore, but having a regular sleep routine will help maximize the time you have during
the day. Eat right. Limit the sugar and caffeine and learn to like your veggies!
How about hummus and pitas instead of Cheetos? Or even half of a peanut butter sandwich is a good
option. And, most important of all – order your steps by making prayer a priority. Studies have shown
that meditation eases stress. We know as Christians that we are called to prayer. Spending a few moments
in silent prayer, presenting your requests to God, listening for His still small voice, and reading a little Scripture will
settle your spirit. It will also give you the grace you need to meet the challenges of the day.
Prayer each day is the BEST way to manage stress. So, make Jesus your focus, and don’t forget
to thank Him for getting you through yet another day! Weekly Sacred Scripture Philippians 4:6-7 “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Weekly Pope Quote: “It is important to learn to live moments of interior
silence in the day-to-day routine to be able to hear the Lord's voice. Be sure that if one learns to listen to this voice,
and to follow it with generosity, one fears nothing, he or she knows and feels that God is with him or her, and that
he is a Friend, Father and Brother.” – Pope Benedict XVI, Papal address to Youth in Sulmona – July 5,
2010. Have a good week and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301) 977-3875 (443)
935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm 91
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Youth Ministry Activities Permission Slips and Registrations
Included From St. John Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Dear SJN Youth Ministry Families, WE NEED CHAPERONES! Would you consider driving and chaperoning for some of our events? Without proper chaperoning,
these events cannot take place. Please consider, and call or email Sue Bredehoeft at the Youth Ministry Office.
301-977-3875 or sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Did you know that there are quite a few Youth Ministry activities
planned for this Summer? Summer may be half over, but we’re just getting started. Below, you’ll find
a list of all of our Summer activities, some of which require permission slips. Those permission slips are attached
to this email, or you can download them at http://www.sjnyouthministry.com, which has recently been updated. JULY 20th
7pm to 10pm LifeNight – Encounter Testimonies (Neumann
House) 22nd
7pm to 10pm Bunco Night (Neumann House) 27th
9am to 9pm
Six Flags America – PERMISSION SLIPS DUE BY Sunday, July 25, 2010. 30th
7pm to 10pm
PROM (Not CIRCUS) Kickball (Neumann House) AUGUST 5th
9am to 7pm Cunningham Falls State Park –
PERMISSION SLIPS DUE BY Friday, July 30, 2010. 16th
9am to 11pm Hershey Park – PERMISSION SLIPS DUE BY
Sunday, August 8, 2010. 21st
5pm
Youth Mass (SJN Church) 24th
7pm to 9pm Adoration and Fun Night (drop off
at church; pick up at Neumann House) 25th
5pm to 12mid Washington Nationals Game – PERMISSION SLIPS
DUE BY Sunday, August 22, 2010. SEPTEMBER 4th
2pm to 8pm High School Youth Group Kickoff (Neumann
House) Some other dates to note: Sunday,
July 18, 2010
NO BAND REHEARSAL Sunday, July 25th
1pm to 3pm (e)X(a)LT Band Rehearsal (Neumann
House) Tuesday, August 3, 2010
NO LifeNight Sunday, August 8, 2010
1pm to 3pm (e)X(a)LT Band Rehearsal (Neumann
House) Tuesday, August 10, 2010
NO LifeNight Wednesday, August 11, 2010 7pm to 8pm
Student Leadership Meeting (Youth Group Lounge) Sunday, August 15, 2010
1pm to 3pm (e)X(a)LT Band Rehearsal (Neumann
House) Tuesday, August 17, 2010
NO LifeNight Wednesday, August 18, 2010 7pm to 8pm
Student Leadership Meeting (Youth Group Lounge) Sunday, August 22, 2010
NO BAND REHEARSAL Saturday, August 28th – Sunday, August 29th
Distribution of YG Materials after all Masses Sunday, August 29, 2010
1pm to 3pm (e)X(a)LT Band Rehearsal (Neumann
House) Tuesday, August 31, 2010
NO LifeNight Wednesday, September 1, 2010
7pm to 8pm Student Leadership Meeting (Youth Group Lounge) Hope you’ll join us! Have a good week and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301) 977-3875 (443) 935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm
91
Monday, June 7, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John
Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Monday, June 07, 2010 ‘FUNDING THE FUTURE” – SJN YOUTH MINISTRY’S FIRST Annual
Fundraising Auction/Dinner – Saturday, June 19, 2010 – 6pm to 10pm in the Parish Center - $20 per person.
HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR TICKETS YET? You have only ONE MORE WEEK to purchase. Get
‘em while they’re hot!! Call 301-977-3875 or 443-935-3088 for info or purchase yours after
Mass this weekend!!!!!!! The Announcements. 1. PARISH PICNIC. Sunday, June 13, 2010 – 12pm to 3pm at MOG (across
Goshen Rd.) Have you and your family signed up to help or to attend? You sooooo should! 2.
FUNDRAISER! FUNDRAISER! FUNDRAISER! All teens needed to help serve food and run the auction!!
Friday, June 18, 2010 – 6pm to 9pm for SETUP. Saturday, June 19, 2010 – 3pm to 10pm
for the event. (Black pants and white shirts.) 3. The RETURN of the LifeNight! Tuesday, June 22, 2010.
We’ll start with Adoration (Fr. Brailsford) from 7pm to 8pm in the church and then move to the Neumann House
from 8pm to 10pm for fun – yes, Manhunt! 4. YOUTH MASS! Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 5pm. Come celebrate
with us! This will also be the Tania Varrier Reese scholarship Mass and Senior Farewell Mass. 5. SENIOR HONORING AND WELCOMING OF THE 8TH GRADE CLASS! Tuesday,
June 29, 2010 – 7pm to 10pm at the Neumann House. Food, fun, and maybe a few tears on my part! 6. SUMMER FUN! Permission slips for our Summer activities are
going to be available for download later this week at http://www.sjnyouthministry.com . Here’s the short list of what we have going on: ULTIMATE FRISBEE Thursday, July 8, 2010 – 4pm to 8pm (Neumann House) YOUTH MASS Saturday, July 17, 2010 – 5pm to 6pm (Church) LIFENIGHT Tuesday, July 20, 2010 – 7pm to 10pm (Neumann House) BUNCO NIGHT Thursday, July 22, 2010 –
7pm to 10pm (Neumann House) *SIX FLAGS AMERICA Tuesday,
July 27, 2010 – 9am to 9pm CLOWN KICKBALL Friday,
July 30, 2010 – 7p to 10pm (Neumann House) *CUNNINGHAM
FALLS Thursday, August 5, 2010 – 9am to 9pm *HERSHEY PARK Monday, August 16, 2010 – 10am to 11pm YOUTH MASS Saturday, August 21, 2010 – 5pm to 6pm (Church) LIFENIGHT Tuesday, August 24, 2010 – 7pm to 10pm (Neumann House) *WASHINGTON NATIONALS GAME Thursday, August 26, 2010
– 5pm to 12mid *these activities require permission slip and payment. The
Attachments. PLEASE CHECK http://www.sjnyouthministry.com for an updated list of downloadable forms. Words of Wisdom My friend just updated her Facebook status to read, “In a Relationship.”
Being in a relationship, any relationship, is hard work. It takes sacrifice,
patience, and ultimately love. Think about your relationship with your parents; doesn’t that require
sacrificing your desires, being patient with them, and loving them? And yet, this complicated web of communication
between persons is EXACTLY what God wants to enter into with us. Yes, God wants to be in a RELATIONSHIP
with you – a LOVE relationship. Weird to think about? Maybe, but it is only when we understand that
Jesus Christ is a Divine Person that we understand His desire to relate to us. But being in a relationship
with Jesus Christ is different than our human relationships. It bears a resemblance to be sure; we have
to talk and listen, sacrifice, show patience, and love Him. The difference is, as we relate to Christ,
we learn how to do these things more perfectly, and in turn can go into the world and succeed in our relationship with others.
See, it’s only in loving Christ that we learn to truly love others. And, the level of our
relationship with Jesus directly affects our level of relationship with others. Just think, the more we
understand God’s forgiveness of our own sin the easier it becomes for us to forgive others when they do wrong to us.
We love Christ because He first loved us; He showed us what love truly is. So, what does your Jesus relationship status read? Weekly Sacred
Scripture 1 John 4:19 “We
love, because he first loved us.” Weekly Pope Quote: “Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter
with an event, a person, which gives life new horizon and a decisive direction.” – Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas
Est.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010 IMPORTANT INFORMATION!! From St. John
Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Thursday, April 15, 2010 YOUTH MASS, SATURDAY, APRIL 17TH
@ 5pm! Don’t miss out on our second youth Mass! This Liturgy is especially designed for us!
Come check it out and in the future you might want to participate by either playing/singing in the band, lecturing,
ushering, or altar serving! TWO BIG OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE! CONFIRMATION -- We need all hands on deck this Saturday, April
17th from 9:30am to 3pm at the church! This is an important step in welcoming newly Confirmed
students into our youth group. We will be ushering for both Confirmation Masses, and setting up for their
receptions. Dress is black pants, white shirt! Lunch included – maybe even a meet
and greet with the bishop. Please reply to this email or call Sue at 443-935-3088 if you know that you
can help. COMMUNITY SERVICE – On Saturday, May 1st we have an opportunity to serve someone in need.
We will be helping a lady move from the Montgomery Village Care Center into a new apartment. No
heavy lifting. Just packing and unpacking boxes. If you have a heart to serve and can
offer up a Saturday to do so, please reply to this email or call Sue at 443-935-3088. Only 5 or 6 people
needed. There might be Rita’s involved, just sayin’! Have
a good week and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301) 977-3875 (443)
935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm 91
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday, April 07, 2010 WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John
Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Wednesday, April 07, 2010 HEY FOLKS! So, It’s been awhile! We have not seen some of you
in recent weeks and we want you to know that we miss you….a lot! Don’t miss next month’s Youth Mass
– Saturday, April 17th @ the 5pm Mass. AND, Life Teen’s presentation of Theology of the Body
for Teens is about half complete, but there’s still room for you! – EVERY TUESDAY, @ 7pm in the Parish Center. The
Announcements. 1.
This Saturday, April 10th
@ 9am come join our Door – to – Door Evangelization Effort! Lunch to follow at the Neumann
House. Don’t miss this great opportunity to share your faith with others in the neighborhood. 2. Saturday, April 17th from 9am to 3:30pm in the Church – CONFIRMATION!
All hands on deck! Please! We need your help to throw our newly Confirmed folks
a fabulous reception. Lunch will be offered, possibly with the bishop himself! Come
give your day to serve our future youth groupies at their Confirmation! 3. WARRIOR – Ephesians 6: A Student Led Day Retreat – will now
be on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the Neumann House. Permission slips due by Tuesday, May 11th. Registrations available
at http://www.sjnyouthministry.com . 4.
SJN’s First Annual “Funding
the Future” dinner and auction – Saturday, June 19th, 2010 – Details to follow. 5. ENCOUNTER THE GOSPEL OF LIFE Service Workcamp – July 11 – 16, 2010
@ Univ. of MD. Registrations available at http://www.sjnyouthministry.com . ALSO, WE NEED ANOTHER CHAPERONE – WILLING TO STAY OVERNIGHT, PARTICIPATE IN SERVICE AND SEE KIDS GROW BEFORE YOUR
EYES! IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT SUE AT THE OFFICE OF YOUTH MINISTRY 301.977.3875 . The
Attachments. PLEASE CHECK http://www.sjnyouthministry.com for an updated list of downloadable forms. Words of Wisdom “Christ is Risen from the dead; trampling over death by death.
Come awake! Come awake! Come and rise up from the grave! Christ is Risen from the dead; we are one
with Him again. Come awake! Come awake! Come and rise up from the grave! Oh death, where is your sting?
Oh hell, where is your victory? Oh church, come live in the light! Our God is
not dead. He’s alive. He’s alive!” These lyrics, from Catholic artist Matt Maher’s
cd, “Alive Again” has been blasting in my car since the end of the Easter Vigil. It so perfectly
sums up what this Easter celebration is about. This octave of Easter is our victory cry. Only,
the victory is Christ’s but we can claim it because He freely gives it to us. So, what exactly does
this “victory” mean. It means we don’t have to have shame over our sin. It
means we have hope and not despair. It means we have the ability to fight temptation, to receive salvation,
and to be resurrected ourselves. It means that we are loved beyond anything imaginable. VICTORY!!!!!!
Go ahead, scream it aloud. It feels really good! When you feel defeat, say it outloud, “CHRIST IS MY VICTORY!” Buy Matt Maher’s music….just do it. Weekly Sacred
Scripture 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 “Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin
is the law But thanks be to God who gives us th victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Weekly Pope Quote: “Yes, my brothers and sisters, Easter
is the true salvation of humanity! If Christ – the Lamb of God – had not poured out his blood for us, we would
be without hope, our destiny and the destiny of the whole world would inevitably be death. But Easter has
reversed that trend: Christ’s resurrection is a new creation, like a graft that can regenerate the
whole plant. It is an event that has profoundly changed the course of history, tipping the scales once
and for all on the side of good, of life, of pardon. We are free, we are saved! Hence
from deep within our hearts we cry out: “Let us sing to the Lord: glorious his triumph!” –
Pope Benedict XVI, Easter 2010 What’s
Going On? Up to date info at http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Have a good week and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic
Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301)
977-3875 (443) 935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm 91
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010 WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John
Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Monday, March 22, 2010 HEY FOLKS! So, It’s been awhile! We
have not seen some of you in recent weeks and we want you to know that we miss you….a lot! DID YOU
KNOW THAT WE HAD OUR FIRST YOUTH MASS THIS PAST SATURDAY? It’s true! Don’t
miss next month – Saturday, April 17th @ the 5pm Mass. AND, Life Teen’s presentation
of Theology of the Body for Teens is about half complete, but there’s still room for you! – EVERY TUESDAY, @ 7pm
in the Parish Center. The Announcements. 1. PARISH PENANCE SERVICE – Friday, March 26, 2010 @ 7pm in the church.
If you didn’t get the chance to go to Confession at youth group last week, here’s your opportunity! 2. EASTER PARTY – Don’t miss this pig out Resurrection Party Feast Celebration
Thing! He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed! – Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm in the Parish Center.
Food assignments are: FRESHMAN – Chips, Pretzels, or Popcorn SOPHOMORE – Candy JUNIOR –
Baked Good SENIOR – Soda or Juice 3. WARRIOR – Ephesians 6: A Student Led Day Retreat – Saturday, April
10, 2010 at Beachmont Christian Camp in Kingsville, MD. Permission slips due by Tuesday, March 30th.
Registrations available at http://www.sjnyouthministry.com . 4.
SJN’s First Annual “Funding
the Future” dinner and auction – Saturday, June 19th, 2010 – Details to follow. 5. ENCOUNTER THE GOSPEL OF LIFE Service Workcamp – July 11 – 16, 2010
@ Univ. of MD. Registrations available at http://www.sjnyouthministry.com . ALSO, WE NEED ANOTHER CHAPERONE – WILLING TO STAY OVERNIGHT, PARTICIPATE IN SERVICE AND SEE KIDS GROW BEFORE YOUR
EYES! IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT SUE AT THE OFFICE OF YOUTH MINISTRY 301.977.3875 . Words of Wisdom The Lenten home stretch –
it’s finally here! Sticking with that Lenten sacrifice can be a challenge in the last few days of
the season. We’re all getting’ weary and remembering that “no meat on Fridays”
thing is getting more difficult. If you’ve fallen off of the perverbial wagon, JUMP BACK ON!
Consider the Sacrament of Reconciliation your official Wagon Stop. Dust off and hop on people.
The Resurrection is just on the other side of that hill over there, the one they call “Calvary.” Weekly Sacred
Scripture Sirach 17:24 “How great the mercy of the Lord, His forgiveness of those who return to Him.” Weekly Pope Quote: “What a great opportunity
the Lord has given us with this sacrament…[Reconciliation]… to renew ourselves from within and to progress in
our Christian life! I recommend that you make good use of it all the time!” – Pope Benedict XVI,
on the First National Day of Youth Catholics in the Netherlands. Have a good week and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic
Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301)
977-3875 (443) 935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm 91
3:15 pm est
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John
Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Tuesday, January 19, 2010 ***URGENT*** Please remember
that the policy for inclement weather usually follows Montgomery County. If you hear that school or evening events are
cancelled Youth Group activities are also cancelled. Parents: Please use your judgement regarding your children’s
travels to and from Youth Group. The Youth Minister may also cancel at her discretion. Please check emails regularly
and the website, http://www.sjnyouthministry.com. Also, you can call the Office of Youth Ministry at 301-977-3875 or
443-935-3088 for updated information. Theology of the Body for Teens (hereafter TOBT) News: Don’t forget!
It isn’t too late for your teen to take part in this amazing study! Tonight at 7pm! The
Announcements. - Parents! We need
your help for the Annual March For Life. This Friday, January 22 the Annual March For Life will take place
in Washington D.C. We need one more chaperone for this event (5:30am to 5:30pm). If
you are interested, please contact Sue Bredehoeft at 301-977-3875
2. Mt. 2010 Participants!
Look forward to an email full of details about the retreat. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!! The Youth Ministry Office at St. John Neumann
Catholic Church is pleased to announce the return of TEEN MASS!! Starting in March of this year, the Teen Mass will
return once a month at the Saturday – 5pm Liturgy. Our (e)X(a)LT band will be serving as music ministers and our
teens as ushers, lectors and altar servers. If you are already a lector or altar server, or are interested in ushering, please
call the Youth Minister, Sue Bredehoeft for details at 301-977-3875 or 443-935-3088. More information to follow! The
Attachments. PLEASE CHECK http://www.sjnyouthministry.com for an updated list of downloadable forms. Words of Wisdom In the wake of the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the world has come to their aid.
The situation seems so very desperate. It is hard not to hurt for the Haitian people.
For me it bears personal significance as I have a close friend from college, Louis who was born in Haiti and still
maintains citizenship. His family remains there still. Louis, has worked for many years
bringing aid and the Gospel to Haiti. He wants to be a priest there. Louis and many
others through an apostolate called, “Movin’ With the Spirit.” opened an orphanage this past year in Haiti.
Here is a link to Louis’ response to the tragedy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvCb5x7Xbf4 They and the orphans they
serve need our help. You can go to http://www.Haiti300.org to help. My
beautiful brother in Christ, Louis, inspires me to rejoice in suffering (Romans 5:3) and to be patient in affliction (Romans
12:12) Keep praying for Haiti, and do what you can to help, even if it is just to pray. Other ways to help: Catholic Relief Services – http://www.crs.org The Red Cross
– http://www.redcross.org Weekly
Sacred Scripture: Romans 12:11-13 “Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the
needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.” Weekly Pope Quote: “Our thoughts, in these days, turn
to the dear people of Haiti, and [we] raise up sorrowful prayer," the Holy Father said. "The apostolic nuncio, [Archbishop
Bernardito Auza], who, thanks be to God, is unhurt, keeps me continually informed, and thus I heard of the sad passing of
the archbishop [Joseph Serge-Miot of Port-au-Prince], as well as of many priests, religious and seminarians. I am following
and encourage the numerous charitable organizations, who are taking charge of the immense necessities of the country. I pray
for the injured, the homeless, and for those who tragically lost their lives." – Pope Benedict XVI Have
a good week and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301) 977-3875 (443)
935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm 91
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John
Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
***URGENT*** Please remember
that the policy for inclement weather usually follows Montgomery County. If you hear that school or evening events are
cancelled Youth Group activities are also cancelled. Parents: Please use your judgement regarding your children’s
travels to and from Youth Group. The Youth Minister may also cancel at her discretion. Please check emails regularly
and the website, http://www.sjnyouthministry.com. Also, you can call the Office of Youth Ministry at 301-977-3875 or
443-935-3088 for updated information.
Theology of the Body for Teens (hereafter TOBT) News: Last night, you teens
received a workbook and a folder. The workbook will be left here each week. The folder is to be taken home
and the materials inside used for review, prayer, and personal growth. It isn’t homework. It’s an
opportunity. Nothing will be required as assignment (except for those who are taking the class for homeschool credit).
PLEASE REMIND YOUR CHILD TO BRING THEIR FOLDER BACK EACH TUESDAY.
In the parent guide, we’re at the introduction and Chapter One. If
you did not receive a parent guide, you may still do so at the Youth Ministry Office.
If your child did not receive
a workbook, they will next week. We have ordered more.
The Announcements. 1.
IT IS NOT TOO LATE! If you missed
last night you missed a great lesson – Created for Love. But, it isn’t too late to come to Theology of the
Body For Teens. This is a revolutionary presentation on the Church’s teaching about sex and human dignity.
Come next Tuesday, January 19th @ 7pm!
2.
March For Life Permission slips are
due by Sunday, January 17th. They are available online for download at http://www.sjnyouthministry.com
3.
The EDGE Middle School Youth Group
will meet on Sunday, January 17th from 2:30pm to 4pm in the Parish Center. Any parents and teens wanting
to help, please come!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!! The Youth Ministry Office at St. John Neumann Catholic Church is pleased to announce
the return of TEEN MASS!! Starting in March of this year, the Teen Mass will return once a month at the Saturday –
5pm Liturgy. Our (e)X(a)LT band will be serving as music ministers and our teens as ushers, lectors and altar servers. If you are already
a lector or altar server, or are interested in ushering, please call the Youth Minister, Sue Bredehoeft for details at 301-977-3875
or 443-935-3088. More information to follow!
The Attachments. PLEASE CHECK http://www.sjnyouthministry.com for an updated list of downloadable forms.
Words of Wisdom No real words this week other than this. Pray for the people of Haiti in
their struggle in the wake of the earthquake.
And this, Remember,
we are about more than just sex. We are created for love! JPII, pray for us!
Have a good week
and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301) 977-3875 (443) 935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm 91
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John
Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Tuesday, January 05, 2010 Feast of St.
John Neumann ***URGENT***
Please remember that the policy for inclement weather usually follows Montgomery County. If you hear that school or
evening events are cancelled Youth Group activities are also cancelled. Parents: Please use your judgement regarding
your children’s travels to and from Youth Group. The Youth Minister may also cancel at her discretion. Please
check emails regularly and the website, http://www.sjnyouthministry.com. Also, you can call the Office of Youth Ministry
at 301-977-3875 or 443-935-3088 for updated information. The Announcements. 1.
TONIGHT! Due to
the fact that we are having a parish-wide celebration for the feast of St. John Neumann at 7:30pm tonight, Theology of the
Body will begin NEXT week, January 12, 2010. We still have youth group tonight. We will
be attending the Mass. - REGISTRATION FOR MOUNT 2010 IS NOW CLOSED.
Thank you all for getting your paperwork and payment in on time.
- MARCH FOR LIFE! There are still 11 spots available. Please turn in your permission
slip asap. The date has been extended to January 17, 2010.
- THE EDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP! For any parent or teen wishing to serve in this ministry, our
coordinator, Gina Nino de Nightingale will be holding a planning meeting, this Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 10:45am to 12pm
in the Youth Ministry Office. Please consider serving this awesome ministry.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
Here it is! The big one! The one you’ve been waiting for! The Youth Ministry
Office at St. John Neumann Catholic Church is pleased to announce the return of TEEN MASS!! Starting in
March of this year, the Teen Mass will return once a month at the Saturday – 5pm Liturgy. Our (e)X(a)LT
band will be serving as music ministers and our teens as ushers, lectors and altar servers. If you are already a lector or altar
server, or are interested in ushering, please call the Youth Minister, Sue Bredehoeft for details at 301-977-3875 or 443-935-3088.
More information to follow! Words of Wisdom St. John Neumann, our patron. Who
is this guy anyway? Well, for starters, he’s an American Saint! Born in 1811 in
Bohemia, John Neumann was known for a few things – being short and not so handsome. But, he didn’t
allow what others saw as “impediments” to stop him from doing God’s Will. At the age
of 25 he was a seminarian who desired ordination to the priesthood. But, in his area there were so many
priests (imagine that) that the bishop denied his ordination. John Neumann then traveled to New York, where
he was ordained. He joined the Redemptorist Order where he later became a superior! John
Neumann served for many years as a parish priest in my hometown of Baltimore before being named the bishop of Philadelphia
in 1852. He faced many a struggle in the immigrant town of Philadelphia, but used in German heritage to
his advantage, creating catechisms and Bible history books. John Neumann is most notably known for his
devotion to Catholic education. During his time as bishop of Philadelphia there were those who persecuted
immigrants and Catholics, burning churches, schools, and convents to the ground. So dedicated to the formation
of young persons through Catholic education was John Neumann that the number of Catholic schools in Philadelphia grew from
2 to over 100 while he was bishop. He was declared a Saint in 1977. St. John Neumann has a lot to teach us about
the ways in which God uses faithful servants. When we say “yes” to God we may not know where
He will lead us. He may take us away from our family and our country. We may be made
fun of and feel lonely. People may persecute us for what we believe. God, however, is
always on our side and His plan will lead us to holiness. He will use us if we let him. Weekly Sacred Scripture: Romans 8:31-32 “What then shall we
say to this? If God is for us who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how
will he not also give us everything else along with him?” Weekly Pope
Quote: For Christmas, Fr. Gellert gave me a book called, “Breakfast with Benedict.” I’m
going to take our pope quotes from it as I work my way through it each morning. Let it remind you to pray
for Fr. “G” “God does not demand of us a feeling which we ourselves are incapable of producing.
He loves us, He makes us see and experience His love, and since He has ‘first love us’ (1 John 4:19), love
can also blossom as a response within us.” – Deus Caritas Est For up to
date info, please check http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Have a good week and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic
Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301)
977-3875 (443) 935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm 91
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 The
Third Week of Advent – the Pink One
It’s coming! 4 years in the making! LENT 2010! *stay tuned for the big announcement – drop date 12/28/09
Words of Wisdom We wait in joyful hope
for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Advent has almost come to a close. Christmas
is almost here. I don’t know why, but the song, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” keeps
going through my head and the anticipation of Christmas is killing me. But, I admit that the anticipation
of Christ’s coming is far less tangible than that of Santa’s annual visit. Could it be that
the tearing of wrapping paper provides a more believable story? I mean, Santa delivers! I jest, but the
truth is that the anticipation of the holiday sometimes supersedes its meaning. There is no greater gift than that of Christ
Himself and no greater tangible expression of His Love than that of the Holy Eucharist. That Gift is given
to us everyday in the most beautiful package ever – the Mass. While we wait in joyful hope of the
day of Christ’s Return to earth let us approach each Mass with exuberant anticipation of the Gift of Jesus Himself –
the Eucharist.
Weekly Sacred Scripture: Luke
1:46-47 “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”
Weekly Pope Quote: “May all of you,
the Christian faithful, rediscover the gift of the Eucharist
as light and strength for your daily lives in the world, in the exercise of your respective professions amid so many different
situations. Rediscover this above all in order to experience fully the beauty and the mission of the family.” – John Paul II, 2004.
Have a good week and be
blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John
Neumann Catholic Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301)
977-3875 (443) 935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm 91
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009 WEEKLY
WHAT’S UP From St. John Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Tuesday, December 08, 2009 Second Week of Advent – The Feast of the Immaculate
Conception It’s coming! 4 years in the
making! LENT 2010! *stay tuned for the big announcement – drop date 12/28/09 ***URGENT*** Please remember that the policy for inclement weather usually follows Montgomery
County. If you hear that evening events are cancelled Youth Group activities are also cancelled. Parents:
Please use your judgement regarding your children’s travels to and from Youth Group. The Youth Minister may also
cancel at her discretion. Please check emails regularly and the website, http://www.sjnyouthministry.com. Also,
you can call the Office of Youth Ministry at 301-977-3875 or 443-935-3088 for updated information. The Announcements. Use your discretion regarding
tonight’s LifeNight. Bad weather in the form of freezing rain is supposed to move into the area at or around 7pm.
Our plans for this evening were to attend the 7:30pm Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Should you choose NOT
to send your teen to youth group for Mass tonight, there is a 5:30pm Mass that you can attend. NOTE: Both the 5:30pm and 7:30pm
Masses will take place regardless of whether youth group activities are canceled. If we choose to officially
cancel tonight’s youth group, you will be notified via email. You may also check our website http://www.sjnyouthministry.com for up to date information. Information will also be provided via Twitter (sjnyouthmin), Facebook and
on our voicemail system (301.977.3875). 1.
IMPORTANT Parent Informational meeting. Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 7pm in the Parish Center. Information will be shared regarding
next semester’s material, Theology of the Body for Teens. 2. Angel Tree
Service Project – important changes! The Angel Tree Service Project
will take place on Friday, December 18th from 6pm to 10pm in the Neumann House AND on Monday, December 21st
from 3pm to 5pm in the Neumann House. Please disregard any other dates. 3. The Parish is throwing a Going Away Party for Fr. G – and we
need your help. It has been requested of the youth group that we serve as waiters and waitresses for the event.
Anyone who can, please come on Saturday, December 19th @ 4pm dressed in a white shirt and black pants/skirts ready
to carry trays and serve appetizers. All hands on deck! Let’s serve Fr. Gellert and send him off in a truly
awesome way! 4.
Registration Forms are due on January 3rd
for both Mt. 2010 AND the March For Life. Both are attached in this email and also available online at
http://www.sjnyouthministry.com.
Words of Wisdom The Feast of the Immaculate
Conception is an awesome Holy Day in the Church. It is one of my favorite feast days. It is the day that celebrates
Mary’s conception. She was conceived without original sin. How is this possible since we are all sinners,
except Jesus? Well, think of it this way: God knew from the very beginning whom He would choose to be the Mother
of Christ. He made her without sin so that the womb where Christ dwelt would be pure. Mary, by a singular grace
was made spotless. In fact, the blood that Christ shed on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins is the very blood that
made the Immaculate Conception possible. That’s the only place it could come from. Mary is sinless because
Christ died for her too.
Mary,
however, was and is an extraordinary woman with faith like no other. There’s a reason why God chose her from among
all women to be the Mother of God. She is an amazing example and indeed a mother to us all.
If we look at the Annunciation when the Angel Gabriel
tells Mary that she is to conceive a son, he greets her like this, “Hail, full of grace,” or “Hail, favored
one.” Mary was FULL of grace. We know that grace actually saves us and makes us become free from sin.
The more grace we have, the less sinful we become. To be totally full of grace then, means that one is totally free
from sin. So, when Gabriel says, “Hail, full of grace,” he’s saying, “Hail, sinless one.”
It was to her pure womb that Jesus came to
free us all from sin. No matter how sinful we are, grace is always there for us – the same grace that Mary received
at the moment of her conception. Scripture says, “where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.” (Romans
5:20) There’s always more grace than sin and God gives it to us as a free gift. All we have to do is say,
“Yes” to God like Mary.
Weekly Sacred Scripture: Luke 1:26-28
“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s
name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Weekly Pope Quote: “…we wish to turn
in a special way to her, the one who in the "night" of the Advent expectation began to shine like a true "Morning
Star" (Stella Matutina). For just as this star, together with the "dawn," precedes the rising of the
sun, so Mary from the time of her Immaculate Conception preceded the coming of the Savior,” – Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris
Mater, March 25, 1987 Have a good week and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301) 977-3875 (443) 935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm 91
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thursday, December 03, 2009WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com
Thursday, December 03, 2009 It’s coming! 4 years in the making! LENT 2010! *stay tuned for the big announcement – drop date 12/28/09
Words of Wisdom. Sts.
Perpetua and Felicity are pretty “popular.” We hear their names frequently but who were these
to martyrs, really? They were extremely strong women of God who were willing to die rather than give up
their faith. Both were young. Both were mothers. Both died for their
faith. They died together in fact, in 203AD. St. Perpetua was a noblewoman;
St. Felicity, a slave. They were in their early 20’s and studying to become Christians.
They were catechumens preparing for their entrance into the Catholic Church when they were arrested in Carthage, Africa
after an anti-Christian decree by Emperor Severus. Felicity was pregnant at the time. It
was decided that they would die by being thrown to the animals during a national holiday while spectators watched.
Before their executions, however, they were baptized. Perpetua wrote of her experience in a diary that is one
of the earliest recorded accounts of Christian martyrdom. Her life of privilege and wealth no longer mattered
to her. Likewise wit Felicity, she experienced true freedom in Christ. Both woman shared
equally in the greatest act of Sainthood – martyrdom. Their death was bloody and gruesome but we
too can be martyrs by dying to the world and our flesh and living wholeheartedly for Jesus. These two North
African Saints – Perpetua and Felicity hold a place of honor with us. Their death was not in vain
because they now live as examples of holiness for us. We should strive to live with the same convicition.
Weekly Sacred Scripture. Philippians
1:21 “For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.”
Weekly
Pope Quote. We think of their countless Saints, Martyrs, Confessors, and Virgins,
and recall the fact that from the second to the fourth centuries Christian life in the North of Africa was most vigorous and
had a leading place in theological study and literary production. The names of the great doctors and writers come to mind,
men like Origen, St. Athanasius, and St. Cyril, leaders of the Alexandrian school, and at the other end of the North African
coastline, Tertullian, St. Cyprian and above all St. Augustine, one of the most brilliant lights of the Christian world. We
shall mention the great Saints of the desert, Paul, Anthony, and Pachomius, the first founders of the monastic life, which
later spread through their example in both the East and the West. And among many others we want also to mention St. Frumentius,
known by the name of Abba Salama, who was consecrated Bishop by St. Athanasius and became the first Apostle of Ethiopia".37
During these first centuries of the Church in Africa, certain women also bore their own witness to Christ. Among them Saints
Perpetua and Felicitas, St. Monica and St. Thecla are particularly deserving of mention. "These noble examples, as also the saintly African Popes, Victor I, Melchiades and Gelasius I,
belong to the common heritage of the Church, and the Christian writers of Africa remain today a basic source for deepening
our knowledge of the history of salvation in the light of the Word of God. In recalling the ancient glories of Christian Africa,
we wish to express our profound respect for the Churches with which we are not in full communion: the Greek Church of the
Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Coptic Church of Egypt and the Church of Ethiopia, which share with the Catholic Church a
common origin and the doctrinal and spiritual heritage of the great Fathers and Saints, not only of their own land, but of
all the early Church. They have laboured much and suffered much to keep the Christian name alive in Africa through all the
vicissitudes of history".38 These Churches continue to give evidence down to our own times of the Christian vitality
which flows from their Apostolic origins.” – Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia in Africa
Have a good week and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John
Neumann Catholic Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301)
977-3875 (443) 935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm 91
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009 WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John Neumann Catholic Church Youth
Ministry Office http://www.sjnyouthministry.com Monday, November 23, 2009 It’s coming! 4 years in the making! LENT 2010! *stay tuned for the big announcement – drop date 12/28/09 The Announcements. - Announcing the all new Youth Faith Formation website http://www.sjnyouthministry.com with news, information, downloadable forms, pictures and more. Check it out today. Soon it will
be attached to the SJN main website! There’s a section for middle schoolers, high schoolers, college students
and parents. Check it out today!
2. Don’t forget – THANKSGIVING Pot Luck
Dinner – tomorrow @ 7pm. Food assignments as follows:
Freshman – Main Dish Sophomore – Side
Dish Juniors – Dessert
Seniors – 2 bottles of soda or juice *ALL FOOD SHOULD BE FROM YOUR ETHNICITY. NO THANKSGIVING FOOD! 3. NEW
UPDATED TIMES FOR ADVENT MINI-LOCKIN. The lockin will END @ 11PM not 12midnight! Words of Wisdom. Continuing our discussion of Black Catholic Saints we move to two of the great Saints,
Augustine and Monica. And, their stories are the same because they are mother and son. St. Augustine was born
in North Africa in 354 A.D. His father was a pagan and his mother was Catholic. Augustine became rather rebellious
in his teenage years, joining a heretical religion called Gnosticism. His mother, Monica, was greatly concerned for
her son and prayed continually for his conversion to Christianity. Eventually, the pull of God on Augustine’s
heart was too much for him to bear and he gave his life to Jesus. So strong was his conversion that God revealed to
him many truths about the faith. His theological knowledge and writings helped to develop many of our doctrines as Catholics,
so much so that he is referred to as a Father and Doctor of our Faith. He was also the Bishop of Hippo. Anyone, Catholic
or Protestant who studies Theology very quickly becomes well versed in St. Augustine. The book “The Confessions
of St. Augustine” are an amazing glimpse into the holiness of this great Saint from Africa. St. Monica, became
a Saint through her prayer. Her desire to see her son come to salvation resulted in a fervent prayer life. God
answered that prayer and turned St. Augustine’s life completely around. As a mother, St. Monica gives for parents
one of the greatest examples of the power of prayer over children. There’s nothing too difficult between parent
and child that God cannot breakthrough and redeem. Parents, don’t stop praying for your children and children,
never stop listening to your parents. If Augustine had never been open to his mother’s prodding, he might not
have become St. Augustine, Father and Doctor of the Church. Weekly Sacred Scripture. Ephesians 6:1 “Children,
obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.” Weekly Pope Quote. …none,
or at most very few, could rank with Augustine, for the very great acuteness of his genius, for the richness and sublimity
of his teachings, and finally for his holiness of life and defense of Catholic truth.” – Pope John Paul II Have a good week and be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic Church Gaithersburg, MD 20882 (301) 977-3875 (443) 935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm
91
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Weekly What's Up 11.17.09
WEEKLY WHAT’S UP From St. John Neumann
Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office
Monday, November 16, 2009 It’s coming!
4 years in the making! LENT 2010! *stay tuned for the big announcement
– drop date 12/28/09
Words of Wisdom. It is with a sad and heavy heart
that we announce Fr. Gellert Ailer’s departure from St. John Neumann. He has been called to a special mission
in Hungary and with him we rejoice at this awesome opportunity. For several years Fr. “G,” as he is affectionately
known by our youth, has served as “our priest.” Among his many duties as Parochial Vicar, Fr. Gellert was
assigned to our youth group and he has served us faithfully. We are eternally grateful for the many ways in which he
has given of himself to us, the Mass, (e)X(a)LT, small groups, and just being a listening ear. He has set a great example
for us to follow and because of his influence, we are closer to God. The best example he could possibly set for us is
in living out his vocation to the priesthood. In answering this call, Fr. Gellert continues to teach us about obedience
to the will of God and the journey toward holiness. And, he certainly proves to us that the journey is full of exciting
adventures. We will miss his enthusiasm for things like trips to Six Flags and (e)X(a)LT. But, more than that,
we will miss how invested he was in each of us personally. We have confidence that God’s will is perfect and that both
we and Fr. Gellert will benefit from this “yes” that he is giving to the Lord. The youth group will be holding
a special “sending off” party for Fr. “G,” which will be announced at a later date.
Weekly
Sacred Scripture. Jeremiah 29:11-14 “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans
for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will
hear you. You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I
will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD,
and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.”
Weekly Pope Quote. “By virtue
of this consecration brought about by the outpouring of the Spirit in the sacrament of holy orders, the spiritual life of
the priest is marked, molded and characterized by the way of thinking and acting proper to Jesus Christ, head and shepherd
of the Church, and which are summed up in his pastoral charity.” – Pope John Paul II
Have a good week and
be blessed! Sue Susanna Rene Bredehoeft Coordinator of Youth Ministry St. John Neumann Catholic Church Gaithersburg,
MD 20882 (301) 977-3875 (443) 935-3088 sbredehoeft@saintjohnneumann.org Psalm
91
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Weekly What's Up 08.31.09WEEKLY WHAT'S UP From
St. John Neumann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Office
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 Words of Wisdom. Adoration
of the Blessed Sacrament defies our senses, much in the same way as receiving the Holy Eucharist at Mass. We're
asked by Jesus Himself (John 6) to have faith that Jesus is 100% present in Body, in Blood, in Soul, and in Divinity under
the disguise of bread. What we see is bread; what we taste is bread, but what is there in very substance is our God!
During Adoration, we're asked to sit and to worship Jesus as only He deserves. We give reverence to Him by placing
Him in a monstrance (ostensorium in Latin). This yet again shows to us God's humility. The beauty of a monstrance
is what our God, Jesus Christ, deserves. He chooses, however, to debase Himself in being hidden in bread and becoming
our food. Jesus deserved to be born a king and yet He chose to be a peasant. Adoration challenges us to contemplate
God's humility and His splendor simultaneously. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1379
to 1380) says this about Eucharistic Adoration: The tabernacle was first intended for the reservation
of the Eucharist in a worthy place so that it could be brought to the sick and those absent, outside of Mass. As
faith in the real presence of Christ in his Eucharist deepened, the Church became conscious of the meaning of silent adoration
of the Lord present under the Eucharistic species. It is for this reason that the tabernacle should be located in an especially
worthy place in the church and should be constructed in such a way that it emphasizes and manifests the truth of the real
presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. It is highly fitting that Christ should have wanted to remain present to his Church in this unique way. Since
Christ was about to take his departure from his own in his visible form, he wanted to give us his sacramental presence; since
he was about to offer himself on the cross to save us, he wanted us to have the memorial of the love with which
he loved us "to the end,"even to the giving of his life. In his Eucharistic presence he remains mysteriously in
our midst as the one who loved us and gave himself up for us, and he remains under signs that express and communicate
this love: The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us
in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith,
and open to making amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease. In a very real way, the quiet of Adoration provides us the opportunity to be just that, quiet! It is in stillness
that God speaks; in the quiet is where we hear His Voice. No distractions, no noise. And, He wants to hear our
concerns too. God is waiting for you to visit with Him! "Be convinced that this is
not what nature has formed, but what the blessing has consecrated. The power of the blessing prevails over that of nature,
because by the blessing nature itself is changed. " - St. Ambrose Weekly Sacred Scripture. 1 Kings 19:12 "And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent
the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake,
but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the
fire a still small voice." Weekly Pope Quote. "What
matters most is that you develop your personal relationship with God. That relationship is expressed in prayer.
God by his very nature speaks, hears, and replies... There is another aspect of prayer which we need to remember:
silent contemplation. Saint John, for example, tells us that to embrace God's revelation we must first listen, then
respond by proclaiming what we have heard and seen. Have we perhaps lost something of the art of listening? Do
you have space to hear God's whisper, calling you forth into goodness? Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness,
listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his word shape your journey as an unfolding of holiness." - Pope
Benedict XVI in His Address to Youth, April 19, 2008 Have a good week and be blessed! Sue
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