When I stop to think about my journey in youth ministry, I am taken back to realize how long it’s been. I also smile when I think of the good friends I have made along the way because of this privileged “work” I get to do. And when certain friends call, I know the only acceptible answer is “yes”.

Two really spirited, holy, zany, campus ministry friends are my colleagues, Mary R. and Roye P. They have been doing campus ministry at this small Catholic high school in a small south Louisiana town and will not let their size keep them from designing the best programs they can, as well as connecting their students to the best “big church” experiences they can.

These ladies make me laugh and they make me think. They take joyful seriousness in wanting to live and teach like Jesus does. I even read books with them to discuss what we think we are called and challenged to do.

They invited me to speak to parents of the school and there were 180 parents (not bad for 280 students!) who came to laugh, listen and realize how important parents are to education.

The next day I led the 36 seniors in a day of reflection before they received their rings. We talked about the rings being symbols, not of privilege but of service. As I type this for my web page I begin to think about the rings I wear…my wedding band, my ring with the cross in it and my dad’s high school ring. Are they decorative jewelry or symbols of deeper realities? And are those realities ones of privilege or of service?

I had a good time with this group of young people who, by their own admission face temptation amid the call to serve. They helped me recommit to the type of person I want to be. Here’s to all those young people entering what I hope is one of the most memorable years of their lives.

Oh, if you ever do get to Franklin, LA, look up Mary and Roye. Tell them you’re friends with me. They may even take you to the Sonic restaurant.

I consider it a high privilege, and a joy, to get to speak with school faculties. In this past week, I had the opportunity to be with dedicated professionals from 2 schools in my home (Arch)diocese of New Orleans–St. Rita’s in Harahan and St. Philip Neri in Metairie. I also had the extreme honor fo being ask to present to the faculties of all the Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Nashville.

I am so in awe of what teachers in (Catholic) schools do today. Teaching is a vocation and an art. The demands and expectations are high, the rewards are low and the results are not always readily evident. I know I remain impressed with the fine people who teach Megan, my daughter. And to know that there are so many others across the U.S. who go out and not only share information but do so out of a faith-based value system gives me hope and support as a parent.

For all of you out there who do teach, I thank you and wish you a year filled with REMEMBERING why you teach. You share in salvation history. You touch the future. You do, indeed, make a difference.

Wow!

First, I find it hard to swallow that I am now the dad of a 13 year old. (Geez, I must have been a boy when I had her!)

We had an awesome party, I think. It was great fun for me to plan it.

Meg had 7 friends come over…with no idea of our theme or plans. She kept pressing me for hints. Tempted though I was, I didn’t say a word.

Our theme was the Amazing Race. The girls were divided into 2 teams–the red team

and the blue team

— and then the fun began. Baby food tasting, a neighborhood scavenger hunt, a trip to our school playground, a local beauthy shop, the local public library and a mall …all with clues to lead them and their drivers made for a funny afternoon.

I know I am competitive but let me tell you something, some of these young ladies give me a run for my money. They were so into things, I thought I was going to have toget the NFL’s instant replay!

We ended the day at Miyako’s restaurant for a lovely meal, and I think a fitting end to a tiring but fun day.

And as old as I might feel, I am one of the luckiest people in the world. Megan has brought so much joy and laughter and wonder into the lives of Marlene and me.

WE LOVE YOU, MEG!!!!

It is always cool to go to a youth conference and be surprised by the Holy Spirit! I had the chance to have that happen this weekend in Rochester. There were 400 or so folks gathered for their theme, “Inspired by the Fire”.

Great attention to detail was given by a super youth committee, from awesome skits (Hans and Franz) to zany hats (I didn’t realize how much people in Rochester were known for their hats at national gatherings…I even got one for NCYC!).

Mike T., diocesan director of youth ministry was surrounded by his awesome staff and volunteers who made me feel very much at home.

I got to emcee their “Celebration Stage” and, wow, do they ever have some talented teens in that diocese.

I was treated very well and enjoyed my time in New York, and was blessed to see Bishop Matthew Clark, who I respect greatly for his pastoral presence to young people and the adult youth ministry community.

I thank God for the chance to have been a part of this awesome celebration of faith.