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.