There are times and encounters that make “my soul smile”–I just finished one of them.

For the last 4 days I was with 71 teens and 20 (or so) adults from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. We were gathered for CLI (Catholic Leadership Institute). John S., office director, asked me to design a series of sessions set to introduce high school teens to some of the basic skills of leadership. It had been some time since I’ve been in that setting, namely, an extended time frame to focus on leaderhip skills.

What a great experience! I have to start with the team. John assembled a fantastic group of people to serve the teens. This groupof people had me smiling at their talent, their love of God and of teens, and of their passion to share knowledge, skills, limelight and more with young people.

1–There were young collegiates (Julie, Shayna, Daniel, Christian and Brittany). They were smiling and obviously enjoying the chance to get to share some of the joy they have felt from their work with diocesan programs. They smiled a lot and I think it was awesome for our participants to see people close to their age who enjoy serving others.

2–Special mention has to go to the “dynamic duo” of Matt C. and Chris G. These two reecent college grads infused the week with life, energy and creativity. They pushed the envelope but were always seeing to engage our group and did a lot to set the tone and keep participants smiling, singing, laughing and thinking. They did that for me, too.

3–There were a few adults who I hadn’t worked with–Beth F., Bennetta, and Stacie. They jumped in and did a super job. They trusted and embraced the process, even when they thought we were crazy.

4–It was a joy to have some “more seasoned” veterans of youth work: Beth J., Remy, Denise, Sr. Keri, and Brigitte. I was comforted to have these experienced people with us to provide reminders, ask questions, serve one another and give support to younger team members.

5–We were well-served with the support team of Pat, Linda, Mary Kay, and Amanda (photo below I think). Many thanks for small and large odd-jobs you did for us all.

6–We weren’t able to get a musician for the whole week, but we did have some help from Thomas, Colin and Brad. These guys led our participants and it was a joy to hear our teens sing so well. (”It don’t have to be pretty, it just has to be LOUD!”)

7–Special guest appearances were made by Lynn E. (”Dealing with Different People”), Brian B.(”Evangelization”), and Mari Ann C. (”Leadership Matters”) They gave solid messages which were so well received by our teens.

8–It was a neat to work “for” John, especially since I directed his CLI experience in 1992. But he built an “all-star” style team for me to work with and gave me room to design and implement the experience. For that opportunity, I am grateful.

Our team was blessed with 71 young people who were very open to singing and learning and “being true to the process”. We had socials of “bonco”, a talent show and a dance. Bishop Muench celebrated mass and gave the wonderful reminder/challenge: “Youth is a time for special heroism.” Father John Arnone celebrated the closing mass and commissioning for us.

It was a great week for me to see youth and adults who value working together in group settings put such energy and joy into it. Thanks to all.

2 closing thoughts:

1–The magic word is GO.
2–Happy Birthday, Bennetta.