I always get “jacked up” when I get to witness Los Angeles’ Youth Day. 12,000 teens and their adult leaders. That in itself is a big deal!

But the quality of the event also moves me. Mike Norman is the head honcho of the day, but he will be the first person to tell you how many people it takes to make youth day happen. And the logistics of a day like this amaze me. I used to work on rally planning and I can’t fathom how much work goes into a project like youth day. The day seems flawless to me.

Content is another area that makes the event such a first class experience. Matt Maher, Joia Farmer, Josh Blakesley, Paul George, Mark Hart, Bob Bartlett, Anna Scally, Paul Florez, Steve Angrisano, Carole Goodwin, Fr.Tony Ricard, Brian Johnson,

and APeX were just some of the speakers there for youth day. That’s an impressive line up anywhere.

(And it’s great to hang out with these “colleagues” and hear what’s happening with them–there’s a certain excitement for me when I get to visit with some of these good people.)

After youth day, I had the privilege to present a retreat day for 200 adults who work with teens. This was a special privilege and grace for me. I enjoy the laughter, the sharing of struggles, joys and hopes which are a part of the challenging, demanding and rewarding work of youth ministry.

I left Los Angeles tired but it was one of those “good” tireds. And one where hope was very present. Many thanks to Sister Edith, Vikki Shepp and Mike Norman for including me in this awesome celebration of faith.