51 Days Later. Where are You?

Hi friends!

It's been 51 days since we returned from NCYC.
51 days since we were on the mountaintop.

Think back to that feeling you had the first night we marched into Lucas Oil Stadium.
Remember the energy.
The floor was shaking from the music and from the lively jumping of 24,000 teens.
It was pretty awesome.

Remember how Fr. Leo challenged us to get out there and be disciples.

Remember Paul J. Kim throwing down some pretty amazing beats.

Remember the next morning how Chris Padget told us how we must make praying to our holy mother, Mary a priority.

Remember that feeling of true grace and warmth when the blessed sacrament was processed in for adoration. Remember how 24,000 teens, the same teens who 24 hours earlier we dancing and jumping and going crazy, fell SILENT before the body of Christ.

Remember how Dr. Carolyn Woo told us to listen to God's plan for us, even if it's not what we think it should be. He knows better than us.

Remember watching HUNDREDS of priests and bishops process in for mass.

Remember the experience of mass, the source and summit, with 24,000 of your new friends.

Remember coming home on the bus and sharing what you were bringing home from NCYC.

Now - how are you doing?
Have you kept the promises you made to yourself when you came home from NCYC?
Are you praying?
Have you been going to mass on Sunday?
Have you stopped by the adoration chapel to say hi to Jesus?
Have you treated others as children of God?
Are you living a life that is pure and chaste?
Are you being the light of Christ to others?

I know it is hard to come back to reality. I struggle with this as an adult, so I know it must be very difficult for you as teens.

As we inch closer to the season of Lent, I challenge you to go back to that NCYC place in your heart.
Think of ways you can keep that feeling alive in you and ways to share it with others.

MAKE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD A PRIORITY!

Youth Ministry has lots of great stuff happening.
- Check out our Facebook page for the latest info: search Waterloo Catholic Youth Ministry
- Bible study will be happening every Wednesday night at 8:00pm in the youth room at Columbus. Take advantage of this opportunity to be with peers and dig into scripture.

Look for details on an NCYC reunion in early February. We shared something special as a group, so it's important to come back together and check in.

As always, I am here for you.
I love you all.

Peace,
Annie