Youth Ministry

So most of us know the Pope's name, Benedict XVI (that's sixteen!) ... but do you know his name before that? Do you know where he was born? Did you know he is a genius?! It amazes me how sometimes we can say we know someone without really knowing them... kind of like friends on facebook.

I think Facebook says I have 500 or so friends... but honestly, I probably talk to about maybe, MAYBE 40 of them in one month. And if we narrow that down to face to face conversations over a meal or an outing, it gets even smaller. Now, I don't necessarily think that is a bad thing, but I think it is a real thing. I don't think then that the other 450 on Facebook aren't worth my time, or are there just to cushion my feelings of being popular and connected. I'm sure I can share a story about every single one of them.

But the reality is we can't be close to everyone, all the time. I like to say there are circles of friends, and we don't plot each other into them. It isn't like I meet Jim let's say, and say to myself "BFF for life". No... friendships develop over time, and they change. My best friend from grade 1 or grade 5 isn't my best friend today - but they're still dear friends of mine. My wife was a complete stranger to me four years ago! Four years ago I didn't even know she existed! So it should be obvious people come and go between these circles of friends. Family, Dear Friends, Peers, Associates, and the World... there are many different levels we could place our various relationships.

If we say we know someone as a true friend, shouldn't we be able to tell someone their name, where they are from, and something interesting about them... where we met, etc. My love for my wife only grew with getting to know her. It is in our becoming open to each other and sharing our stories that we come to a greater intimacy, a greater understanding and appreciation of one another. 

This also can call us to examine our relationships. Do the people in our minds we value the most, our "inner circle", reflect the reality of our circle of friends. How well do you know your parents, grandparents, life long friend, teacher, pastor, hollywood star. Do we find it awkward we sometimes don't know our siblings birthday, or where our parents/grandparents were born or their middle names? Yet we probably know how many goals Alex Ovechkin scored this year or the date for international talk like a pirate day? (September 19 if you're wondering) Do we know more about the life of the people on the TV show Hills then the life of Jesus? It just makes sense that we should know more about the people we say we care about. I don't think it is wrong to like tv shows, or follow hockey passionately (go HABS!). But we need to be careful we don't fool ourselves when the reality might be maybe I do value hockey over quality time with family and friends. Maybe I value my tv addiction a bit more than my faith. They are questions to think about.

So back to the pope to wrap this up...

So as Catholics we all know about the pope, we know he's our leader, whom Christ has blessed to guide us and nurture us as a faith community. He has many great thoughts and suggestions to help us on our journey of faith. I used to think of the pope as kind of a boss. But when I went to World Youth Day I saw a man, Pope John Paul II, who simply wanted to love me. It might seem odd to you, but it is true. I finally got the idea that he just wanted me to experience God's love and share it as much as possible just like he was doing. He wasn't a watch dog, or a judge.

I now look at Pope Benedict and really look to him as a wise old grandfather. Because he cares for me - I cannot help but care for him; I want to know him. This is the root of our faith; to love and be loved. So when you have some free time, google the pope, get to know an old friend a bit better.

Check out this AWESOME video about B16! 

-Colm

On Saturday March 13th we are heading to Table Mountain to go tubing, skiing or snowboarding down the hill. We will be meeting at St. Michaels at 10:30am and heading out shortly after. We hope to arrive at Table Mountain at around 12:45. We will be on the hill from 1-4pm which is a half day. For those of you who wish to ski or snowboard, feel free to do so, though you are not allowed to bring your own skies or boards for lack of space (ski or snowboard boots are allowed). We should arrive back at St. Michaels around 7pm (roughly). The cost is $5 per person to help cover the cost of gas; however you are responsible for paying your way into the facility and any rentals you may require (see below for prices). On the way home we will be stopping in North Battleford for supper. So bring a few extra bucks for supper and any snacks you may want. 

As it stands we have limited seating available, so if you want to come, book your spot early. The registration deadline is midnight, March 11th, so please call Matthew at 374 - 7779 or Colm Leyne at 242-1500 if you plan on attending. You will also need a permission form which can download here or talk to your local youth minister. If you don't hand in your permission form and $5 by 10:30am on Saturday March 13th you will not be able to attend.

Lift Pass Prices Half Day: Tubing $8, Skiing: under 15: $15; over 15: $20 (ski rentals: $12), Snowboard: under 15: $15; over15: $20 (snowboard rentals: $21). For more information regarding prices see: http://www.tablemountainregionalpark.com/prices.htm

Come out and enjoy the snow! Bring the whole family!