(taped 02/01/08 in Little Rock, AR)

BIO: Brian Keith Johnson currently serves as the director of the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. Brian has previously served as the coordinator of youth ministry at the parishes of St. Cecilia and St. Gregory the Great in Baltimore. Over the years, he has been a national and international keynote speaker, workshop presenter, retreat master and revivalist. He facilitated World Youth Day Catechetical Sessions at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado (1993), was one of two representatives from the United States to participate in the International Youth Forum in Manila, Philippines (January 5-10, 1995), and was a keynote presenter for the National Black Catholic Congress in Baltimore (1997), and the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry in Pittsburgh (2004).

QUOTE TO NOTE: (describing adolescent discipleship) Young people are on fire for their faith, in love with their church, even in the midst of struggle, in the midst of controversies. They are centered, their faith is centered is being Christ-like to other, sharing their compassion, love, concern for the well-being and the faith-life of others. To be disciples, they are mimicking Christ. And in mimicking Christ, not only are they becoming disciples, but hopefully, like Christ, they are calling forth disciples.

OBSCURE FACTOID: One of my favorite Brian Johnson moments was when he took the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry stage in Pittsburgh, and, in song, word, and presentation encouraged the field.  It was wonderful to hear that it was a favorite moment for Brian as well.

BEHIND THE SCENES: A session at the NFCYM meeting in Little Rock had just broken up and Brian and I sat down in the midst of the crowd– therefore the background noise.

BLOG REFLECTION: can be read here for February 13th.