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