Come, and Live the Adventure

Posted on February 15, 2012 by admin

Guest post by Nicole Floetker

Pope Benedict XVI said, “The ways of the Lord are not comfortable. But we were not created for comfort, but for greatness.”

He made this statement to a variety of people from all walks of life. But I think this quote can be pointed directly at us, the youth, here as a community on Faceforward, here in Columbus, Ohio. We are the young Church, at the very beginnings of the Lord’s plans for us, and our Holy Father  tells us that these plans the Lord has for us are for greatness.

I have been working in youth ministry, ever since I was a youth in youth ministry, which is seven years, for those of you who are counting, and I have never been more excited for the young Church than I am today. Communities of young people, passionate about their faith are popping up around the world, young people are speaking out and making choices that go against the culture, young people are willing to stand in the face of persecution like the saints and martyrs for the name of Jesus.

Even more excitingly, this is happening in our very own diocese, right here in Columbus!

We as a young Church have heard the call of Jesus, the words of the saints, the preaching of our popes and we are seeking to live the greatness the Lord has for us. The Holy Spirit is moving in a powerful way in our generation and we are so blessed to be caught in His wave of grace.

But how?

How do we find the greatness to which the Lord is calling us? How do we get caught up in the Holy Spirit’s wave of grace? How do we live a life of love for Christ?

Paraphrasing the words from the late, great Blessed Pope John Paul II, Do you feel a desire to do something great with your life? Do you refuse to live a life ground down by mediocrity? Do you have the courage to commit yourself humbly and patiently to improving yourself and society?

Then, my friends, say “yes” to all the Lord has for you. Get involved in your schools, your parishes, your youth ministry programs, find ways to actively seek Christ in your daily life, pray often, and find opportunities to experience God more deeply.

Among the many opportunities out there I would like to offer you, in my humble opinion, one of the best opportunities out there: Catholic Youth Summer Camp. But don’t take it from a 23 year old, graduate from college. Listen to your peers:

“CYSC is seriously the best week of my life.” Mary Grace Palmer, Bishop Hartley

“CYSC is a lot about being the best Catholic you can be, but it is also about having fun while doing it…” Michelle Kaiser, Bishop Ready

“Catholic Youth Summer Camp changed my life.” Carol Reith, Bishop Watterson

So, imagine yourself rolling down a hill in a giant hamster ball, or maybe, speeding across a lake on a jet ski. How about doing high adventure activities all day long for a week?

Catholic Youth Summer Camp, CYSC, offers a unique experience of faith for middle school and high students all around Columbus. By day you’re racing through the woods of Northern Ohio on a zip line, flying down a giant water slide, or running across a paintball field with paintballs zooming past your head. By night you are opened to a deep experience of Christ through the sacraments, talks, dramas, and even a funny skit or two. If you want to join the revolution of holiness and encounter Christ’s call to greatness, than I highly suggest coming to CYSC this summer for a week that will change your life.

Dates
High School
June 10-15
June 17-22

Middle School
July 23-28
July 29- August 3

For more information, like “Catholic Youth Summer Camp” on facebook, or visit our website, www.cysc.com.

Once more, we are not called to comfort or mediocrity. We are called to a life of greatness, excellence, and abundance, a life that can only be found in Jesus Christ. I invite you, young people of Columbus, Ohio, to experience the greatness that Christ has called you to in every aspect of your life because life in Christ is never dull, but is the greatest adventure of all. So, come, and LIVE THE ADVENTURE.

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Weekly Faith – February 12, 2012

Posted on February 11, 2012 by admin

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

In the Old Testament, leprosy is depicted as punishment for disobedience of God’s commands (see Numbers 12:12-15; 2 Kings 5:27; 15:5).

Considered “unclean” – unfit to worship or live with the Israelites, lepers are considered “stillborn,” the living dead (see Numbers 12:12). Indeed, the requirements imposed on lepers in today’s First Reading – rent garments, shaven head, covered beard – are signs of death, penance, and mourning (see Leviticus 10:6; Ezekiel 24:17).

So there’s more to the story in today’s Gospel than a miraculous healing.

When Elisha, invoking God’s name, healed the leper, Naaman, it proved there was a prophet in Israel (see 2 Kings 5:8). Today’s healing reveals Jesus as far more than a great prophet – He is God visiting His people (see Luke 7:16).

Only God can cure leprosy and cleanse from sin (see 2 Kings 5:7); and only God has the power to bring about what He wills (see Isaiah 55:11; Wisdom 12:18).

The Gospel scene has an almost sacramental quality about it.

Jesus stretches out His hand – as God, by His outstretched arm, performed mighty deeds to save the Israelites (see Exodus 14:6; Acts 4:30). His ritual sign is accompanied by a divine word (“Be made clean”). And, like God’s word in creation (“Let there be”), Jesus’ word “does” what He commands (see Psalm 33:9).

The same thing happens when we show ourselves to the priest in the sacrament of penance. On our knees like the leper, we confess our sins to the Lord, as we sing in today’s Psalm. And through the outstretched arm and divine word spoken by His priest, the Lord takes away the guilt of our sin.

Like the leper we should rejoice in the Lord and spread the good news of His mercy. We should testify to our healing by living changed lives. As Paul says in today’s Epistle, we should do even the littlest things for the glory of God and that others may be saved. - Sunday Bible Reflections with Dr. Scott Hahn

Saints of the Week

Sts. Cyril and Methodius, St. Claude la Colombière, Blessed Luke Belludi, Blessed John of Fiesole

Pray for Priests

Fr. Rocco Petrarca, Fr. Bernard McClory, Msgr. William Dunn, Msgr. Stephen Hawkins – Deceased, Fr. Jack Maynard, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen – Deceased, Fr. J. Lawrence Reichert

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Ordinary Teens Doing Extraordinary Things – Alex

Posted on February 8, 2012 by admin

Who: Alex Turnbull
School: Bishop Watterson
Grade: Sophomore
Parish: St. Mary’s Delaware
Service: Alex works with Honor Flight as a ground crew member in assisting vets from their vehicles to a wheelchair or walking them to their groups at the airport. Alex does behind the scenes work such as helping to move dozens of wheelchairs to where they can be utilized by the vets, assisting with any bags, and providing coffee or snacks. Alex makes the vets feel welcome and comfortable as they wait to fly to Washington DC to see their memorial.
As a guardian, Alex flew to Washington DC with Honor Flight. Alex was assigned a veteran and was responsible for all his needs. When the vet got tired Alex pushed him in a wheelchair. A Guardian is responsible for his vet for the entire day, beginning at 4AM and ending when the flight returns to Port Columbus at 10PM.
How did you get involved? Alex has always been interested in WWII. His Great Great Uncle was a veteran. When he learned about Honor Flight and the work they do he wanted to get involved. He wanted to meet the people of this great generation.
Why is this extraordinary?  It is really great to see the vets bond with someone so young. WWII vets are dying at a rate of 1000 per day. Alex wanted to meet them, talk to them and hear their stories before it is too late. Alex knows that their stories must be told and retold so that what these great men and women did for us will never be forgotten. So many people discount the elderly, when in fact they should be treated with the utmost respect. Alex truly respects these men and women. He is comfortable talking with them (some are in their 90′s). He can laugh and joke with them and make them feel at ease.
How can others get involved? Honor Flight is always in need of volunteers. You can find them online.
What is most rewarding? The most rewarding part of working with Honor Flight is the appreciation these great men and women have when they return home after seeing their memorial in DC. There are tears and a huge crowd gathers to welcome home their soldiers. One man told me that when he returned from the war, he took a plane, a train, and a bus that dropped him off at the end of his road and he walked home alone. He had never felt so appreciated as the day he flew with Honor Flight. It is great to be a part of making them feel so honored after so many years. Some let go of stories they had hidden away long ago. They remember buddies that did not come home. Seeing these people react this was is a truly humbling experience. 

 

 

 

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