Wednesday, 30 July, 2008
EAGLE OF THE CROSS
In the Archdiocese of Baltimore, we have held onto the tradition of awarding the Eagle of the Cross award.  Last week (after our return from Sydney) Archbishop O’Brien awarded them to some truly great kids. See more here
HIGH-LI
I turned 50 in January.  I spent over 30 years in professional youth ministry. . . and, in all my life, I’ve gotten by without ever publicly singing or leading song.  In March, I did it for the first time because I was challenged to do it.  In April, I spontaneously did it a second time.  Here I High-LI, you can’t stop me from singing- doing it Sunday for the whole group, Monday for my track, and leading my track in song on Tuesday.  I think I am officially having my mid-life crisis (albeit, slightly delayed.)
WYD SEEN AND HEARD
SEEN ~ Bishops from around the world watch on. Photo: Alphonsus Fok
HEARD ~ During the Vigil overnight, seven young people offered witness talks, each related to a different gift of the Holy Spirit.  The text of the Pope’s prayers that followed each are below.  They each included a petition to the patrons of WYD 2008.
> Holy Spirit, give to us the gift of wisdom. Help us to see and judge all things in your light. Help us to know you in all things, and all things in you and because of you. Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, pray for us.
> Holy Spirit, pour into our hearts the gift of understanding. Help us to receive your truth in the depths of our hearts. Preserve us from looking upon divine truths with a purely natural vision. Help us to know you as we ourselves are known. Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.
> Holy Spirit, send us the gift of knowledge. Help us to judge all our joys, sufferings and situations in the light of our path to holiness. Help us to seek you in all things and to embrace you wherever you are present. Blessed Pier Giorgio, pray for us.
> Holy Spirit, give to us the gift of counsel. We desire to grow in holiness with each opportunity that we face. Help us to know how to grow in grace in the present moment. Give us such abundance of your counsel, that we cannot but share it with others. Saint Faustina, pray for us.
> Holy Spirit, open our hearts to the gift of courage. When we encounter the sufferings and challenges of life, help us to embrace them with your strength. Help us not to rely on our own abilities, but to submit ourselves to your care, so that we may persevere in the life of holiness. Blessed Peter Chanel, pray for us. Blessed Peter To Rot, pray for us.
> Holy Spirit, pour into our hearts the gift of piety. As you have made us children of our heavenly Father, help us to act with the knowledge of his love. Help us to love our neighbours as you love them, and to love the Father with a pure and joyful heart. Blessed Mary MacKillop, pray for us. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.
> Holy Spirit, give to us the gift of awe. Increase your loving presence in our hearts, so that we may desire above all to please you and to avoid all that offends you, who are all good and deserving of all of our love. Give us the strength to look upon you and follow you without fear. Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us.

Tuesday, 29 July, 2008
AUGUST NEW MONTH’S RESOLUTION
Check the posting below.  I need your help.
HIGH-LI
Check the posting below. Good, now you’re caught up.
WYD SEEN AND HEARD

SEEN ~ Our first catechetical session was held, ironically for the Marylanders, within walking distance of the Merrylands train station. Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle from the Diocese of Imus in the Philippines was the catechist and Baltimore delegation leader Mark Pacione was the "animator." 
HEARD ~ The Pope at the Vigil: The Spirit’s gifts working within us give direction and definition to our witness.  Directed to unity, the gifts of the Spirit bind us more closely to the whole Body of Christ (cf. Lumen Gentium, 11), equipping us better to build up the Church in order to serve the world (cf. Eph 4:13).  They call us to active and joyful participation in the life of the Church: in parishes and ecclesial movements, in religious education classes, in university chaplaincies and other catholic organizations.  Yes, the Church must grow in unity, must be strengthened in holiness, must be rejuvenated, must be constantly renewed (cf. Lumen Gentium, 4).  But according to whose standard?  The Holy Spirit’s!  Turn to him, dear young people, and you will find the true meaning of renewal. 

Monday, 28 July, 2008
AUGUST NEW MONTH’S RESOLUTION
Summer is a little bit of a down-time on website readership in youth ministry. Folks are out of the office with programming, camps, and something called vacations. Among the other things I’m tasked with this summer, I have resolved to take the blog up a notch by Labor Day.  There WILL be a long-awaited comment function by then.  I’ve stopped doing podcasts mostly because I’m bored with it:  Editing takes too long and the format has grown stale for me. Sooooo, let me ask. . .If you were renovating this site – - what improvement, changes would you make?  If you were reformatting podcasts, what questions would you ask?  Let me know.
HIGH-LI
Sorry for the late posting.  Made a semi-reasonable early night of it yesterday.  Kids have arrive and are fully into it. Lots of work.  four LCD’s set up.  Two rooms re-arranged.  Two presentations.  Twenty commuters configured to a printer. Open up computer room.  Run for cartridges for printer.  New kid dropped into group.  Review "base community" process with staff members and provide them prayer….  WHEW!

WYD SEEN AND HEARD
SEEN ~ We met at the large chess board in Hyde Park twice during our trip.  We played a game with human chess pieces – actually me only using pawns and a king vs. a kid with a full half the board.  I almost won! (click to enlarge)
HEARD ~ The Pope at the Vigil: Dear young people, we have seen that it is the Holy Spirit who brings about the wonderful communion of believers in Jesus Christ.  True to his nature as giver and gift alike, he is even now working through you.  Inspired by the insights of Saint Augustine: let unifying love be your measure; abiding love your challenge; self-giving love your mission!

Sunday, 27 July, 2008
BUT I’M WORTH IT
There’s some interesting new stats and numbers to check out in this year’s Group Magazine Annual Salary Survey. Download the report right here!
THE NEW "NEW EVANGELIZATION"
What a friend we have in cheeses. I hope these aren’t actually Mormon mice who would go up to just any hole in the wall.
HIGH-LI
Staff orientation was underway today.  I think I caught my second, third, eight wind somewhere late in the afternoon.
WYD SEEN AND HEARD
SEEN ~All the Baltimore pilgrims wore the Crossen cross, which is a part of both our state flag as well as our Archdiocesan seal.
HEARD ~ At the Admiralty House, the Pope explains:  Some might ask what motivates thousands of young people to undertake what is for many a long and demanding journey in order to participate in an event of this kind?  Ever since the first World Youth Day in 1986, it has been evident that vast numbers of young people appreciate the opportunity to come together to deepen their faith in Christ and to share with one another a joyful experience of communion in his Church.  They long to hear the word of God, and to learn more about their Christian faith.  They are eager to take part in an event which brings into focus the high ideals that inspire them, and they return home filled with hope and renewed in their resolve to contribute to the building of a better world.  For me it is a joy to be with them, to pray with them and to celebrate the Eucharist with them.  World Youth Day fills me with confidence for the future of the Church and the future of our world.

Saturday, 26 July, 2008
FONT MEETING
(Mike and Gene:  This one is for you – we are all geeky enough to think this is funny!)  I must still be very jet-lagged.  I laughed out loud over this one.  There is a similar piece on fonts here. Anyway, for the record, this site uses "Trebuchet MS in 9pt."  All that can be said, in conclusion, is, of course: Ql[$,.
HIGH-LI
Out of the fires of WYD and now into the frying pan of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s week-long High School Leadership Institute. We’ll be blogging along from there because I help to assure wireless connections yesterday.
WYD SEEN AND HEARD: WONDER AND AWE
SEEN ~ The Pope at WYD; who’da thunk that would happen?
   HEARD ~ The Pope, upon his arrival at Barangaroo: For some of us, it might seem like we have come to the end of the world!  For people of your age, however, any flight is an exciting prospect.  But for me, this one was somewhat daunting!  Yet the views afforded of our planet from the air were truly wondrous.  The sparkle of the Mediterranean, the grandeur of the north African desert, the lushness of Asia’s forestation, the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, the horizon upon which the sun rose and set, and the majestic splendour of Australia’s natural beauty which I have been able to enjoy these last couple of days; these all evoke a profound sense of awe.  It is as though one catches glimpses of the Genesis creation story – light and darkness, the sun and the moon, the waters, the earth, and living creatures; all of which are “good” in God’s eyes (cf. Gen 1:1 – 2:4).  Immersed in such beauty, who could not echo the words of the Psalmist in praise of the Creator: “how majestic is your name in all the earth?” (Ps 8:1). 
    And there is more – something hardly perceivable from the sky – men and women, made in nothing less than God’s own image and likeness (cf. Gen 1:26).  At the heart of the marvel of creation are you and I, the human family “crowned with glory and honour” (Ps 8:5).  How astounding!  With the Psalmist we whisper: “what is man that you are mindful of him?” (Ps 8:4).  And drawn into silence, into a spirit of thanksgiving, into the power of holiness, we ponder.

Friday, 25 July, 2008
WYD SEEN AND HEARD
</HTTP: www.youtube.com watch?v="U5v6jGXSLH4b">Now that it is all over, I’m going to review what I was I missed at WYD while at WYD, like most of the homilies.  I get them much better in print, so, I’m going back to re-read what I "heard."  Included will be pictures from one of our delegation’s adults- Today, here is the ArchBalt group meeting with our Archbishop and the diocesan school group who travelled separately.
WYD SEEN AND HEARD:  THE GOD OF SURPRISES
SEEN ~ The picture above is our delegation meeting with a delegation from one of our schools, three priests traveling separately, and our Archbishop. As always, click pics to enlarge.
   HEARD ~ Cardinal Pell at the Opening Mass for WYD: The call of the one true God remains mysterious, especially today when many good people find it hard to believe. Even in the time of the prophets many of their hearers remained spiritually deaf and blind, while any number over the ages have admired the beauty of Jesus’ teaching, but never been moved to answer his call.

    Our task is to be open to the power of the Spirit, to allow the God of surprises to act through us. Human motivation is complex and mysterious, because sometimes very strong Catholics, and other strong Christians, can be prayerful and regularly good, but also very determined not to take even one further step. On the other hand, some followers of Christ can be much less zealous and faithful, but open to development, to change for the better because they realize their unworthiness and their ignorance. Where do you stand?

    Whatever our situation we must pray for an openness of heart, for a willingness to take the next step, even if we are fearful of venturing too much further. If we take God’s hand, He will do the rest. Trust is the key. God will not fail us

Thursday, 24 July, 2008
AVOIDING BURNOUT
So, first day back into the office: An Eagle of the Cross reception scheduled with the Archbishop and young people, a meeting with IT folks scheduled while I was away, a newsletter to kick out, and a week-long leadership camp starting in 48 hours.  So, perhaps this would be a good time to check out Life Teen’s  article on avoiding burn out.

Wednesday, 23 July, 2008

UNPACKING AT HOME
Sorry for the disconnect.  Been in a plane for the last two days. So, we have reformatted all the entries below.  Basically, this web-site was used as a platform for the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s own efforts at blogging the trip.  See that effort here.
   The Catholic Review made WYD the cover story of this week’s edition.  See pages 14, 15, and 16 here to learn more about the ArchBalt group as well as local celebrations. Father Austin Murphy spoke at one of the local events and his presentation can be found here.
   Of course, the Vatican has all the addresses here.  Also, the whole missal of the visit has been posted here. Of special note to those preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation were the Holy Father’s seven prayers to the Holy Spirit.  Each were related to the gifts of the Spirit and followed young people’s witness presentations of their faith. At the end of each prayer, the holy Father invokes the patrons of World Youth Day.  These prayers can be found on pages 113-119 of the missal.

Monday, 21 July, 2008
ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL
Andrew from St. Ann’s: Today we went to the Aboriginal Cultural Center. Technically the WYD activities are over, but we still went and had a good time. The first half of the talk we had was all about the history and culture of the Aborigines. Did you know that there were hundreds of tribes and languages throughout Australia? The talk was very cool and very informative.        
   After the main part of the talk, we learned about the weapons of the Aborigines. It was mostly different types of boomerangs (go figure) but it was all really cool. After that a handful of us tried the face and body paint they typically use, and then heard some mad didgeridoo playing. Later on, we also got to throw a boomerang. I failed miserably, but a few of us actually did really well. I blame the wind for my failure. All in all, the cultural center was really fun.
    Later that evening, we went for dinner at a nice Italian restaurant with the archbishop. At first, I was expecting to order from a menu, but surprisingly they just served a large selection of food to all of us as a group. The food was very good, and so was the desert. Real Italian food is a real treat. Anyway, I guess that’s it. I’m going to miss this WYD week, but I still can’t wait to get home.  
    Amy from St. Louis: Today was our last day in Sydney. It’s sad, but at the same time, everyone is excited to get home. After waking up to a hearty hotel breakfast, we met up with Sue in the lobby (we missed her this weekend!) for an hour long bus ride to an aboriginal village.
    At the village, a young man named Ramb showed us all sorts of aboriginal weapons and hunting tools, including boomerangs, and showed us a map of all the aboriginal tribes in Australia. There are over 500 tribes and 700 languages and dialects. After we learned about the boomerangs, we got a chance to throw one- some of us better than others! We replenished our energy with a meal that included kangaroo and emu sausages (both actually tasted very good). We finished the trip with a final visit to the gift shop.
    In the afternoon, we divided into parish groups and did different things. Many visited the beautiful cathedral and then hit the streets of Sydney for a little gift shopping for those back home.
Finally, we ended the day with a delicious meal at an Italian restaurant with the Archbishop. The food was fantastic and it was great to have one last meal with everyone together especially with our special guests Steve Angrisano and his son and Archbishop Edwin O’Brien.

STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: PUERTO RICO
> > Last year, we could find no links for the dioceses of Arecibo, Caguas, Mayaguez, Ponce, and the Archdiocese of San Juan.  This year, we found four.

Sunday, 20 July, 2008
ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL
At the end of Sunday, Archbishop O’Brien met with the pilgrims and discussed the implications of World Youth Day with them.
Catholic Review article here

Anne Marie from Holy Trinity:  This morning I woke up to a chilly sunrise at Randwick field.  I fell asleep last night to the sounds of Scythian, an Irish band, playing after the vigil prayer service with the Pope.  Now is the main event of World Youth Day, the papal mass.  People from all over the world, nearly 500,000 strong will be in attendance as the Pope presides over this Mass.
   He had many great things to say to us, but one point primarily sticks in my mind is that God made a “marriage proposal” to the human race and Mary accepted that proposal with her “yes” to accept the Holy Spirit in her world.  (The pope said this in his introduction to the Angelus at the conclusion of Mass).  Mary received power when the Holy Spirit came upon her and she was a witness to the Lord.  If Mary had rejected God’s invitation, the world would not be as we know it today.
   The message I took from this is that we all must follow Mary’s example and say yes to the Lord.  We will receive power to do whatever the Lord asks of us and will be stronger once we have done so.
Mollie from Holy Trinity: Today after a restless night’s sleep, I awoke to the voices of pilgrims, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Pope Benedict.  Together, we ate breakfast and had morning prayer at 8am.  Eating breakfast and praying both sound like every day occurrences, but today, among hundreds of thousands of people, eating breakfast and praying were truly remarkable experiences.  I was reminded numerous times throughout the day of our connectedness as a people on a journey of faith.
   During a little bit of downtime between morning prayer and mass, I was able to spend time with some pilgrims around the worked. I traded my jacket with a man from Italy for a blue hat and I traded some pins for more pins.  I talked to a lady originally from the Philippines who is currently living in Australia.  She and I talked for a good fifteen minutes and after Mass, she gave me a bracelet that she had been wearing along with a big hug and some kind porting words.  In that moment I felt a deep sense of unity, just as I did during the Mass.
   Hundreds of thousands sang and prayed together.  The readings and other parts of the mass were said in different languages and some of the songs were sung in Latin.  It was during Mass that I realized more than ever how connected we, as Catholics, are because of our beliefs.  Our cultures do not divide us because we have something far greater that unites us – God.  I walked away from Randwick with an Italian hat, a bracelet, and a more concrete understanding of what it means to be a Catholic family.

Saturday, 19 July, 2008
ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL
Cody from St. Ann:  Today was not as difficult as I had anticipated.  It was still a long hard day.  But, more importantly, today was a day of heart.
    A long grueling walk. . . no real food . . . and flaring tempers.  These were some of the things which I was concerned I might expect along the way.  As you may know, today was the actual pilgrimage of World Youth Day.
   We started out at the USA Mass held at the park.  It was a great beginning.  Everyone was excited to worship early in the morning.  We left for the pilgrimage walk – - it was much shorted than I had anticipated.  About 4 or 5 kilometers and it only took about 2 hours.  Along the way was where I first witnessed heart -  the heart to continue on, the heart of everyone around you, all so caring and loving.  Most apparent was the heart and presence of Christ in the atmosphere.  Just the feeling was amazing – - songs praising Jesus, chants and the unification of cultures.  We are all one Church. We are signs that God is truly with us.
   The other sign of heart was after we had arrived an made camp.  It was time for the vigil with the Pope.  All you could see was hundreds of thousands of candles- all representing one Church.  To see the heart  of the Church unified in prayer with the Holy Father was simply breathtaking.  All of this as well as the joy foud inside my own heart made today a highlight and one to be remembered.
Megan from St. Louis: A long hike, a huge backpack, singing, dancing, trading stuff.  What’s that sound like to you?  It sounds like a pilgrimage to me.
    It began with waking up early and loading up on some carbs and eggs, and for some if us, baked beans and spaghetti, for breakfast.  Then we piled our heavy backpacks on our backs and made our way to the Domain for the United States mass celebrated with about 5 bishops fro around America.  It was fun celebrating with the USA delegation and singing with our wonderful musicians.
   Then, after a brief snack/ water break, we began the grueling hike to Randwick Racecourse where we would be sleeping the night.  The hike was preety hard starting out, trying to get all of us from the Baltimore delegation to stay together.  It was pretty sunny and hot and we felt a burning in our calves going up the steep roads to get there. Tired as we were, we pushed on, encouraging one another, and making sure we all drank water as we walked.  It was really nice to hear people singing and it was fun talking to one another.  I found strength during the hike by listening to father Gus break out into a song about carrying our loads and walking in the name of the Lord.
    Today, I learned that no matter how hard something is, you can find strength in others. I felt this strength in others around me and I hope I continue to feel this as we conclude this wonderful experience of World Youth Day.
STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: WASHINGTON, DC
> > In our nation’s capital home diocese, they offer a set of resources for coaches.
> > Meanwhile, Mark Moitoza’s Archdiocese of Military Services, USA webpage is still the model website for one and all!

Friday, 18 July, 2008
ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL
Jay from the Cathedral: Today was our second day of catechesis in Manley.  Although we did not get any beach time, today’s presentation from Austrialian Bishop Toomey made up for it.  Personally, he was my favorite.  The Bishop spoke mainly about science and religion.  The bishop said  we use science to understand God’s creation more and we should be afraid of what we will find.  As a skeptic of creationism and “the seven days” his speech showed me I could believe in God’s creation while learning about the world.  His final message stuck in my head: “You were created and chosen by God to be who you are, and in his plan you are part of the salvation of the human race.”  
   After Manley, we headed to the pray the Stations of the Cross at Barangaroo.  It was a large performance and memorable. 
   In the evening, we saw Steve Angrisano and Jesse Manibusen at the Domain.

Gillian from St. Joe’s: It’s hard to believe that it is already Friday and that we are approaching the climax events of World Youth Day. It has been amazing traveling through Sydney and seeing so many people on fire for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit has blessed me with the chance to talk to many people and it is both humbling and encouraging to know that all 46 or so of us from Baltimore are among 500,000 other people who have come above all, seeking Jesus Christ. Our main event today was the Stations of the Cross. The first station was at St. Mary’s Cathedral and those portraying Our Lord’s Passion moved through the streets of Sydney to Darling Harbour and the Opera House before arriving at Barangaroo for the Crucifixion. The  music and the prayer and the portrayal were all beautiful powerful reminders of how much Jesus loves the world. What was even more striking was again the relaxation that, thanks to Jumbotrons various sites, the entire city was praying the Stations of the Cross.
  Another highlight of World Youth Day for me was the Catechesis talks we had Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.  I enjoyed each bishop’s talk on the Holy Spirit; Friday’s theme was mission and evangelization, and our bishop Tom Burns of the UK’s military diocese, encouraged us throughout his talk to be faithful witnesses to the Gospel and spoke about how to be Christ’s witnesses without telling us directly how to be witnesses.  I was especially moved by Bishop Burns’ call to make church whoever we are, even in unusual circumstances. In his career as a naval chaplain, he realized this was his call because he was often the light of Christ on the vessel and sometime had to celebrate the mass on missiles and torpedoes. The bishop reminded us that wherever we go, we are part of the Body of Christ and must therefore bring and build the Church and the Kingdom of God to and in our world. This idea of being a living, breathing, fully alive witness for Christ was beautifully illustrated for me this evening when I stopped at a pharmacy to buy more film for my camera. As I was putting my change away, the teenager was working behind the counter asked how World Youth Day was going. In the brief conversation Cheryl, Georgina and I had with him, it was pretty clear that he just didn’t understand why all of us pilgrims cam to Sydney but was impressed anyway that we made our journey.  To me, this young man represents all the people in the world. The world might not understand, what we do but it is still watching us as we continue on our earthly pilgrimage.  The question becomes: what are we showing them? Are we, by our presence, truly living witnesses?
   As Friday closes we are looking forward to our pilgrimage walk to Randewick Racecourse for our overnight vigil and mass with the Holy Father.  Our day will start with mass with the 50 United States Bishops and the other American pilgrims who have come to Sydney. 6 of us will be altar servers for this liturgy, and I will be one of three sacristans.  The weather looks good for tomorrow and we are excited for a prayerful and joyous start to the final part of our World Youth Day Pilgrimage.
STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: WYOMING
> > Elaine Menardi, director for Cheyenne, writes about WYD for
SPARK magazine and quotes Father Richard Rohr, OFM, who tells us that “a pilgrim must be a child who can approach everything with an attitude of wonder, awe and faith. Pray for wonder, awe, desire. Ask God to take away your sophistication and cynicism. Ask God to take away the restless, anxious heart of the tourist, which always needs to find the new, the more, the curious. Recognize yourself as a pilgrim, asone who has already been found by God… We go on pilgrimage so we can go back home and know that we never need to go on pilgrimage again. Pilgrimage has achieved its purpose when we can see God in our everyday and ordinary lives.”  All good thoughts before tomorrow’s hike to the WYD vigil site.

Thursday, 17 July, 2008
ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL
Sean from St. Ann’s: Today we went to Manly for our second catechetical session which was led by Bishop Conroy from England.  The session was about the way we are community as Church.  After the session, we briefly explored Manly.  As we took the harbor ferry back to Sydney, we were stopped in the middle of the bay was the Pope’s boat arrival had stopped all water traffic.  We could see the Pope’s boat from a distance.
    We did find a spot to see the Popemobile as it went through the city. It was really cool to see him only 10-15 feet away as he passed by.
    In the evening, we went to see singer Matt Maher.  Adoration was also a part of this night’s program and it was really a moving experience.
Alison from Mount Saint Mary Thursday began with another exciting morning of catechesis.  This time our catechetical session was in a beach town called Manley and Scott led it.  Suz, our tour guide, met us for breakfast and took us to the ferry to go to Manley.  The ferry rise was very nice and we were able to see the Opera House and the bridge from the water. The church was so beautiful, but it also had a few flat screen TVs which was odd to see in such a conservative style church.  Our musician, Curtis Stephan was great! (Check him out!)  I feel like the whole dynamic of this catechetical session was completely different from the previous day.  I think it was a combination of Curtis and the group of pilgrims that were there, but the Spirit and the energy in that Church were amazing!  My favorite part was at the end of Mass the people of Paupa New Guinea got up and sang a song that I believe was specifically written for their WYD journey.  Mark later asked us about our main WYD moment and memory so far and that was definitely it for me.
     After catechesis, we got the chance for some souvenir shopping and walking the beach in Manley.  (It was much cheaper than Sydney!)  As I walked down the beach and stuck my toes in the freezing water, I had to keep reminding myself that I was actually in Australia, on Australian sand, in Australian water.  It’s still just so hard to believe that I’m finally here.
     We had to get the ferry back for the Pope’s arrival in the afternoon, but we had an unexpected surprise.  Our ferry had to stop for a while because the Pope’s vessel was still on the water.  So even though it was not as we expected to see him arrive, it was very cool and a different experience than most people had. We could see his boat off in the distance preceded by a fire-boat spraying water in front of it and many security boats around it,  And we entertained ourselves with cards, music, juggling while we were waiting.
    When we arrived back at Circular Quay (pronounced “key,” how weird) Suz took some of us to see an Opel shop.  They showed us a video and based taught us all about opals, black and white opals, how they were mined, etc.  So that was very interesting and educational, and we did some opal shopping while we were there too.
     Then Melissa and I found a spot along the route that the Pope would take through the city.  We were probably about 10 to 15 people back, because some people had been staking out their spot for hours.  I’m glad that we didn’t stand there long because when the Pope did come by, he was going so fast that you hardly got a chance to see him.  You guys at home probably got a better view of him on TV.  I was expecting him to be inching along waving at us, the way he did when he rode around Nationals Stadium on his visit to the US a few months ago.   So, I was a little disappointed. I did get a video of him, though, which was a much better decision than to try and take a picture.
     The rest of the night held more festival activities around town.  Melissa, Caitlin, and I had a great time at Darling Harbour.  Well that’s it.  Thanks for reading.  PS., I live you Mom and Dad!
STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: WISCONSIN
> > This summer found Green Bay sponsoring a mission trip for high school students to Floyd County, KY.
> > Monthly Adoration is available at the diocesan center in Lacrosse. Oh, Eucharistic Adoration! Wow, I was just about ready to move!
> > Fr. Thomas Loya will be here giving a confirmation retreat in Madison centered around Theology of the Body. 
> > Milwaukee has a watch here announcement on their site.
> > Superior remind us that the bishops of the Wisconsin province proclaimed that “A parish’s catechetical ministry lies at the very heart of its mission. The mission of the parish is the mission of Christ: to form a people for God, to make disciples of all nations, to establish peace and justice among all peoples.”

Wednesday, 16 July, 2008
ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL
Sean from St. Ann’s:  Today we had our first catechetical session, led by Luis Antonio, a bishop from the Philippians.  He was entertaining and the rally connected with the youth.  His words about the Holy Spirit and putting Christ first were powerful and very thought-provoking.  The bishop reminded us that we must reflect the humility of the Holy Spirit and be Christ-like as a light to the world.
    At today’s Mass at Holy Trinity Church, there will pilgrims from all over, including the Phillipeans, Canada, Australia, and Missouri. What I found fascinating was that as we sang the opening song, “Lord, I lift your name on High,” everyone sang together but had different hand motions.  This is very much like the way we celebrate Mass.  We have different ways of praise and worship, but we all focused on the Eucharist and have the same order of Mass.
    Later, this evening, after we had split up into smaller groups by parish, the St. Louis group returned to beautiful Bondi beach for a terrific concert.  Once again, there were people from all over, uniting to glorify the Lord.  We were fortunate enough to see Matt Maher perform with his band, and their music really inspired the crowd and seemed to unleash more of the World Youth Day spirit.  All in all, this day, inspirited by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, was filled with some fabulous faith and fantastic fun.
Theresa from St. Ann:  Today was an early day, but it was worth waking up.  We went to Merrylands which is about a 50 minute train rise from Sydney. There we waited for our first catechetical session with other parishes from across the world.  While waiting about ten of us approached a Brazilian parish and taught them the “shakey-shakey” dance; everyone joined in and it was amazing.  Laughter was our common communication from then on.
   Finally, we entered Holy Trinity Church and met a wonderfully spiritual bishop.  He was Bishop Luis Antonio from the Philippians and he had a welcoming smile that warmed the whole church. He gave us a talk about the Holy Spirit in our lives and then we rolled right into Mass.  Both the talk and the mass were moving experiences for everyone.  Lunch followed Mass which brought more cross-cultural bonding.  Many of us gathered in a large sit down circle to play “wallaby, wallaby, kangaroo;” similar to the US version of “duck, duck, goose.”  People were running, laughing, sharing, and simply bonding together for a fun time.
   We then had a short Archdiocesan delegation meeting, and then were on our way back to Sydney for more spiritual sessions.  We decided to go see Jesse Manibusen and hear him sing and talk.  Jesse played his guitar and opened his session with songs about the Holy Spirit as well as some of his popular favorites. He is like a singer/song-writer/comedian/religious speaker all wrapped up in one.  I personally liked his session because there was a calm point in his presentation which really gave me the opportunity to focus on the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s role in my life. This time showed me that the Holy Spirit really works through my Mom.  She gives me strength at my weakest moments, and she pours out her love for me each and every day, just as Christ does for all of us.  Later, Jesse sang a “Happy Birthday” to our youth minister, Karen, for her “23^rd (again)” birthday.  Everything at this session was amazing.
   As the evening was coming to a close, we all made our way back down to Darling Harbour for last minister concerts and sessions.  However, we were so tired after dinner, we decided to make our way back to the hotel for a good night’s rest.

STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: WEST VIRGINIA
> > The work of Wheeling-Charleston, like many diocesan offices includes youth ministry, young adut ministry, and college campus ministry.

Tuesday,  15 July, 2008
ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL
David from St. Ann’s: World Youth Day in Sydney, Austria has officially begun!
    This morning I got up still feeling a little tired having not adjusted yet to the time zone.  However, I was able to fill up on a full breakfast of eggs and spaghetti (apparently part of a true Australian breakfast.)  Then we met for an Archdiocesan delegation meeting.  There I had the opportunity with our delegation the story of Saint Faustina (a WYD ’08 patron) and my grandfather’s great devotion to Divine Mercy as he died of cancer and the great comfort it brought him.  Then, we sang the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song together which seemed to touch everyone.
       Next our delegation from St. Ann’s took one of the city trains to the ferry docks.  There we boarded a ferry that took us across the harbor to Taronga Zoo.  At the zoo, we saw kangaroos, koala, dingoes, and a lot more.  The coolest was from anywhere in the zoo you had a spectacular view of the harbor.
After meeting us with the rest of the Archdiocese, we headed for a place called Barangaroo for the opening mass.  As we walked and I could see the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims standing and waving flags, I felt chills go through my body.  It struck me like a ton of bricks, how UNIVERSAL our church is and that people throughout the world love Jesus Christ and our Catholic faith as much as I do.
       Now as I sit watching the WYD fireworks display over the harbor, I thank God for this day and the opportunity to attend WYD ’08.
Alexandria for St. Louis: Well, another amazing day in Australia has come to an end.  It’s hard to believe how many people we’ve met, songs we’ve sung, and languages we’ve heard just today.  We began out day with prayer like any good pilgrims.  Saint Ann’s led us in singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet – pretty powerful. Then the kids from St. Louis got us mingling with a fun little ice-breaker.  The group is starting to really bond as time goes on and the different parishes have a chance to get to know each other.  Our first delegation meeting included a review of schedules, meal plans, and the resources that come in our very bright World Youth Day backpacks. 
      Because the catechetical sessions don’t start until tomorrow, we had some free time for the rest of the morning into the afternoon.  Many of us chose to take a ferry over to the zoo.  We saw koalas, emus, and kangaroos – some of the group even got to pet one.
     When we got back, the whole group reconvened and embarked on a little walk through Sydney to the Opening Mass.  As we got closer to Barangaroo where it was being held, we saw more and more pilgrims.  We made friends with a group from Australia and also met up with about forty Sisters for Life. The Mass itself was indescribable.  There were flags from every country imaginable as far as the eye could see.  Australia’s own Cardinal presided, and the Aboriginal people played a role in various parts of the liturgy.  It was truly unlike anything I have ever witnessed before.
    All in all, I’d say it was a pretty good day in the life of a pilgrim.

STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: WASHINGTON
> > The OYYAM is an extension of the ministry of Archbishop Alex Brunett tailored to work with, challenge, and positively impact the youth and young adult communities of the Archdiocese of Seattle.
> > A great staff pic at some Yakima event is part of their page.

Monday, 14 July, 2008
ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL:
WE ARE IN SYDNEY
After very long travel, we are here. Here is a group picture (as with all pictures, click to enlarge.)

     Chelsea from St. Louis: Today is Monday, July 14th and it is around 7pm, but since we got here this morning and it is technically 3:00am back home in Maryland. . .  I’m a little confused right now.
     Anyway, right now we are at the Top of Sydney in the Sydney Tower Restaurant.  It is amazing.  The tower actually rotates so we can see the whole city while we eat our dinner. 
    Today arrived after a very eventful 2 days on the plan.  It wasn’t as bad as I thought.  Once we arrived in the Sydney airport, our whole group had to put our luggage against the wall so a search dog could come and sniff out anything illegal. The dog was adorable, by the way.  Once we stepped outside it was a little chilly but refreshing.  Our entire 46 person group got onto our coach bus and we began our tour of Sydney.  The city is amazing! It is so clean and tidy and pretty.  One of my favorite sites is the Opera House.  It was a lot bigger than I had imagined. 
    Then we went to Bondi Beach.  By the time we arrived, the sky had completely cleared. It was gorgeous.  It looked like an island because the beach was surrounded by houses on hills.  After I ate my fish and chips and was attacked by sea gulls, we went in the water a little to take pictures.  We tried to stay dry, but, of course, that didn’t work.  I got drenched but it was worth it.  Then we got back on the bus and checked into our hotel.  We finally got to shower and now we are having dinner in the tower.
    I really hope to see a kangaroo while I’m here but I just ate a piece of one so I guess that will work for now.  After this, I don’t know what we are doing, but I do know that we are all pretty exhausted.  I, along with the rest of my group, am so excited for the rest of the week ahead.  I really hope to learn more about my faith, grow as a person, and be inspired by the excitement of so many teens around me.  I am grateful to be here and I can’t wait for the week to get going!
        Huberto from St. Clements: "Today" for me started at 03:40 on Saturday the 12th, so when they asked me for a reflection, I had to think a moment.  Now, it is Monday, July 14th and quite a few things have happened in that time, especially as we missed Sunday flying over the International Date Line.  Beside spending around 20 hours flyer, we managed to do a little touring in Los Angeles and did see some of Sydney.
        Something of a glimpse of World Youth Day happened at LAX.  While we were waiting for our flight to New Zealand, another group of WYD pilgrims from Mexico began to sing.
     They were singing in Spanish, so I joined some of our group as we went over to join them.  After one song, they began to sing the WYD theme song and we all joined in on the portions of the song that we know in our own languages. It created a feeling of community of awe, seeing these people with the same goals as us: To encounter God. 
   Sydney seems quite beautiful, even more so seeing all those signs welcoming the pilgrims and having that feeling that "We’re here!"  We are here, ready to find what god has for us.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL:
GREETINGS FROM LA
Very early on Saturday morning, we lifted off on our pilgrimage to World Youth Day.  After a transfer in Atlanta, we arrived after many hour of travel in Los Angeles and discovered it was still morning locally.
   We exited LAX and took a quick tour around the “City of Angels.”  We stopped to see the Walt Disney Concert Hall, quite an impressive piece of architectural than many of the young people recognized  from the recent movie “Get Smart.”  We went to Olvera Street, which was identified as the birthplace of Los Angeles.  There were many Mexican restraints there and so we grabbed lunch.
     We celebrated mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, also a unique piece of architecture.  Each participant received a pilgrim’s necklace featuring the Crossen cross, which is a prominent part of our archdiocesan seal.
     We made a brief stop in Hollywood and then we returned to LAX for our flight to New Zealand.  Because of the length of our twelve hour flight to New Zealand and the International Date Land, we all anticipate completely sleeping through Sunday!
Megan from St. Veronica: Saturday, July 12 was an eventful day.  My Saturday morning began at 4am at BWi airport.  The airport was quite empty when I got there but I still could feel the excitement the air. The moment that I had been counting down for weeks had finally arrived, and I could tell that the other pilgrims felt the same way.  It was no longer a mere thought or dream.  It was real!
                Check-in went smoothly.  My baggage wasn’t overweight and I proceeded the security checks with ease.  But, all the excitement must have made me extremely tired, because I don’t recall the take-off from BWI or from our transfer point in Atlanta.  I did manage to stay awake long enough to become friends with Sean A, Whom I’ve nicknamed my travelling partner as we sat next to each other on all the flights.
                After a long morning in flight, I got to “restart” my morning in Los Angeles, where our group spent most of the twelve hour layover in touring the city.  We visited the “birthplace” of LA which had a marketplace rich in Mexican  culture.  While there, Father Augustine, Raynard, and I enjoyed a delicious authentic Mexican meal. (Taco Bell has nothing on this place.)  I also had an opportunity to see a Native American dance troupe perform in the courtyard.  Next, there was Mass at the Cathedral.  The size and the beauty of the building, with its lavish architecture and gorgeous artwork and stained glass, were enough to humble any person.  If that wasn’t enough, the homily delivered was.  The message was simple, yet powerful in its relevance: “Prepare yourself for God’s work.”  So much so, I find myself after a fun-filled day of site-seeing, including a visit to Hollywood and the amazing Walt Disney Concert Hall, sitting on a plane thinking of how I can open my mind and heart to the wonderful life-changing experience ahead.  Overall, I must remember that.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL:
PRE-TRIP
As we started our pilgrimage trip, we asked three participants to report upon their expectations.
Sean from St. Pius: I hope to discern a more diverse side of the church. As opposed to my own experience at Saint Pius, I would like to meet people from different countries and cultures.
      In addition, I am really excited to see how different cultures celebrate our mutual beliefs and traditions.  Just the concept of being in a place surrounded by thousands of others people from different cultures that share the same beliefs that I do is amazing.
     I really hope to come home with a great sense of unity with the rest of the Church, not to mention having a good time meeting new friends “down under.” I can’t wait to land in Sydney and I want to thank everyone who is supporting and praying for us.
Kaitlyn from St. Ann’s:  For this experience of World Youth Day, I hope to receive a sense of unity with all the other Catholics in the world.  Yes, I have many Catholic and Christian friends at home and school, but this sense of unity will be worldwide and will enable me to observe difference traditions and cultures.
     From observing these cultures < I pray that I will receive the gift of piety from the Holy Spirit.  This will enable me to be respectful to everyone around me.
     I intend to uphold this respect for others and the Lord even after this pilgrimage.  The Lord deserves the upmost respect from everyone, including e.  Along with respect from the Lord comes love.  I hope I will be able to deepen my love for the Lord since the Lord loves me and invites me to love in return.  I hope that this experience will enable me to love my fellow pilgrimage this week.  Yet, this love should not end on the plane ride hope.  This love should never end.  I hope that I will show love to everyone I see and that everyone will see the love of Christ through me in all I do.
Katie from St. Mark’s:  For World Youth Day 2008, I am looking forward to meeting people from all over the world who share my faith.  I think it is fascinating that we can come together and worship the Lord.
      I am also looking forward to attending Mass with the Pope.  I was too young to see Pope John Paul II when he came to Baltimore.  I can not wait to meet Pope Benedict XVI. It is an amazing opportunity.
      I am also looking forward to the Vigil and sleeping index the stars.  I have never done that before so it will be a first for me.  I also have never been to California or Australia or taken a long plane flight so throughout this pilgrimage I will be gaining many new experiences,

STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: VIRGINIA
> > When visiting Arlington, do check out the staff bios of Jim Bacigalupi and Paul Bevins who coordinate a very large summer work-camp effort.
> > Gotta say, I am kinda digging the simplicity of the star-cross-person logo that  Richmond uses.

Saturday, 12 July, 2008

EMPTY AND BEAUTIFUL
Early this morning, we hit the skies and head off the Sydney.  We have a long lay-over day in LA and will trip outside the airport for that and then over the pacific ocean and international date line.  Hoping to make internet connection to blog the WYD experience and hope to post something up Monday evening (AUS time),  Meanwhile, let’s leave a prayer and thought in all our hearts.  Matt Maher’s song "Empty and Beautiful" is both a prayer regarding Saint Paul as well as the proper disposition of one on a pilgrimage – which we all are. . . to Sydney, to our own local WYD celebrations, and throughout our lives.
ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL
Here‘s a report that appeared in the Catholic Review about our delegation on Wednesday.
STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: VERMONT
> > Youth Congress for Burlington will occur the first weekend in August.

Friday, 11 July, 2008

COMMUNION: CODA
(This is a follow-up to yesterday’s postings.)
   The musical episode of Scrubs starts out like this: a patient has a brain aneurism and hears everything like she is in a musical. In the end, a risky operation is required.  She starts with the very same concerns as yesterday’s Rent group.
    "Communion" is found in the response of the doctors who make a commitment that "You’re gonna be ok, that’s what’s gonna happen."  It’s not that you will be better or fixed (although that is intended), but that you’ll be ok because of the promise that "right here beside you, we won’t let you slip away, (you can) plan for tomorrow."
    This is not a polly-anna commitment, but a deep declaration that we must make as church to each other.  In Youth Ministry 3.0, Marko explains this communion relationship with these markers (and in parenthesis, I’ve added my own take.)
  * Small (as in you and me and those surrounding this hospital bed)
  * Slow (we can afford to be patient, we know healing takes time and effort),
  * Simple (as looking you in the eyes and promising our selves to each other)
  * Fluid (plan for tomorrow, conditions might change but the meaning of why we are together will only deepen)
  * Present (right here beside you and that is where we’ll stay . . . In this clip from Shall We Dance, Susan Sarandon describes that as being "witnesses.")
  * Jesus-y (For us, as Catholics, this is living out our understanding of Eucharist.)
    In his book, Marko will describe YM 3.0 as involving communion and being missional.  Recently, there was a conference on lay ministry held in Rome.  The theme was: "Collaborators in the Lord’s Vineyard: Called to Communion, Called to Mission"
     Friends, we "get" the future of youth ministry . . .  living it out . . now, that’s totally a different matter!

STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: UTAH
> > Salt Lake City‘s Annual Family Scout Camp Out will be held at Tanner Flats in Little Cottonwood Canyon, August 8-10, 2008. There will be Mass in the mountains, fun activities, and many "yummy" meals.

Thursday, 10 July, 2008
ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
(All right, at the complete risk of being perceived as self-serving, here’s a story ~)
   Recently, Marko, dropped word of the acknowledgements that he was placing in his next book.  Part of it reads like this: ‘When I was incubating these ideas for a general session talk at the National Youth Workers Convention in the fall of 2007, I posted some questions on my blog. A handful of youth workers were especially helpful in helping me with words to describe what I was thinking about Youth Ministry 3.0. Particular thanks go to D. Scott Miller, Adam Lehman, Len Evans, Gordon Weir, Tammy Klassen, Bob Carlton, Tash McGill, Mark Riddle, Robin Dugall, Daniel So, etc., etc. 
    This has not been an uncommon practice of Marko’s. . . Our local LifeTeen’ers came back from the June LifeTeen Training Convention noting that he had called me out by name related to his sensibility of the role of "communion" in the future of youth ministry. OK, fair enough, play the Catholic card in front of the Catholic folk, but he did the same recently in a sermon at the Journey Community Church in La Mesa, CA (podcast here; name drop occurs after the 24:00 minute mark.)  Marko has been consistent in his acknowledgment.
    How cool is that? 
    Anyway, here’s my life lessons learned through this:  1) I am humbled by Marko’s generosity of gratitude as well as challenged to maintain that attitude in my own life;  2) I am compelled to continue to contribute to the conversations regarding our future ministry with young people (so, that blog ain’t going away anytime soon); and 3) I must find ways to celebrate the blessings and contributions that so very many others provide that nurture and sustain my ministry.
     If you would like to review some of Marko’s thoughts as well as my own, check out the April 2008 series on Youth Ministry Next.  Meanwhile, there is still more immediately following. . .

COMMUNION: PRELUDE

  Marko starts his presentation by re-telling the fairy tale of the Ugly Duckling. When I speak of the stuff of young people’s need for affinity and the role of "communion" in our future, I start with this clip from Rent. This almost Taize-like rendition of Will I evokes each person’s deepest fears or disconnects: loss of worth, loneliness, that it just may never get better.  We who live with faith and hope and love are haunted by this in others. . . and as we will see (tomorrow) have something more to say.

STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: TEXAS
> > Brownsville offers a sample youth ministry structure
> > A pilgrimage to Mount Christo Rey is an annual offering of El  Paso
> > Regarding World Youth Day, Laredo reminds us, the purpose is threefold: 1) Putting Trust in the Young; 2) Gathering Together; and 3) Meeting the International World on a Human Level.
> > San Angelo still does not have a youth ministry page, but their bishop made news when he confirmed young pepple in El Dorado where Texas had seized many young people from a Mormon cult compound.
> > There are a wide variety of options  by which you can donate and contribute to the efforts of the San Antonio offices.

Wednesday, 9 July, 2008
PAPAL KEEPSAKES
Catholic pilgrims and the public will be able to, of course, buy papal mementos after Sydney’s archbishop gave his blessing to indulging in "a little commercialism." Shoppers will be able to buy World Youth Day (WYD) souvenirs such as special WYD rosary beads, Pope Benedict XVI baseball caps, rugby jerseys and even teaspoons featuring a photograph of the pontiff. Read more here.
BLOGGING FROM SYDNEY
We are going to do our best to blog from Sydney.  Seemingly, so is a slate of folks from Catholic News Service.
STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: TEXAS
> > Amarillo has an ACTS program starting up tomorrow.
   > > Arthur David Canalas, director of the OYM in Austin, wrote an article on The 10 year anniversary of Renewing the Vision for the May 2007 edition of the New Theology Review.
> > Dallas is in the middle of YouthLeader this week.
> > Really love all the logo-ed buttons on the Fort Worth site.
   > > Unsure if Lubbock has actually had much updating.

Tuesday, 8 July, 2008
WORLD YOUTH DAY
Reports indicate that some 15,000 youth from the United States and 50 of their bishops are headed Down Under for this month’s World Youth Day. According to U.S. organizers, this will be the largest delegation representing any country outside of Australia. With a little wireless luck and God’s blessing, I should be blogging from there!
WORLD YOUTH DAY ANIMATION
As with Rome and Cologne, I have been fortunate enough to be assigned the role of animator for two catechetical sessions while in Australia.   On Thursday and Friday of next week, you can find both Curtis Stephan (right) and I hanging out mornings at Mary Immaculate and Saint Athanasius in Manly of the Broken Bay diocese.  Thursday, we will be assisting the Rt. Revd. Kieran Conry, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton of the United Kingdom (pictured on the left) and, Friday, we will be with Most Rev. Christopher Toohey, Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes, AUS. Cool!
HANCOCK
Over the weekend blogging break, Meghan and I did take in Hancock.  It was a good summer movie. Basically, the movie asks the question: Is a heroic act actually a heroic act if it is not done out of (self-less) love?  Of course, we who believe have already examined this question, have we not?  Paul to the Corinthians: If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing."

STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: TEXAS
> > The ACTS (Adoration, Community, Theology and Service) week is scheduled later this month in Beaumont
> > Jason Evert and Stephanie Wood are the keynoters scheduled for the Corpus Christi‘s Middle School Youth Spectacular next February.
> > Galveston-Houston has published their own OYM Youth Ministry Handbook.
> > Tyler brought home "Steubenville of the South" for their recent youth rally/
> > Over in Victoria they are off this week on a Rocky Mountain High in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Monday, 7 July, 2008
YEAR OF SAINT PAUL
Last weekend, the bi-millennial celebration began.  ArchBalt, of course, has resources including Info on Pauline Year Events and News Stories.  Links from within the Archdiocese of Baltimore include Adult Faith Formation Resources, Youth Ministry Resources, and St. Paul, Ellicott City. Finally, there are also prayer services for parish groups: (Thanks, Sharon!) on Colossians 3:16-17 and 1 Timothy 2:1-8
FEELING GUILTY ABOUT CATHOLIC GUILT?
The existence of a Catholic sense of guilt, the tendency to feel bad for a variety of sins committed or contemplated, is firmly entrenched in popular culture. A new study by Christian Smith indicates, however, that “There is no evidence that Catholics feel more guilty than other teens, that more observant Catholics feel more guilty than less observant ones, nor that guilt-inducing behaviors affect Catholics more strongly than other teens.” Smith said, “It could be that Catholic guilt has never been particularly widespread among American Catholics generally or American Catholic youth specifically — that the idea of Catholic guilt is more of an unfounded stereotype than actual fact — and that our findings merely observe what has always been true,” he said. The results also may reflect a process of cultural assimilation, as Catholics, including teens, have moved more firmly into the American mainstream.  Read here the whole article (passed along via Kevin Bohli.)

STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: TENNESSEE
> > Knoxville has a listing of podcasts from their Institute, including previous studio guest Robert Feduccia.
> > The Voyage retreat in Memphis is designed to allow young Catholic Christians (7th and 8th graders) to develop a better understanding of themselves through their gifts and talents and increase their self esteem, self worth, and self confidence.
> > The Youth Leadership Workshop is going on right now over in Nashville.

Thursday, 3 July, 2008
HAPPY FOURTH
Wednesday was a good day – - Gene sent this lovely wordle.  (As always, click pic to enlarge.)  Had a great phone call with Pat; thanks, guy!  Two meetings and re-did my task white board.)
    Great!  All ready for a break. 
    I’m home the rest of this weekend and am going off-blog. See you Monday!

STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: SOUTH DAKOTA
> > Intern Meghan continues here tour of the States.  (pretty impressive for a kid without a driver’s license.)  She discovered that Rapid City has a listing of their available resources
> > Sioux City is updating their site but still allows access to information on stuff like their d-camp.

Wednesday, 2 July, 2008
GET SMART
You know you are of a certain age when you refer to things as of a certain age.  You know you are of a certain age when the props of a 60′s TV show are portrayed actually as museum pieces in a 2008 summer movie.  Would you believe it was a pretty good movie? Would you believe it was good enough to stand on its own while offering enough respectful homage to the original a pretty good movie?  Father Austin points out here that the movie reminds us that we should not objectify others, even our enemies. "It is the personal level of the heart is where true conversion, true forgiveness, and true peace come from."

STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: SOUTH CAROLINA
> > Charleston has a young ladies’ retreat called "Discovering Your Gifts" which covers topics such as self-worth, self-image, chastity, relationships, and identity.  Blog-site intern and temporary residential daughter Meghan found this one.

Tuesday, 1 July, 2008
SEE YOU IN SYDNEY
It’s pope-apoloza month. . . here we go! The Catholic News Service blog sends a reminder regarding that which many of us already know. . .  bring along the trade-ables.  Sydney is also offering social networking on the xt3 site: I’ve set up a profile there as have many from our delegation.  LifeTeen has an article posted on How Not to Ruin a Trip to World Youth Day. Finally, are there any others out there planning to blog from Sydney???  I hope to as well as snag a few podcasts as well.  Let me know if you are blogging, I’d like to let others know of your hyperlinks! 
STATE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: RHODE ISLAND
> > Providence offers the following prayer for the Pope:

"Lord, we offer our prayers for our new pope, Pope Benedict XVI.
Give him a shepherd’s heart. Give him a champion’s strength.
Give him Solomon’s wisdom and give him a double-portion of Elijah’s spirit of prophecy.
Through his ministry, guide your Church to perfect communion with you
through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit."