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