Juntos en el camino: Palabras semanales del Arzobispo Hebda
While summer is known for vacations, warmer temperatures and – in Minnesota – road construction, it also can be an opportunity to encounter Christ in new ways. This is especially true for the youth of our archdiocese, many of whom join in Vacation Bible School or other parish-based activities during this time. I am so grateful to the many parish staff that forsake their “dog days of summer” to serve local families and youth through these offerings.
Having just celebrated the 175th anniversary of the establishment of our Archdiocese (as the Diocese of Saint Paul), I’m particularly attuned these days to the importance of passing on the faith to our youngest brothers and sisters: those who will be in their prime when the Archdiocese celebrates its bicentennial in 2050. The health of our future depends on our commitment to helping those young people encounter Jesus today.
I was delighted to meet a number of teens at the Cathedral at Saturday’s anniversary celebration who were fresh off a week serving on the prayer team at Extreme Faith Camp at the Trinity Woods Catholic Retreat Center in Trego, Wisconsin. They were on fire with our faith. True to its name, Extreme Faith Camp pairs “extreme” activities for middle school youth (like ziplining) with prayer and small groups. One of the great strengths of our Archdiocese is that Extreme Faith Camp was developed by youth ministers here 24 years ago. While it’s now held in Wisconsin, it’s an Archdiocesan treasure. I am so grateful for the founders and staff of Trinity Woods, as well as for the parish clergy, youth ministers, and volunteers – many just a few years older than the campers – who work together to make Extreme Faith Camp such a foundational experience for lifelong discipleship. Many of our young priests will point to Extreme Faith Camp as the moment when they first realized that Jesus wanted a relationship with them and could be calling them to the priesthood.
Even closer to home, I continue to hear great stories from parents and youth about their encounters with Jesus this summer through Totus Tuus, a summer offering where teams of college-aged missionaries – usually including a pair of seminarians – visit one parish each week of the summer to offer joy-filled catechetical programming for elementary through high school youth. True to its name – derived from a Marian devotion promoted by St. Louis de Montfort, through which we strive to belong totally to Jesus through Mary – Totus Tuus walks through the mysteries of the Rosary and incorporates skits, songs, games, and testimonies to make for a memorable experience.
Finally, I had the opportunity to experience yesterday afternoon the fruits of another summer offering for youth: Maternity of Mary parish sponsored their first ever “Musical-in-a-Week.” Assisted by a team of teen missionaries coming from the Netherlands, an amazing group of youth of many ages worked all week on a musical presentation of the Emmaus story, written by the very talented musical director at the parish and his equally talented and faith-filled wife, Bas and Cissy Suijkerbuijk. It was spectacular! Through the eyes of the disciples traveling with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, the troupe brought to life through music and dance the stories of Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses in a delightful way that revealed real biblical depth. The little children who came for the performance were enthralled (as was their bishop).
As I recall the great work being done at the summer youth programs in our area, I cannot help but turn my thoughts and prayers towards those who lost their lives during the recent flooding at a Christian youth camp in Texas. In the midst of this tragedy stood acts of heroism indicative of the love held deeply by those who serve these young souls. Please continue your prayers and support for all of the families involved.
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