Celebrate!

Good Morning! A thought for the day from a reflection I read...

This day, and every day, is a chance to celebrate the life God has given you.

Give thanks to the one who has offered you more blessings than you can possibly count.

hugs & smiles,
Kelly

Joy, smiles & happiness!

I hope you are all enjoying this 2nd week of Advent. Last night the 3 day Parish Mission with Sister Anne Smollin concluded. I hope you took advantage of this wonderful opportunity to be inspired by such a terrific speaker. I want to share a few things I learned from Sister Anne this week:

4 Ways to bring healing & happiness to your life:

• laugh (put it in your day! Get a laughing buddy)
• cry (crying gets toxicness out of us)
• yawn & stretch
• touch (we need 4 hugs a day to survive & 12 a day to grow)

10 Commandments of joy & humor

• be yourself
• laugh at yourself
• have some fun every day
• smile
• make mistakes
• look for surprises
• stay open
• forgive
• relax
• celebrate everything we can

These are just a few nuggets of the wisdom she shared with us. I took pages of notes each night. As some of the teens who attended said to me, "Sister Anne rocks!"

blessings,

Kelly

1 month Anniversary!

So, it's the 1 month anniversary...of what you ask? Umm, well, umm I see it has been 1 month since a posted a blog! Oops. I guess this is proof of a couple things.
1. Time flies
2. If you don't keep your focus on things, you can forget about them
That's pretty much it. I remember to do alot of things in my life and feel pretty good about how I am organized and keep on top of tasks and my "to do" lists. However, in this case I dropped the ball.
I'll try to work harder at a post once a week.
blessings & Happy Advent,
Kelly

At Peace with God

Their passing away was thought an afflication and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. Wisdom 3:2-3

In Mexico, All Souls Day is the culmination of a three-day observance commemorating the faithful departed. It is called El Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. It is a national holiday with special foods, parades and even joyous celebration. It is also a very Catholic celebration. After a morning Mass, familes go to the parish cemetary to clean and decorate the graves of relatives with flowers and remembrances.
For many of us, this kind of celebration strikes us as somewhat inappropriate. When we recall those who have gone before us, our first emotion is one of sadness, not joy. Perhaps we can learn from our Mexican brothers and sisters that we can hope and trust that our loved ones are now "in peace" with God. (Paul Pennick from Living Faith)
The 9th anniversary of my Mom's death is approaching in December. This year I am going to try to do something like the Day of the Dead and celebrate all the wonderful memories I had with my Mom and remember that she is most certainly at peace.
Make it a great week.
blessings,
Kelly

Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat- Halloween night- 10/31/09 from 6:30-7:30pm trick-or-treaters are invited to come to the church basketball parking lot for a safe and fun experience. Parishioners are invited to bring their “decorated trunk or tailgate” to hand out candy to the children. Trunks & tailgates should be in the basketball parking lot between 5:45-6:15pm. No later than 6:15pm. Trick-or-treaters can start at 6:30pm.

I pormise myself...

I promise myself...
To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.
To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

Christian D. Larson (1874-1954)
The Optimist's Creed

Sad News from the Parish

You may or may not have heard the sad news that Fr. Campion, one of our beloved priests at the parish for the last 20 years, passed away while praying the rosary in England Monday morning September 28th while visiting his sister. His wish was always to die and to be buried in England and he always seemed to get his way.
There will be a memorial service next Wednesday night, October 7th at 7:00pm in the church. All are welcome.
We are asking any and all parishioners that have a memory of Fr. Campion to write their stories down. These memories will be compiled in a book and will be sent to his sisters in England.
Please pray for the Josephite Fathers who have lost a respected priest and the entire parish who have lost a very respected man.

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Wow is about all I can think of to say about this new school year of Youth Ministry! Things are going so awesome! Last night was our first track 1 Confirmation session of the year and we had over 100 teens sign up. Yeah God! How cool that so many teens want to get closer to Christ and deepen their Catholic faith.
Junior High youth group's first session of the year was Wednesday 9/23 and another BIG WOW! We had 53 7th & 8th graders attend. Everyone had a great time singing worship songs, playing games & getting to know each other.
I am so grateful to God for all the blessings he is showering on the youth of our parish and the blessings of all the amazing volunteers who are here to support the youth!

21 on the 21st!!!

God is good...all the time! All the time...God is good!

I wanted to share some really good news with you:
Our high school youth group kicked off for the year last night at the Novitiate.

I had a vision/goal of getting 21 teens to attend (I thought why not shoot for 21 on the 21st of September).

WELL….guess what God provided last night?

Did you guess 21 teens? Then you would be correct. He did EXACETLY that! Not one less and not one more.

I am super excited. That is a first for attendance in my 5 years as YM. The core team running the group is so excited too. There was a great energy last night!
thanks be to God,
Kelly

BIG WEEK!

Hello & Happy Monday! It's a big week at SLDM youth ministry. TONIGHT at 7:00pm is the kick off night for High School Youth Group. We meet at Josephite Novitiate from 7-8pm. We will have fun, fellowship & food! What more could you ask for? Come & bring a friend with you. ANY high school student is welcome.
Wednesday is the kick off for Junior High youth group in the parish hall from 6:30-8:00pm. The first night parents are invited to attend to check the group out & register. We can't wait to get started!
Sunday is the first night for track 1 Confirmation in the parish hall from 7:00-9:00pm. Teens must be in 9th grade or above to start the program. Parents need to contact me ASAP to get you registered.
have a blessed week. I know I will!
in Christ,
Kelly

I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. -John 16:32

And so it begins....

It's official! The new year of Youth Ministry programs is underway. Tonight is the first night for year 2 Confirmation. I am excited. It was so great to see everyone walk in the door tonight to start another year of their journey. My prayer for each of them this year is that they will "want to be here" rather than feel like the "have to be here".
High School youth group will kick off on Monday, September 21st from 7-8pm at 180 Patterson Rd. Spread the word! We want to have 20 people on our first night!!!
Junior High youth group starts on Wednesday, September 23rd from 6:30-8pm in the parish hall and is open to any Junior High student. Parents are invited for the first night. Registration will happen on opening night.
Year 1 Confirmation has their first session on Sunday, September 27th from 7-9pm in the Parish Hall.
blessings for a fantastic week,
Kelly

09-09-09

Today is an awesome day! First of all, how cool is it that it is 09-09-09? Each year of this decade I have loved when this special day comes along. Next year 10-10-10 is on a Sunday. I totally want to do something fun with youth from several parishes in the area to mark the day. Wouldn't that be great?
There are many other reasons why today is awesome...for me the biggest is that God gave us the gift of waking up this morning to another day! What am I going to do today to thank Him for this gift? Maybe you can ask yourself this question too!
Go out and enjoy 09-09-09!
blessings,
Kelly

Loonnngg Weekend!

Don't you just love 3 day weekends? Something about it just makes you feel good to know that you have an extra day of the weekend. I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend and have fun with the informal last weekend of summer. In my neighborhood we are having a block party. Should be a lot of fun.
Hope you weekend is safe, fun and blessing filled!
in Christ,
Kelly

Follow Me & I will Make you Fishers of Teens!

That was the theme for our leadership retreat held over the weekend (8/29 & 8/30) at OMSI in Solvang. Our parish teen & adult leaders joined with leaders from OMSI (Old Mission Santa Ines) to have a full retreat to prepare for the year. We had an amazing time together in prayer, fun & a good amount of learning and preparation too!
Thanks to all the leaders from our parish who participated. Even though we didn't get to shower for over 24 hours and we slept on the floor of the parish hall...it was AWESOME! We are energized and ready to be "fishers of Teens"- working to bring teens closer to Christ!
I hope you had a great weekend too.
blessings,
Kelly

Mondays!

When you are in "summer" mode Mondays aren't such a shock are they? Today was the first 6:00am get up Monday of the school year in our house. Wow, it was a shock to my system. I hope all of you have a smooth transition back into the school year routine. I will be praying for each of you.
On another note, my heart is heavy from hearing the news of Niles Johnson's dad's death. Niles was confirmed in May along with other teens in our parish. I am sad that Niles, his mom and brother have to form a new life without Kelvin. Please pray for their family.
Tonight is the first parent meeting for Confirmation this year. We are getting things going and ministry life is busy at SLDM.
my prayers are with each of you for a blessed week,
Kelly

Back for another round

Hello everyone,
It's that time...we have to say good bye to summer. This year I am dragging my feet and wanting to deny the end of summer. How about you?
I was thinking of a boxing match and saying to myself "I'm back for another round". I am ready for what life has in store for round 2. Ring the bell and let's jump in!
I hope all of you made time to enjoy summer this year and are ready for a new year of school and new opportunities and adventure.
My prayers are with you as you step into the ring for this next round!
blessings,
Kelly

Depend on God for Courage

It is hard to begin to figure out what to say or think when you hear about a tragic accident happening. The accident on Saturday that killed Eric Okerblom and devestated Katelin Edward's life has left so many sad, shocked, numb and overwhelmed. I find myself thinking of all of you who know Eric as a classmate and friend. My prayers are with each of you as well as his family, the friends he surely made at college and those whose life he touched even if for a moment.

I found something during prayer that I thought might be of use during this time..."life can be difficult and discouraging at times. Yet during our darkest moments, we can depend on God. When we do, we find the courage to face even the darkest days with hopeful hearts and willing hands" Let's pray for everyone, touched by Eric's life, to depend on God and be given courage to face these dark days.

blessings,
Kelly

Charge your batteries!

Mid-summer greetings,
I hope each of you is taking some time this summer to re-charge your batteries, have some fun & relax! I have had a chance to do all 3 & hope to do more of each before it ends. J

Prayer request: Please take time each Thursday at 6:30pm (starting tomorrow & continuing through September) to pray for God’s guidance and blessing for our High School youth group. We just ask you to pause at that time and say a quick prayer or maybe a decade of the rosary in solidarity with other teen and adult leaders in our parish for the High School group.

Here’s something to help you have fun, relax & re-charge…a Beach Bonfire (St. Louis de Montfort, St.Mary’s and Old Mission Santa Ines)- Saturday, August 1st starting at 3:00pm (come anytime throughout the afternoon/evening) at the Grand Avenue beach entrance. Hot dogs provided, bring something to share. Families welcome! Please email me if you think you might attend (helps us plan food purchase). Teens under 18 who attend need to have a parent permission slip signed in advance or when you are dropped off.

High School Youth Group update: A terrific group of youth and adult leaders gathered last Thursday to brainstorm and plan for the group this year. We had a very productive meeting. A core team of leaders is forming to guide the HS group. Shanelle Almaguer and Sara Kauth have committed to be on the core team so far. Anyone else interested in joining the core team please contact me. The core team and supporters will meet again on Thursday, August 13th from 6:30-8pm.


Follow Me! Leadership Retreat with Old Mission Santa Ines and St. Mary’s- Saturday, August 29th at 9:00am to Sunday, August 30th at 6:30pm (includes Mass on Sunday). Cost $20* per person to cover meals and supplies (let me know if the cost is an issue and we will deal with it). The flyer is attached with more details. I would like AS MANY of our LEADERS as possible to ATTEND (Confirmation as well as Junior High and High School leaders). This retreat will be AWESOME! Please RSVP by August 14th. *payment not needed until arrival at retreat.

You are in my prayers~
Kelly

Sweet Summer Time!

It's that magical time of year (if you are a student who gets summer vacation) when you don't have so much responsibility and can do fun things like stay up late, sleep in late, hang out with friends, not do homework, maybe take a family vacation....and lots more.

Even though there are less things to think about during summer, please remember to include God in your plans. Try not to miss Mass simply because of vacation or being out of routine.

I hope you are enjoying your summer and that you have a safe and fun 4th of July!
many blessings,
Kelly

"Lord, you are above all things, yet you come to me in the form of bread and wine! May I be filled with awe, gratitude, and heartfelt devotion each time I receive you."

Farewells

This is the time of year where schools everywhere are starting the process of bidding farewell. Graduations for seniors is probably the biggest farewell. All of the seniors are leaving the routine they have known since Kindergarten to embark on adulthood and further education or starting jobs. The 8th graders are leaving their secure place of a K-8 or 7th & 8th to head into a sometimes scary venture of High School.
Every student in every grade though, is experiencing farewells. Good bye to classmates and the teacher or teachers you've had all year to head to the next grade and new teachers and new classmates.
Remember, 'God is with you in everything you do.' -Genesis 21:22
So, you may have some nervousness or fear about the new journeys but, remember God is with you and will guide you.
blessings,
Kelly

R&R&R

Confirmation is complete for 2009! Both Masses last Saturday 5/16 went so well. Everyone looked amazing all dressed up for the special day. All total 137 people were sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit! How awesome is that? Bishop Curry gave a fantastic and thought provoking homily- as he usually does. I LOVE to listen each year as he talks to the Confirmandi and tells them the CORE message- that God loves you-NO MATTER WHAT. We don't have to do anything to earn His love. It simply is there and will never go away.
I am heading to Ohio today for some R&R&R...rest, relaxation and retreat. I am going to a retreat led by Matthew Kelly (he spoke for 3 nights at our parish in November 2007- hopefully you attended one of the talks). I am really excited for the time away from my regular daily routine to step back and take some time out.
I will be back to the "real world" really late Sunday night but, hopefully with a renewed spirit and a deeper appreciation for all the gifts God places in my life every day.
I hope you take some time this summer for R&R&R!
blessings,
Kelly

Holy Spirit

First of all, I feel like a bit of a slacker today. I haven't posted since the 5th. Sorry about that. It is a busy time of year in the Youth Ministry office. The biggest event making things busy is Confirmation. The big day is around the corner. I always get so excited to see everyone all dressed up for the occasion. It is a special honor to witness all of the candidates as they are touched by the Bishop and sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Bishop Curry is so kind and generous and always gives such a nice homily.
If you are reading this, please pray for every person who is being Confirmed on Saturday.
blessings,
Kelly

Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone! I hope you are having a great day.

Each day we wake up and have two choices- have a great day or not. I hope on the days when you wake up and feel like it isn't maybe going to be a great day, that you will make a CHOICE to make it a great day! We do have the CHOICE to have a great day. Bad days and bad things definately happen but, we can still choose to have a great day regardless of what has happened.

One way to make it easier to CHOOSE great days is through prayer and reflection. God is the source of all great days! His love can make every day awesome!

blessings,
Kelly

Back in the day...

Today is May 1st and I have been reflecting this morning on a tradition that used to happen on May 1st...back in the day!

I feel much older than 43 to say "when I was a kid..." but, then again if you are 14, 15 or 16 I guess 43 is OLD!

Anyway, when I was a kid May 1st was known as "May Day" and everyone would bring little gifts/treats to school to give to their teacher and classmates. The treats were called "May Day baskets". At some point during the school day we would all take turns "dancing around the Maypole". All this probably sounds crazy to you since it is a tradition that seems to have faded away. All I know is I used to love May Day. It was a fun day I always looked forward to.

Guess what? When you are 43 there will probably be something that you will talk about to someone that they will have no idea what you are talking about. You will then feel the way I do today as you start to tell them about "when I was a kid..." :-)

I hope the month of May is filled with many blessings and special memories for you!

P.S. Happy May Day!
Kelly

Prayer

Hi everyone,
I hope you have had a great weekend! On Sundays I create my schedule for the upcoming week. At the end of the schedule I always add a "thought for the week". It is a quote or saying that I have seen before and usually try to pick one that makes me think.

I thought I would share my thought for this week. It really made me think about prayer and where I am in my prayer life...

Thought for the week: “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” Corrie Ten Boom

See? Did it make you think?

This week I am going to make sure prayer is more than just something I turn to when I have a "blow out" or emergency!
blessings for your week,
Kelly

Back to school!

I'm sure you heard the saying "all good things must come to an end". It's true today as Spring Break has come to an end and everyone is back at school. I hope everyone had something happen during break that made you smile and gave you happiness.

I have a cross in my office that says "God is with you in everything you do." -Genesis 21:22
It just reminds me that God is always with us and wants us to choose things that bring lasting happiness not momentary pleasure.

I hope your first day back from break goes well. Just remember, if things feel like they aren't going so great just stop for a moment and remember that God is with you and there are always things to be thankful for.

blessings,
Kelly

Spring Break!

How is your Spring Break going? I hope it is filled with rest, relaxation and reflection.

I especially hope we all take the time during the week off school to reflect on the love God has for us and how many blessings he gives us each day!

thought for the day: "Every man dies, but not every man really lives."
—Mel Gibson as William Wallace in "Braveheart"

Let's resolve to really live. Make each day count since each day is a gift.
blessings to you,
Kelly

Happy Holy Week!

Do you wish someone a happy holy week? I am not sure but, I do hope this week is filled with happiness as well as reflection on the amazing love Jesus has for you and me. That he was willing to suffer and die for our sins...doesn't get more amazing than that.

This week there is no Jr. High youth group meeting due to Holy week activities in the church.

Enjoy the warm weather before the rain gets here...if the weather man is right!

God Bless your day in every way.
Kelly

Friday Bible Fun Fact!

Did you receive a gift from God today? Why sure you did! You woke up, didn't you? Every new day is a gift from God. Every leaf, every flower, every sunrise, every giggle, is a gift. You have gifts all around you- so start noticing them. Saint Paul says, "What do you possess that you have not received? you have already grown rich." So if you're so rich, enjoy it! God GAVE you life. God GAVE you the world- and all the wonders of the earth and the sky and the sea. So what do you do when somebody gives you a gift? You enjoy it, appreciate it- and say thanks!

Read 1 Corinthians 4:7-8

exceprt from 150 Fun Facts found in the Bible by Bernadette McCarver Snyder

many blessings on your weekend & try not to get blown away like a kite in the wind!
Kelly

Thinking on Thursday!

Do you realize how much thinking you do every day? I think we aren't aware of the fact that we are pretty much always thinking...about what we are going to do next, or what we should be doing instead of what we are doing, thinking about our future, thinking about our past, thinking about things that might happen or never happen...just thinking, thinking, thinking.

Try to remember to add God to the mix when you are thinking. Plan time to think about God and how awesome he is, how many gifts he gives you EVERY day and that he is always there for you.

thinking of you & praying for you,
Kelly

Fun Day!

Junior High Youth Group meets tonight from 6:30-8:00pm in the parish hall. This is our last meeting before our two week break for Easter.

Have you had a fun day?
Did anyone trick you?
Be on the lookout for tricksters on April 1st!

Blessings~
Kelly

Friday fun fact from the bible

(From 150 Fun Facts found in the Bible by Bernadette McCarver Snyder)
Did you ever try to do something hard? Did you ever "Give up" something that you didn't have to give up? Some people promise to give up certain things during Lent- chocolate candy or ice cream or pizza or something they especially like. They don't have to, but they WANT to do something hard as a way to show God that they love him. But Jesus said, "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites." Jesus said hypocrites grouch and complain all the time they're doing something hard- just so other people will NOTICE them. But Christians do hard things without grouching-without expecting anyone to notice except God.

Do you ever look all gloomy when you have a hard job to do? Do you ever make a lot of noise about it so everyone will know that you are "giving up" something or doing something REALLY difficult? Are you a hypocrite or a Christian?
Read Matthew 6:16-18

have a blessed weekend,
Kelly

This week in Youth Ministry

Today the Junior High Youth Group meets from 6:30-8:00pm in the Parish Hall.

Sunday, March 29th Track 2 meets from 7:00-9:00pm in the Parish Hall.

Blessings on your day~
Kelly

Favorite day of the week?

Tuesday is my favorite day of the week lately. What is your favorite day of the week?

I love Tuesday because it's the day I volunteer in Mauri's Kindergarten class. Five year olds are so awesome. I volunteer the last hour of the day and then when school's out we usually just spend time hanging out together. I call it Mauri & Mommy day.

When is the last time you enjoyed hanging out with a friend or family member with no agenda or stress? Just being with each other. Matthew Kelly calls it "carefree timelessness". It is one of the best gifts you can give any relationship.

Have a blessed week!
Kelly

St. Augustine

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was awesome! Track 1 had their final Sponsor session for the year yesterday. It was a great session. Everyone considered a new name for Confirmation and spent time with their sponsor reviewing great holy men and women-Saints- to choose from.

a thought for the day from St. Augustine:
"If we live good lives, the times are also good. As we are, such are the times."

So, let's all make the times good!

God Bless,
Kelly

The latest...

Hello to you! Here's what's up the next few days...

Sunday, March 22nd- Track 1 Confirmation sponsor session 4:30-7pm. Starts in parish hall and includes attending 6pm Mass together. Your sponsor attends with you. If they cannot attend, a parent can substitute. Students MUST attend with either a sponsor or parent.
Wednesday, March 25th- Junior High youth group session from 6:30-8pm in the parish hall.

God Bless,
Kelly

"You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth." - Shira Tehrani

Parish Mission

Hello! I hope everyone will consider going to at least one night of the Parish Mission this week. Monday is a concert starting at 7pm in the church. Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30-9pm in the hall and Thursday starting at 6:30pm in the hall and moving to the church for a penance service.
This is a great opportunity to meet the requirement for Confirmation students to attend one night of a parish mission with a parent and especially on Thursday it is a great opportunity to go to confession before your Confirmation.
Call 937-0701 or email kelly@sldm.org anytime with questions.
God Bless,
Kelly

Track 2 Retreat

Our second track 2 Confirmation retreat just ended a couple of hours ago! It was awesome. Thanks to our amazing volunteer leaders- Sandra and Alonzo Talamantes, Rich and Dana Healy, Chris and Anna Boerger, Marcela Santos, Blanca Ponce, Jerrika Hernandez and Joe Mehm. Thanks also to Father Charles and Father Alidoor for coming to celebrate Mass for us. We were at Camp Arroyo Grande and God's beauty was all around us- the stars in the night sky and the green hillsides.
Thanks to each of the confirmation students for being open to God and the Holy Spirit at work in their lives!

What's up this week...

Today Junior High youth group meets from 6:30-8:00pm in the Parish Hall. Feel free to bring a friend or two.

URGENT: The 24 Hour Fast scheduled for Friday, March 13th to Saturday, March 14th has been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.

Parish Mission: Each Confirmation student must attend ONE night of the Parish Mission with a parent this year. If you did NOT attend in November, you need to attend one of the nights in March. Monday, March 16 6:30-8:30pm in the church or Tuesday 3/17, Wednesday 3/18 or Thursday 3/19 from 6:30-9pm in the Parish Hall.

Track 2: Group sessions: March 29th, April 19 7-9pm in the Parish Hall. Final Sponsor Session on Sunday, March 15th from 4:30-7:00pm in the hall (includes 6pm Mass). Retreat NEW DATE: Friday, March 13th 5:00pm to Saturday, March 14th at 4:00pm SAME LOCATION, etc. this is for all who did not attend the January retreat. Confirmation Mass on Saturday, May 16th at 9:00am and noon (bi-lingual). Service/parish life booklets DUE April 19th.

Track 1: Sponsor Session on Sunday, March 22nd from 4:30-7:00pm in the hall (includes 6pm Mass). Service/parish life booklets DUE April 26th. Group sessions: April 5, April 26th 7-9pm in the Parish Hall. Service/parish life booklets DUE April 26th.

Call 937-0701 to leave me a message or email me at: kelly@sldm.org

SLDM Youth Stuff`

Hi everyone,
This blog has been created to keep youth, parents, volunteers and any other interested people informed on the happenings with St. Louis de Montfort Youth Mininstry.

Including Junior High Youth Group and the Confirmation activities for Track 1 and Track 2. This will be the place to check on the latest news about everything that is happening!

Have a blessed week,
Kelly