Title:  Friday Frenzy
Date:  February 3, 2006

• Registrations for Spirit Day continue to pour in

• TGIF

• One of the patient's introduced me to the game "geo cash" today - it's an international scavenger hunt - pretty cool

• We'll be in Hamilton for the 1st - CCYMN conference next week!

• everything is Grace!

Title:  Thursday Tidbits
Date:  February 2, 2006

Title:  What’s Up Wednesday?
Date:  February 1, 2006

• I’d like Krissy to continue working in the YMO – she has a good supply of snacks

• But I’d also like Rob to return.

• Maybe I should hire Krissy to be my personal chef.

• I wish I made enough money to have a personal chef. – maybe she’ll do it for free? 

• Or maybe she won’t.

• We’re meeting tonight to talk about the food at Spirit Day.

• Nicole McCreedy is the best at negotiating play-time especially as Faye and I try to convince ourselves that 2 clearly different shades of blue banner paper will look okay in the end.   After 2 hours – we concluded that I definitely need to go back to the store and find the matching shade.

Title:  Tuesday Thoughts
Date:  January 31, 2006

• I have a meeting pretty much every night this week

• I like using exclamation points (see Monday Musings)

• Krissy commented on how my blogs are way too long

• Fr. Scott is still the best and so is Faye and Clay

• I wish more people read instructions…well more like followed instructions

• I am becoming more & more convinced of the male video-game gene.  Just come to Children’s Hospital and watch every 1 to 3 year old male know exactly how use and play every Game boy, Sony Playstation, X box, Game Cube, Atari or Commodore 64 video game that exists….while watching Sponge Bob on TV

Title:  Monday Musings
Date:  January 30, 2006

• Pope Benedict’s first Encyclical: Deus Caritas Est or God is Love…awesome

• Coldplay live last Friday night…best concert I’ve ever been to!  Thanks to Monica & Kate for reminding me and not selling my ticket! Ha!

• My pastor, Fr. Scott is the BESTEST ever!

• Re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia - magic!

• Krissy is a very good listener (which means she know how to handle my ranting & raving outbursts!) 

• Spirit Day is gonna be awesome…keep praying for the grade 7s!
   

Title:  The Real Neil
Date:  September 22, 2005

I’m not sure if you’ve ever been to a ‘Nearly Neil’ show where an impersonator does an evening of Neil Diamond tunes…well, tonight I got to see the REAL Neil at GM Place.  The staff and families from the Oncology/Hematology Program at BC’s Children’s Hospital were offered free tickets to Neil Diamond’s concert and we just couldn’t resist going!  He was definitely lived up to his rep of being a great entertainer.   For 2 ½ hours we danced, clapped, and just had a plain ol’ good time singing along with Neil Diamond.  The place was packed full of people of all ages and we were amazed at the number of young guys who were right into it too! 

I’ve spent the last few days at the Trade & Convention Centre participating in the 2005 SIOP Conference, which is basically like a World Youth Day for nurses, doctors, and the rest of the health care team who work specifically with children and teens with cancer (It’s pretty cool because parents and survivors have been participating and giving workshops as well).  There are over 1500 people representing 87 different countries and it’s been a very inspiring conference hearing and learning from colleagues and the advances in treating pediatric cancers. 

Anyways, I had a “WYD 2005” moment last night at the welcoming reception at the Vancouver Aquarium which I’m sure will make many of the WYD pilgrims laugh!  We were nicely queued up for the buses to shuttle us back to the Convention Centre.  There were about a hundred people chatting and politely waiting in line and all was well or so we thought.  Then the bus pulled up, drove past the front of the queue, and stopped pretty much at the end of the line.  The memories of trying catch a bus out of Marienfeld (the Papal Mass site) came rushing back as everyone scrambled and pushed to get on the shuttle bus!  While it certainly wasn’t the mosh pit experience of WYD, it was a pretty funny to see all these docs and nurses stampeding towards the bus.  So, at that point like many at Marienfeld, we decided to walk back to the Convention Centre.  As we were walking out of the park, one of the empty shuttle buses came by and so we waved to the driver who kindly stopped and picked us up.  It was a humorous end to the night and it reminds that I still have to write about WYD 2005.  More to come!

Title:  The Other Woman
Date:  August 24, 2005

Title:  Holy Smoke
Date:  May 5, 2005

I’m sure it was a strange sight to see thousands of people all fixated on one thing: a skinny chimney.   Whether your head was cranked towards the sky or directed towards one of the many jumbo TV monitors, one thing was for certain no one wanted to miss the first sign of smoke or as my mom dubbed it the “holy smoke” billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.

For an unplanned trip, it was both a blessing and a thrill to be among the thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square waiting for the age-old sign of a new pope.  My mom and I hopped on a plane to Rome the day before the conclave began and literally arrived to the sound of the “Litany of Saints” echoing over the loudspeakers throughout St. Peter’s Square as the cardinals processed into the Sistine Chapel.  We watched with a growing crowd of people as the prayers and oaths were said by each of the Cardinals.  When the last Cardinal made his oath, Bishop Marini (Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies) said the words “Extra Omnes” or “Everyone Out!” (everyone except the Cardinals and designated individuals like himself that is) and the doors to the Sistine Chapel were shut.

So what do you do while the Cardinals are doing their thing in the Sistine Chapel?  Well, since it was my mom’s first time in Rome and my second visit since World Youth Day 2000 – we just wanted to get our bearings and figure out the best vantage point.  Where do we position ourselves, so that we have good view of the chimney, the balcony, and a TV monitor?    A section of chairs were set-up in front of the steps of the St. Peter’s Basilica and we decided this was the place to be!  The second thing we needed to find out, was the anticipated times the smoke signals would take place --- word quickly spread that noon and 7:00pm were the times to keep an eye on the chimney!  So with those two key pieces of conclave info in mind we pretty much had all we needed to be “expert smoke witnesses”. (I suppose another key piece of info is to ensure that you are watching the right chimney!)

At around 6:00pm we were among the growing number of people positioning for a good spot with eyes fixated on the chimney.  We should have known that it would take a little longer on the first day of voting.  The sky began to darken, it was getting much cooler in the Square, and after awhile you just wanted to see some sign of smoke that any movement around the chimney was interpreted as smoke. (I had to tell my mom a couple of times that the “smoke” she saw were really storm clouds passing by…I was beginning to think of the story of the boy who cried “wolf”.)   Anyways, after a couple of hours we heard the cry “fumata” and to our shock, the smoke rising from the chimney was white!  (I was completely stunned – it seemed impossible to have a new Pope on the first vote.)  And then the smoke turned grey and then white and by that time everyone was jumping up and down, cheering, and saying “Habemus Papam”, and then the smoke began to get darker and darker and then it was obviously black.  And within seconds, the cheers changed to “awwwhhhh” and day 1 of smoke-watch was finished. 

This picture is the view from the hallway outside our room: St. Peter’s Basilica and Square on the morning of the 2^nd day of the conclave.  Since, we were fortunate to be only steps away from the columns of the square, we spent the morning at looking through St. Peter’s Basilica and visiting Pope John Paul II’s tomb.  We were among the early visitors so we didn’t need to wait in a long line-up and easily made our way to the grotto and tombs below.  We were able to spend some time in prayer in front of Pope John Paul II’s simple marble tomb, which was a wonderful grace. 

At around 11:30am, we made our way back into the Square, found some seats, and I started to pull out the postcards I had just purchased when I heard the cries of “fumata”.  I looked up and yet again the smoke was white for the first few seconds and then simply remained a dark grey for a long time (The overcast sky added to the confusion of what colour the smoke really was).  By this time, we also realized and appreciated the brilliancy of adding the “bells” as an additional sign that a new Pope had been elected.   And so there we had it: grayish/blackish smoke and no bells = no Pope!  So we decided to grab something to eat and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Vatican City.

By 5:00pm, there were thousands of people in the Square and there was such a buzz and excitement in the atmosphere.  Everyone wanted the next Pope to come from their home country and national flags were everywhere!  It seemed too early to sit and wait but it felt like something was about to happen, so we made our way to the front section hoping to find a couple of seats.  We found a great spot in the middle of the section and had a great view of the balcony, chimney, and TV monitors.  A Mexican delegation was seated in front of us and provided a lot of entertainment and companionship as they sang songs, danced, and cheered as we waited.  Forty- five minutes later, white smoke began to rise from the chimney or more like a light grey….it was so hard to tell against the overcast sky and after awhile it was obvious that it was not becoming darker like the previous smoke signals.   Once again, the crowd erupted in applause and shouts of “Blanco”, “Blanco” or “Bianca”, “Bianca” and then “Habemus Papam”!  The reporters around us were calling their co-workers and communicated that TV reports were also saying that it was “white smoke” but were waiting for the bells for confirmation.   Well at 6:00pm the usual bells signaling the new hour added to the anticipation and confusion until many started pointing to their watches signaling these particular bells were not the confirmation sign of a new Pope.  About 5-10 minutes after that, ALL the bells in St. Peter’s started to go nuts and so did we…we finally could say with certainty “Habemus Papam”!!!

We were standing on our seats and our attention turned to the balcony to await the announcement from the Cardinal Deacon.  He certainly added to the drama of by emphasizing and taking a pause after each word of the announcement:  “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum!” – “ I announce to you great news of joy!” – “Habemus Papam” –  “We have a Pope!” -- “Joseph”…  (he took a really long pause and all I could keep thinking was there are a lot of Josephs’….)  “Eminentissiumum ac Reverdendissimum Dominum Cardinalem Sanctae Romanae Eccleasiae Ratzinger” (At this point everyone is jumping up and down and the Square erupts with even more shouts and applause).  And the Cardinal Deacon continues, “qui sibi nomen imposuit… Benedict XVI”

Shortly after that, the side balconies filled with the Cardinals dressed in red and all squished together.  The doors to the center balcony opened and the first thing we saw was the cross and then Pope Benedict XVI.  You could see the mix of emotions in him – being both overwhelmed and happy at the same time. All I could understand of his first words were -- something about following Pope John Paul II and that he was insufficient for the task but had consolation that God would give him all that he needed…they were humble and beautiful words.  I’m not sure if it was shown on TV but when he gave his first blessing, everyone except the media fell on their knees and there was silence throughout the Square…it was quite a sight and atmosphere to go from celebration to this blessing!

 I was certainly shocked that the decision was made so quickly and surprised that Cardinal Ratzinger had been chosen.  In many ways he was such an obvious choice that I discounted him.   I also realized that much of what I knew about him was shaped by the negative images portrayed by the media.  In the days following the election, it was a privilege to watch him as he took everything in stride and set the tone of his ministry in such a humble, prayerful, clear, and pastoral way.  And when I finally got a chance to hear or read the English translation of his various talks, I found myself just as inspired and challenged by the things he had to say.  I’m definitely looking forward to seeing him again in Cologne for World Youth Day 2005 in a few months!

Title:  JP the Great
Date:  April 8, 2005

Today I had the opportunity pay tribute to Pope John Paul II during the memorial Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral.

Hello, my name is Analyn Perez and three years ago, I not only had the opportunity to represent our country in welcoming Pope John Paul II to World Youth Day in Toronto; I was also blessed to meet and look into the eyes of the man who had led our church for the past 26 years.

Over this past week, I have been constantly asked the question “What attracted you…what attracted young people to this old man?”

For me the answer is simple. Among the vast number of “voices” and “images” in our western culture, I saw a man, who “stood out”; someone who was different from all the rest; and perhaps was an “unlikely hero”.

Pope John Paul II was a man who believed in our capacity and potential to be major players not only in the life of the Church but as builders of a humanity of solidarity, peace, and love as well. He challenged us as young people to not settle for anything less….even if the world had dismissed us, he cared and believed in us. He cared enough to recognize our hunger and deepest desires and showed us that we could satisfy and find what we were looking for by living a life in Christ – a life that would be marked by joy and struggle.

And so Pope John Paul II started the World Youth Days with the spirit and hope that we could come from our respective parts of the world to meet each other; share our joys and struggles; and ultimately commit ourselves in faith and love to Jesus Christ.

Three years ago, when we fretted and worried that perhaps that the Pope might not be able to join us in Toronto for World Youth Day – I was deeply moved to see how much he made the effort to be with us in spite of his frailty and declining health. Whether it was during the planned gatherings or the spontaneous excursions, we sensed and saw his affection and desire to be one with us!

After giving my public words of welcome to World Youth Day, I was ushered into the Holy Father’s presence and I found myself kneeling before an old man…

But when I kissed his ring, looked into his eyes and felt the touch of his hand -- I knew he wasn’t just any “old man”.

-He was a man who forgave his would-be assassin…
-He was a man who was not afraid to face and speak the truth to the most powerful world leaders…
-He was a man who asked for forgiveness for the sins of the Church…
-He was a man who reached out in respect and dialogue with other faith traditions…
-He was a man who valued life from its conception to its natural end…
-He was a man who had endured much tragedy and sorrow in his life but one who remained faithful -- full of joy and hope
-He was a man who despite the numerous TV cameras and hundreds of thousands of people around us, made me feel like I was the only and most important person on that stage. I felt the strength and vitality of one who had pursued a life of holiness and was so intimately connected to God. And I realized what a beautiful grace that was bestowed upon me.

How meaningful and powerful to hear that some of his last words were directed towards the young people: He said, “I looked for you, now you have come to me, and for this I thank you”.

Thank you Pope John Paul II for living a life of holiness.  Your life made us want to follow the path to Christ.

JP II, I love you
JP II, pray for us

Title:  The Simple Life
Date:  February 8, 2005

Don’t worry; I’m not writing about Paris and Nicole.
I’m writing about Thérèse, who is not only a Doctor of the Church but described as the greatest modern Saint. Oh and I’d also like to add: she is someone with a far bigger following than Paris and Nicole or pretty much any Hollywood celebrity combined!

Tonight, we had an opportunity to see a sneak peek of the movie “Thérèse” which will be released at the Tinseltown theatres in downtown Vancouver starting tomorrow night for 1 week only. (They may keep the movie in theatres longer depending on how many people see the movie in Tinseltown over the next week. Interestingly, Vancouver was specifically chosen to be the first city in Canada to show “Thérèse” because of the depth of our faith among the other things. Being one of the smaller Archdioceses in Canada – I think that’s pretty cool!)

“Thérèse” is truly an opportunity to evangelize about the extraordinary life of a young woman whose “little way” expressed tremendous love and profound wisdom. In her short and simple life, she accomplished some incredible things (much more than she or anyone in her time could have imagined) because she loved (and continues to love) God BIG TIME.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux is hands-down one of my all-time favourite saints. I love the way she continually points to God in my life and tonight was no exception. Life has been incredibly nutty especially in these last few weeks. Between working at the hospital; gearing up for Spirit Day, Youth Day, World Youth Day, and working on the National CWL Convention on the side – I’m never quite sure which meeting I’m going to, let alone where it’s taking place or if it’s the right day or night. And social life…well, for those of you who have ever heard me refer to my “circle of friend” and laughed…in some ways I wasn’t joking! But I digress and vent too much.

As I listened to the director, Leonardo Defilippis speak passionately about the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and his work on the movie; I began to think of this awesome season upon us: Lent. In the midst my list of things-to-do, my ever present state of “crisis”, and deadlines upon deadlines, St. Thérèse reminded me to not waste this wonderful opportunity for renewal in my faith life and especially in my relationship with Christ. Over the next 40 days, many of the things I need to get done will get done but will definitely be a waste if I don’t take time to focus on “WHO” I am working for. Whether you are giving something up or taking something on or like me forgot that Ash Wednesday is tomorrow, I pray this Lenten Season be a time of renewal and focus on Him.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us.

Title:  Hi, I’m with Spiderman
Date:  December 8, 2004

Clay, Pat and I traveled to Pittsburgh last week for the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM). It was a four-day conference geared towards diocesan and parish youth ministers from all over the United States and abroad!

For FULL details of our trip to the NCCYM please refer to Clay’s blog!

I think the best way to write about my experience of the conference is to do a top 10 thing again. It is certainly an easier way to sum things up when there isn’t much time to write and when you are terrible at journaling. (I spent 4 years in university writing tons of papers only to spend my days at the hospital ticking assessment checklists or writing in medical shorthand – go figure!)

So here it is…

My top 10 moments of our trip to NCCYM:

10. Crossing the border with no problems. Anyone who has traveled with Clay knows that an attempt to “drug” him is a valid option when crossing the border. Clay likes to pipe up (whether he’s asked the question directly or not) by providing additional information and/or asking questions like, “How do you decide which cars to check?” The Customs Agent responds, “Well, let’s see -- how about yours!” (Note that Clay asked this question AFTER he and the rest of his traveling companions were cleared to cross the border). This time around Clay shared that we were flying out of Seattle because it was less expensive to fly out of Vancouver and so on.... To be fair he redeemed himself on the way home by answering the questions without the extra tidbits.

9. Eating a very strange yet yummy sandwich at one of the local diners (I can’t remember the name). Forget arranging the food so it looks pretty -- they literally packed in the coleslaw, French fries along with the rest of the ingredients of my pastrami sandwich in between two pieces of bread. This whole pile was served on 2 pieces of wax paper with no utensils in sight. Very difficult but fun to eat!

8. We had lots of fun singing, clapping, and yes doing the appropriate hand gestures during the Spirit and Song Concert featuring a ton of Catholic artists such as Jesse Manibusan, Steve Angrisano, Matt Maher, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan, Greg Walton, and the Daughters of God! It was a great way to end the first night of the conference with lots of music and praise!

7. Successfully completing the exhibitor-passport-thingy with many thanks to Gene from APeX Ministries. The passport was a clever way of encouraging participants to check out the various booths. Once all 20 spots were hole-punched we could enter our names into a draw for all whole bunch of awesome prizes like a free concert with Jesse to 4 free registrations to NCYC (NCYC is like Youth Day but on a National level with over 25,000 teens). In the end we didn’t win anything and are completely convinced they didn’t want the Canadians to win! (Okay, there were only 10 Canadians among the 2000 American Youth Ministers – we still felt had a pretty good shot!)

6. A lesson learned – don’t attempt to go in on a deal with Pat unless you want a $2 bar of soap. This was the deal: buy 3 items and get the 4th item for free (as long as it is of equal or lesser value). I’m sorry Pat but I had to warn the world...... People need to know that when given the chance for a freebie at Bath and Body Works, Pat will pick the $2 bar of soap versus the $15 scented lotion. The full details aren’t necessary to repeat – but Clay and I have vowed never to leave Pat in charge of the crucial decision of choosing freebies ever again!

5. Meeting and hanging out with Tricia and Paul (a sister & brother) who are a part 15 person diocesan office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry in Philly! Apparently they were just downsized from an office of 30! Wow – we thought the Vancouver YMO was big!

4. Being reminded that as much as working in Youth Ministry is a calling, it is also just a job. We shouldn’t let it dominate our lives so completely that throws everything else out of whack such as our family and social relationships or our faith lives or even our personal health. We aren’t called to minister or live that way!

3. Raising the Canadian flag at our table. Although it was very un-Canadian-like, we wanted to make our small presence known. Neil MacCarthy, Director of the OCY in Toronto contributed the flag (which also functioned as his luggage tag); Clay scavenged and found the staging parts for the flag pole, and Bernie from Prince Albert lovingly attached the flag to the pole with a rubber band. It was a proud moment for the Canadian group representing Vancouver, Toronto, Prince Albert and Whitehorse – maybe Roots will outfit us for the next conference?

2. Hi, I’m with Spiderman. Clay’s account of the Saturday evening variety show featuring various musicians and entertainers from Jesse Manibusan to Mike Patin to Gene and Brad from APeX Ministries is a must read. Clay was pretty funny and certainly left his mark as the Canadian Spiderman given the brief time he was on stage. Many thanks to all the performers -- they put on a great show – I don’t think I laughed that hard in a long time.

1. Having an opportunity to be among 2000 youth ministers who bring their various gifts and talents to serve God by simply serving the young people of His Church. I heard some really wonderful speakers in both the general and workshop sessions and I was really inspired by many of the youth ministers and speakers we got a chance to spend time with.

Well, that was my last conference of the year and it was certainly a good one – I am so grateful for the opportunity to work in Youth Ministry especially with so many fabulous and holy people! I am blessed!

Title:  Introducing the Bible Geek:
Date:  November 8, 2004

One of the favourite parts of my job is going to different youth events throughout the United States and Canada. It is always a great opportunity to hear different speakers; meet some wonderful teens and youth ministers; bring back ideas for our Youth Day and learn from the mistakes made at the various events.

Clay and I drove to Bellevue, Washington this past weekend to check-out the Archdiocese of Seattle’s annual Youth Convention (their version of Youth Day). The best part of the weekend was seeing/listening to Mark Hart – he served as the keynote speaker and will be serving as ours in May. I recently heard him described as a-Catholic version of Jim Carey – which is certainly true with his comical facial expressions and sound effects mixed in with his faith-filled stories and message! I can’t wait until he joins us at Youth Day – you’ll certainly be rolling in your seats yet inspired and challenged by his words! I first learned about Mark Hart through his scripture reflections under the penname “Bible Geek”— so if you want to receive this free, bi-weekly email scripture reflection, just go to www.lifeteen.com  to subscribe and hope to see you at Youth Day 2005 on May 6 & 7th at Archbishop Carney High School.

Title:  Come Back to Me
Date:  October 4, 2004

I have been listening to this hymn off Steve Bell’s “Sons and Daughters” CD --- it’s very much been a prayer and hope as we draw closer to Freedom 2004, our Archdiocesan Reconciliation Event for youth and young adults..

Who would have thought a “confession night” would draw over 300 hundred young people on a Friday night! Witnessing the many young people changed and renewed by the sacrament of reconciliation has been powerful in my own faith life.

I must admit I was one of those people who didn’t frequent the confessional as much as I should of. I always had lots of excuses – there wasn’t a convenient time; the line-ups were too long; and ultimately I was much too ashamed to admit that I needed or deserved forgiveness. But things began to change as I worked on this event – a recognition that the sacrament of reconciliation needed to be an integral part of my faith journey and developing a relationship with Christ. So I started with baby steps - going to confession at Freedom as well as the big reconciliation blitzes around Easter and Christmas. And, after awhile it became easier to go regularly. Don’t get me wrong, my stomach is always in knots and I still feel like I’m going to throw up as I wait in the line up, but the freedom and love I experience when the priest counsels and gives me absolution is so worth it!

So please join me in praying that more young people will experience the love, healing, and freedom that is offered through the sacrament of reconciliation both at Freedom 2004 and in their home parishes.

--

Long have I waited for your coming,
Home to me and living deeply our new life.

Title:  An evening with the Pope
Date:  July 27, 2004

Today is the 2 year anniversary of the day I met the Pope.

It was a moment I will never forget. Actually, the 15 months leading up to World Youth Day 2002 are something I will never forget – but I’ll leave those memories for another blog.

I keep a picture of the moment I met the Holy Father by my desk at the Youth Office. Every time I catch a glimpse of that picture I am reminded of all the inspiring things he said and did during that particular week.

There was much speculation around whether Pope John Paul II would be able to participate in World Youth Day 2002. Closer to the events - when it became very clear he would indeed go to Toronto, the inevitable questions came up: How much would he be involved in? What would he look like? Would his health be able to withstand all the events? Well, we certainly got an idea of what to expect from the moment he arrived in Toronto - when he made the slow and steady descent down the 27 steps from his airplane to the tarmac without the use of the hydraulic lift as expected (or as practiced - Fr. Tom Rosica, the National WYD 2002 Director as a really humorous story about that lift!)

The Holy Father was definitely frailer than the last time many of us saw him BUT his spirit and conviction was strong. We would continue to see evidence of his energy, commitment, and faith over the course of the next few days both in his words and in his activity. (He took so many unexpected excursions in addition to all the scheduled activities!)

Needless to say I was pretty excited when the day of the Vigil came around. The view of all the pilgrims from that massive Papal stage is one that I will never forget – Remy (who was welcoming the Pope on behalf of French-speaking Canada) and I spent some time just sitting on the steps in front of the Holy Father’s chair just taking it all in. It truly was breathtaking to see the Body of Christ gathered before and among us – how could one not be filled with so much joy or hope.

I really think the Holy Spirit did a number on me because I am usually a nervous wreck whenever I have to speak in front of two or more people! Praise God - because I felt completely at peace and at ease as I approached the podium and said my words of welcome. Afterwards, we were ushered to meet the Holy Father and I found my mind focused on the rehearsal instructions of how to approach him AND more importantly not to trip over the steps along the way.

Well two years later – I still don’t remember what he said to me but I do remember that he touched my cheek, how soft his hands were, and how he looked directly and warmly at me – making me feel like I was the only person present on that stage. That evening I prayed the solemn vespers only a few feet from the Holy Father along with hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world. We prayed that the light of Christ would shine through our lives and for the courage and faith to pursue a life of holiness. Perhaps it hasn’t always been the easiest or straightest of paths – but my hope and prayer is that the pursuit holiness is very much my (and our) goal today as it was that beautiful evening two years ago.

Holy Father, once again - thank you for starting the World Youth Days; I am praying for you and I love you.

Title:  Searching in the Spirit: Top Ten
Date:  July 16, 2004

Well it’s hard to believe that it’s already been a couple of weeks since Searching in the Spirit 2004. Over 100 grade 7 youth and adult leaders---our biggest SIS yet!

I usually help out in the kitchen and serve as camp nurse. Being a part of the behind-the-scenes crew, there is definitely a different perspective on the week. The day often whirls by –living from one meal to the next – not to mention removing slivers to removing more slivers to tummy aches (curse that killer Caesar salad!) So here’s my take on SIS summed up in the top 10 lines of the week:

10. “You’re Sacred” (the best and virtually only line during one of the day 1 skits)

9. “So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, adieu…adieu, adieu to you and you….” (my serenade to participants before bed-time and the reason why I haven’t been asked to sing in the choir)

8. “You have 10 minutes to eat that hamburger…” (no, not an eating contest but the beginning of a stern rant to eat more from the camp nurse)

7. “What’s for breakfast?” “What’s for lunch?” “What’s for dinner?” “When can I have seconds?” “What’s a bear paw?” (the participants top set questions for the kitchen staff)

6. “Want some fruit punch?” (the kitchen staff beverage of choice at the end of the day)

5. “Sometimes we have a lot of seconds and sometimes we don’t” (Clay breaking the news that there were only 10 pieces of lasagne left)

4. “What’s the difference between the meat sauce and the vegetarian sauce?” (???? I’m stilled stunned by that one)

3. Fr. Mark: “Want some kick’n Caesar?” Clay: “I’m wussy” (Fr. Mark serving his famous Caesar salad with 240 cloves of garlic in the dressing – next to Clay serving the much milder version)

2. “Can I have a drink so I can wash the cup?” (Kyle, who really enjoyed washing dishes in the industrial Blakeslee dishwasher!)

1. “Rule # 5: Please respect the wildlife and beware of the ferocious kayak….” (Youth Leader - South African Dan learning the difference between a coyote and a kayak—the hard way)

I love being a part of Searching in the Spirit – the funniest stories come from our summer training camps – However, what keeps me coming back every year is the opportunity to witness and be inspired by these young people’s faith journeys. Praise God for their joy, energy, and openness!

Title: Called to be...
Date: June 14, 2004

After a few busy weeks of ups and downs, it was good to spend the weekend at the Archbishop’s Cabin for the “Called to be a Youth Minister” retreat.

To all the youth ministers who attended, it was great praying and playing (Outburst!) with you. Sometimes, I feel like ‘Martha’ at our events (esp. Freedom or Youth Day). I get so focused on the work of the moment that I don’t get a chance to have a conversation with you! It was good to be ‘Mary’ and have some time to listen, laugh, share, and simply be in your presence.

Thank you Jesus for seeing the goodness in me. Help me to see and affirm the goodness in others…always!

Just wanted to lift up in prayer some wonderful people who responded to “the call” and experienced some big changes to their ministries and lives last week:

For Fr. Mark Schwab, who was appointed Chancellor: I’m glad you’re back from school and I can’t wait to see you around 150 again (and hear those cowboy boots!)

For Barb, my friend and role model, who was appointed Vice-Chancellor (the first layperson in the history of this diocese!): What a tremendous affirmation of the work of laypeople in our archdiocese and in particular your service, efforts, and faithfulness.

For Fr. Mark Hagemoen, another great friend and mentor: Your focus on Jesus, leadership, spirit, and humility make you the best choice for Vicar General. (Hey, does this mean I’ll have less ‘patients’ after the hike at summer training?)
 

Title: What the Blog!

Date: May 31, 2004

Okay, it was more like “What’s a blog?”
I must admit, I had no idea what a “blog” was until about a month ago. I’m not really a techno-phobe…just not “with-it” when it comes to the latest and greatest in internet land!

So, I first learned about blogs from Matt Maher (our Youth Day 2004 musical guest), who was blogging about our adventure on the way to Seattle to pick up Dennis Keller (the other YD 04 musical guest). (If you weren’t at Youth Day, you’ll have to read about “Operation Immigration” on Matt’s blog at www.spiritandsong.com.)

I didn’t realize that there are so many people blogging! It really is a strange and wonderful thing…to read about another person’s stories or observations on faith or life. And one of the best parts is you don’t have to feel guilty sneaking a peak at their journalJ

Anyways, reading blogs are one thing and having to write one is another. I wasn’t the most enthusiastic when Clay, our fearless YMO director proposed the staff blogs idea. Ohhh the pressure!

· What do I write about? Something funny? Profound? (Ha!) or better yet something about the guys at the office…
· I don’t think Clay realizes that I am terrible at keeping journals. My best attempt was writing about WYD 2000 Rome which I have yet to finish!
· “Spend 30 minutes or less” says Clay. Yeah right! It takes me a minimum of 4 hours to write a 500 word article for the BC Catholic…I think I’m on hour 2 on this blog thing already (at least I’m not alone--right Rob!)

So as much as I squawked about refusing to write blogs and procrastinated just as a much, I came to a point that we are often called to step outside our comfort zones. And while blogging isn’t too much of a stretch, it certainly is an opportunity to evangelize and simply share of ourselves. I’ve read a few different blogs over this past month and the stories and insights have made me laugh, think, and marvel at the everyday and ordinary. I’ve also been struck and reminded how much we share the same desires and struggles. So my hope and prayer is that my blogs (as well as the rest of our staff blogs) will simply do that…make you laugh, think, marvel at the ordinary, and well…help you know that you are not alone. (maybe just not all at once J)

Phew…2 hours and 17 minutes…I hope to improve my time next blog!