Last time I was writing about the negative events that emerged in our community: suicide.  This time is the moment for me to talk about the positive aspects of our youth and those who want to be the best version of themselves by learning from the Lord and by serving Him.  Tomorrow is the kickoff of our young adult ministry: RENEWED.  The response from our youth is impressing: about 40 people already reserved their spot for this event.  Probably you are asking why we named our ministry this way.  Here is the answer: We want to provide an environment to renew the faith of Catholic young adults.  Our goal is to gather for fellowship, worship, and service. We want to foster spiritual growth that will empower them to direct young adults to Christ.

At the beginning of the year, Fr. Henry entrusted me to offer a ministry in our parish for young adults. I discerned over the summer about the idea. We have seen how most of our youth after confirmation disappeared from participation in the Holy Mass. After much prayer and planning, we decided to take a step ahead and offer an environment in which the youth can express themselves in regards matters of faith, encouraging them to practice what they believe; what we believe.

We took two passages from Sacred Scripture as our inspiration Romans 12:2 and Proverbs 3:6.  St. Paul to the Romans encourages Jesus’ followers saying: “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect”.  This is an exhortation to change our ways and to encourage others to be renewed by the Lord.  Transformation and conversion are possible by letting the Lord work in us.  It requires discipline, but most of all surrendering our will to the will of God.  In the same way, the book of Proverbs tells us that “In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths”, meaning that for those who follow Jesus, all directions point to Christ.

Our Church is in a crisis, but young adults are responding to new challenges by being part of the solution instead of being part of the problem.  Something that inspires me is seeing young people willing to give their life for their faith.  There is hope in our Church facing a crisis: our youth has a solid response by participating in this ministry.  Our theme for this kickoff is: how to live your faith in a busy world?   For this question, I have some answers taken from Ashley’s journal.  Ashley was a young parishioner who has a strong relationship with the Lord.  She passed away suddenly several years ago and some of her writings were provided to me by her mother.  Ashley has been an inspiration for many teens.  She was very active in our parish until the Lord called her.

I want to share Ashley’s reflection during Adoration:

I’ve fallen in LOVE with Jesus Christ. There’s no turning back. I’ve surrendered my life, all that I have. Everything I am, and everything I’ll become belongs to Him, and to Him alone.  I wouldn’t have it any other way. From this day forward, I make a promise, a lifelong promise to strive for sainthood with all that I do in my life. I live for the Lord & the Lord alone. I have no greater love, than the love that I have for my God. I long to feel His touch. I long to see His face. I know He completely surrounds me every day. I feel His embrace holding me, guiding me through my day. Without Him, I cease to exist. All my love goes to Him, from NOW ‘til FOREVER. Your Disciple ~ Ashley

Yes, we are called to fall in love in love with Jesus and to proclaim his Kingdom; to love one another and to be RENEWED by his Word.  Are you willing to do it?