This event was special because my friend, Msgr. Mike Cherup was celebrating the 20th youth conference he has planned and led for the young people of his diocese. The theme “reflect and Celebrate” was a most appropriate one.

350 teens came with energy (West Central!!!!) to the Sandestin Hilton for a weekend where they were treated to the talents and reflections of Vince Nims, Irene Friend, Ton Franzak, Dobie Moser, Anna Scally, and David Kauffman. That’s a pretty impressive line up anywhere.

I think all of us came because of our respect for Father Mike. He has always sought the best for teens and has worked to make the conference something people would want to be involved in and bring others to attend. Mike has always been racious and professional to us. Why he even gave me a pizza box at the end of the conference (a private joke that isn’t over by a long shot!).

The energy of the young people was great…seeing all these musicians and speakers inspired me. It reminded me how lucky I am and makes me proud to be invited to serve teens with them.

You never know how the road will lead.

In June 2004, I spoke at a youth conference for the Diocese of Little Rock. While there, a volunteer youth worker (who is originally from Lafayette, but now living in Texarkana) saw me. She came to me afterward and said, “I will recommend you to my husband. You need to speak to his staff.” I thought that was a great compliment but didn’t give it much thought.

Well, I got a call back in December 2005 asking me to speak to all the associates (over 1600 people) at CHRISTUS St. Michael hospital in Texarkana TX.

So, after discussing it with my wife, I spent 6 days throughout the month of January speaking at 18 different town meetings to security guards, administrators, houskeeping, nurses, admissions personnel, volunteers and technicians about the “Journey to Excellence.” My topic was called “Going the Extra MYLE.” That isnt a typo–it means “make your life extraordinary.”

It is clear to tell that hospital really does strive for excellence. I was very impressed by the CEO, Chris Karam,

and the many good people surrounding him. The hospital staff was very open and appreciative of my time with them.

Many thanks to these wonderful people for opening this door to me. I really enjoyed the experince and can see why the hospital was chosen as one of the 5o best places to work in Texas.

Chris’ wife, Michelle, also had me speak at Sacred Heart Church there one night…my theme there was “Extreme Makeover.” Thanks to Msgr. Priest and all who came out from St. Edward’s and Sacred Heart on such short notice.

When Stan Cordero invites me to present for him, I have this sense that it will be good…and a stretch for me. Stan is diocesan director in Santa Rosa and really has a passion for leadership development and for spirituality. His attention to detail is strong.

This was my second consecutive year presenting for Vertical Reality, a one day leadership RETREAT for high school teens. The theme this year was “The Sorrowful Mysteries.” My opening (major) address was on the Crucifixion. Challegning to say the least.

Last year I did this event with Danielle Rose. This year, the other presenters were Steve Angrisano and Anna Scally. I was pumped because it was my first time to work with Steve…who I enjoy even though his wife Jenny “ain’t right” (I love her to death but have to bust her chops!). And anytime you work with Anna Scally, you want to be better for the people you serve. (I lost $5 to her on the Seahawks-Panthers game!)

What is so cool is that not only do I get to work with national speakers on a day like this, but I also get to co-design and implement a focus session within the retreat with local youth and adult leaders. Last year I was paired with a creative guy Matt C. (who had me on the church roof stapling trash bags so we could black out windows to get a certain mood!). This year I worked with Ben, a real articulate junior in high school, and two fine adults who love teens—Gayle B. and Tom D. Our session was on “the Scourging at the Garden.” I was so impressed by their session design and how it was carried out.

The 125 or so teens in attendance blew me away with how they “got into” the day…from silence to journaling as well as noise, crowdbreakers and celebration.

A special treat in this day was having Beth B . and her youth from St. Charles Borromeo church in the Rochester area makes cord decade rosaries for the teens making the retreat. Thanks Beth and teens…you helped make this day a prayerful one on many levels!

On the Sunday night, I spoke for the teens at St. Rose on “peer power.” It was a fun loving group of teens…who put up with Matt C. but who, I can also see, are good reasons for him to do the ministry he does.

It is always a treat to be with the good folks of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

I was treated to a Houston Rockets game by Brian Johnson, diocesan director. It was a very nice treat, though the home team lost.

I got to spend a day with a very hard working group of professionals who serve local folks really well. I have so much respect for Mark, Randy, Sandy, Candy, America, (yes, America, the Beautiful) and Luz. We spent a day talking about the obstacles and joys of youth ministry.

I spent almost 2 days with about 40 youth ministry leaders from parishes of the diocese. We prayed and laughed (just what is a Hunger thong?) and spent time asking ourselves some questions about expectations and healthy practices in ministry.

It was neat to see such a variety of ages, ministry experiences and cultural backgrounds at this retreat. It makes me aware how BIG this church thing, and thus youth ministry thing, is.

I had the chance to speak at a retreat for St. Dominic (New Orleans) CYO on December 30. It was a privilege for me for a few reasons:
+ these young people lived in an area (Lakeview) which was affected greatly by Katrina
+ Their youth director, John Smestad, is a class act. He is also the diocesan director of youth ministry. I respect his work so much, as well as the professional and personal challenges Katrina has placed before him.
+ Returning to Camp Abbey is always a grace for me. I spent many retreat weekends and a few summers.

I was so touched to learn that another parish in the area (St. Matthew’s of River Ridge–I did their Lenten mission last spring) gave a very nice amount (I mean a very nice amount!) of gift cards to these 62 teens.

I still struggle to “get it”. The reality of it all is so far beyond me…

Another friend, Michelle Hernandez sent me this link to a short article about the need for folks to “lobby” their lawmakers to allocate the finacial resources needed to rebuild New Orleans. Please take a look…and please take 10-15 minutes to contact your lawmakers. It matters.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/252800_neworleans21.html

I was checking my e-mail when my father brought me the daily mail. He gave me a thick envelope and told me he had to sign for it.

I saw a Missouri address on it, one which I didn’t recognize. When I opened the envelope I was floored by what I found.

When I was at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Atlanta this past October, I reconnected with Cindy J. I had met her at a workshop in the diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. She came up to me and asked me about New Orleans. We talked for a little while when she said that her youth group(s) had decided that the proceeds from their annual Advent wreath sale and give it to me to give to people affected by Hurricane Katrina.

I opened the package to find a Christmas card along with over $500 of gift cards to department stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, etc.

Thanks to the adults and youth from St. John’s and St. Anthony’s for their generosity and for the kindness to me and to the people of my area.