OK, the final seconds advertise a conference in Canada that I will not be attending. . . but, the final question is essential: you do all this for me, is there someone who does this for you?  Beyond the gimmicks, books, and (dare I say it?) websites . .  is there somewhere that you receive guidance, encourage, training, and a spiritual boost?  Hope so.

If you want to lift this video, (as I will!) consider using www.vixy.net and download a copy of www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhtVQkc2bYc

SEEN ~ The Sydney Opera House  and Harbor Bridge are seen at sunset July 21.  On a pylon of the bridge was a message from World Youth Day that read " Thank You, Sydney."  (CNS/ Paul Haring)

HEARD ~ At the conclusion of the WYD mass, the Pope introduced the Angelus: This scene (of the Annunciation) is perhaps the pivotal moment in the history of God’s relationship with his people.  During the Old Testament, God revealed himself partially, gradually, as we all do in our personal relationships.  It takes time to get to know and love another person.  It took time for the chosen people to develop their relationship with God.  The Covenant with Israel was like a period of courtship, a long engagement.  Then came the definitive moment, the moment of marriage, the establishment of a new and everlasting covenant.  As Mary stood before the Lord, she represented the whole of humanity.  In the angel’s message, it was as if God made a marriage proposal to the human race.  And in our name, Mary said yes.

In fairy tales, the story ends there, and all “live happily ever after”.  In real life it is not so simple.   For Mary there were many struggles ahead, as she lived out the consequences of the “yes” that she had given to the Lord.  Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce her heart.  When Jesus was twelve years old, she experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when, for three days, the child went missing.  And after his public ministry, she suffered the agony of witnessing his crucifixion and death.  Throughout her trials she remained faithful to her promise, sustained by the Spirit of fortitude.  And she was gloriously rewarded.

Dear young people, we too must remain faithful to the “yes” that we have given to the Lord’s offer of friendship.  We know that he will never abandon us.  We know that he will always sustain us through the gifts of the Spirit.  Mary accepted the Lord’s “proposal” in our name.  So let us turn to her and ask her to guide us as we struggle to remain faithful to the life-giving relationship that God has established with each one of us.  She is our example and our inspiration, she intercedes for us with her Son, and with a mother’s love she shields us from harm.

SEEN ~ Pilgrims from Spain cheer July 20 after hearing Pope Benedict announce Madrid as the host city of World Youth Day 2011 (CNS/ Paul Haring)
HEARD ~ Pope’s homily at the WYD closing mass: In a few moments, we will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation.  The Holy Spirit will descend upon the confirmands; they will be “sealed” with the gift of the Spirit and sent forth to be Christ’s witnesses.  What does it mean to receive the “seal” of the Holy Spirit?  It means being indelibly marked, inalterably changed, a new creation.  For those who have received this gift, nothing can ever be the same!  Being “baptized” in the one Spirit (cf. 1 Cor 12:13) means being set on fire with the love of God.  Being “given to drink” of the Spirit means being refreshed by the beauty of the Lord’s plan for us and for the world, and becoming in turn a source of spiritual refreshment for others.  Being “sealed with the Spirit” means not being afraid to stand up for Christ, letting the truth of the Gospel permeate the way we see, think and act, as we work for the triumph of the civilization of love.

 The Catholic Review will run an article tomorrow regarding our week at High-LI.  The on-line edition already has it, see here. Meanwhile, we have already documented my High-LI experience of singing as well as contributing with the lovely sounds of the cowbell.  Therefore, any suggestion of a rumor that I might have dressed as Mr. Incredible for a presentation are clearly false and slanderous exaggeration.

Saturday, 9 August,  2008
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
In competition, we seek peace. Faster, Higher, Stronger.  May these Olympics model sportsmanship, integrity, collaboration, and provide a troubled world a little diversion.
REMEMBER
With the gutted Atomic Bomb Dome in the background, hundreds of paper lanterns float on the Motoyasu River at a memorial service for the atomic bomb victims in Hiroshima on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008. The western Japanese city marked the 63rd anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing on Wednesday. Photo: by Katsumi Kasahara / AP / CBS

Friday, 8 August,  2008
WHY YOU SHOULD PLAN TO GET YOU AND YOUR ADULT VOLUNTEERS TRAINING
OK, the final seconds advertise a conference in Canada that I will not be attending. . . but, the final question is essential: you do all this for me, is there someone who does this for you?  Beyond the gimmicks, books, and (dare I say it?) websites . .  is there somewhere that you receive guidance, encourage, training, and a spiritual boost?  Hope so.
If you want to lift this video, (as I will!) consider using www.vixy.net and download a copy of www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhtVQkc2bYc
AND SO . . .
Next week will find me blogging from the Center for Ministry Development‘s week-long Institute in Adolescent Catechesis. at Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL.  It’s good to pack up the desk, go away, and not having any driving responsibilities. I’m sitting back!

Thursday, 7 August,  2008
KEVIN, JOE, AND NICK
The tsunami of teenage girls was just beginning to crest yesterday afternoon at 2pm in anticipation of the Jonas Brothers concert scheduled for the evening.  Too much cleavage, too much leg, and too few parents.
WYD SEEN AND HEARD
SEEN ~ The Opera House.  The Bridge.  Again and Again and Again.
HEARD ~ Pope’s homily at the WYD closing mass: In a few moments, we will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation.  The Holy Spirit will descend upon the confirmands; they will be “sealed” with the gift of the Spirit and sent forth to be Christ’s witnesses.  What does it mean to receive the “seal” of the Holy Spirit?  It means being indelibly marked, inalterably changed, a new creation.  For those who have received this gift, nothing can ever be the same!  Being “baptized” in the one Spirit (cf. 1 Cor 12:13) means being set on fire with the love of God.  Being “given to drink” of the Spirit means being refreshed by the beauty of the Lord’s plan for us and for the world, and becoming in turn a source of spiritual refreshment for others.  Being “sealed with the Spirit” means not being afraid to stand up for Christ, letting the truth of the Gospel permeate the way we see, think and act, as we work for the triumph of the civilization of love.

Wednesday, 6 August,  2008
HIGH-LI
Still on the High-LI debrief. . .  some of us became (re) enamored with the wonders of the word clouds formed by Wordle.  (hadn’t thunk of them as a training devise, but they certainly can be.)  Here’s a wordle of recently blog entries.
WYD SEEN AND HEARD
SEEN ~ The Sydney Opera House  and Harbor Bridge are seen at sunset July 21.  On a pylon of the bridge was a message from World Youth Day that read " Thank You, Sydney."  (CNS/ Paul Haring)
HEARD ~ At the conclusion of the WYD mass, the Pope introduced the Angelus: This scene (of the Annunciation) is perhaps the pivotal moment in the history of God’s relationship with his people.  During the Old Testament, God revealed himself partially, gradually, as we all do in our personal relationships.  It takes time to get to know and love another person.  It took time for the chosen people to develop their relationship with God.  The Covenant with Israel was like a period of courtship, a long engagement.  Then came the definitive moment, the moment of marriage, the establishment of a new and everlasting covenant.  As Mary stood before the Lord, she represented the whole of humanity.  In the angel’s message, it was as if God made a marriage proposal to the human race.  And in our name, Mary said yes.

   In fairy tales, the story ends there, and all “live happily ever after”.  In real life it is not so simple.   For Mary there were many struggles ahead, as she lived out the consequences of the “yes” that she had given to the Lord.  Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce her heart.  When Jesus was twelve years old, she experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when, for three days, the child went missing.  And after his public ministry, she suffered the agony of witnessing his crucifixion and death.  Throughout her trials she remained faithful to her promise, sustained by the Spirit of fortitude.  And she was gloriously rewarded.

   Dear young people, we too must remain faithful to the “yes” that we have given to the Lord’s offer of friendship.  We know that he will never abandon us.  We know that he will always sustain us through the gifts of the Spirit.  Mary accepted the Lord’s “proposal” in our name.  So let us turn to her and ask her to guide us as we struggle to remain faithful to the life-giving relationship that God has established with each one of us.  She is our example and our inspiration, she intercedes for us with her Son, and with a mother’s love she shields us from harm.

Tuesday, 5 August,  2008
HIGH-LI RECAP
The Catholic Review will run an article tomorrow regarding our week at High-LI.  The on-line edition already has it, see here. Meanwhile, we have already documented my High-LI experience of singing as well as contributing with the lovely sounds of the cowbell.  Therefore, any suggestion of a rumor that I might have dressed as Mr. Incredible for a presentation are clearly false and slanderous exaggeration.
WYD SEEN AND HEARD
SEEN ~ Pilgrims from Spain cheer July 20 after hearing Pope Benedict announce Madrid as the host city of World Youth Day 2011 (CNS/ Paul Haring)
HEARD ~ Pope’s homily at the WYD closing mass: In a few moments, we will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation.  The Holy Spirit will descend upon the confirmands; they will be “sealed” with the gift of the Spirit and sent forth to be Christ’s witnesses.  What does it mean to receive the “seal” of the Holy Spirit?  It means being indelibly marked, inalterably changed, a new creation.  For those who have received this gift, nothing can ever be the same!  Being “baptized” in the one Spirit (cf. 1 Cor 12:13) means being set on fire with the love of God.  Being “given to drink” of the Spirit means being refreshed by the beauty of the Lord’s plan for us and for the world, and becoming in turn a source of spiritual refreshment for others.  Being “sealed with the Spirit” means not being afraid to stand up for Christ, letting the truth of the Gospel permeate the way we see, think and act, as we work for the triumph of the civilization of love.

Monday, 4 August,  2008
THE PROPHETICAL ROLE OF YOUNG CATHOLICS
Although Catholic youths are used to doing service work, they need to find a way to connect their volunteering with their faith. Service activities have become commonplace in Catholic high schools and for confirmation candidates, but the volunteer work almost has become a "requirement to fulfill." Youth really have a special role in our church." Read more about a recent presentation at the Social Action Summer Institute at Oglethorpe University here.
WYD SEEN AND HEARD
SEEN ~ The World Youth Day cross is carried through the centre of Sydney. (Reuters: Tim Wimborne)
HEARD ~ Pope’s homily at the WYD closing mass: Empowered by the Spirit, and drawing upon faith’s rich vision, a new generation of Christians is being called to help build a world in which God’s gift of life is welcomed, respected and cherished – not rejected, feared as a threat and destroyed.  A new age in which love is not greedy or self-seeking, but pure, faithful and genuinely free, open to others, respectful of their dignity, seeking their good, radiating joy and beauty.  A new age in which hope liberates us from the shallowness, apathy and self-absorption which deaden our souls and poison our relationships.  Dear young friends, the Lord is asking you to be prophets of this new age, messengers of his love, drawing people to the Father and building a future of hope for all humanity.

Sunday, 3 August, 2008
HIGH-LI
Wrapped up the program yesterday. While not assigned to the wrap-up "slide show;" I did stick in until the show, pictures, video, and songs were all synched-up  Meanwhile, the musical transformation of your favorite blogger reached its fruition at the closing mass. The liturgical musicians invited to sit in on the Recessional Song, "Holy Ground." My instrument: cowbell! "I’ve got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell" If you appreciate bloggosphere synchonicity, one of my blog heroes Seth Godin has his own read on this stuff. Meanwhile, archdiocesan priest / campus minister / fellow high-li staff member / and fellow blogger was much better than I regarding blogging from High-LI than I was.  Read his reflections here.

WYD SEEN AND HEARD
SEEN ~ Three of our diocesan priests and our Archbishop travelled separately to WYD.  Fr. Leo, who was out for the Vocations Expo, sat with us for the Stations of the Cross, most of which had us watching the powerful visuals on the screens.
HEARD ~ Pope’s homily at the WYD closing mass: Dear young people, let me now ask you a question.  What will you leave to the next generation? Are you building your lives on firm foundations, building something that will endure? Are you living your lives in a way that opens up space for the Spirit in the midst of a world that wants to forget God, or even rejects him in the name of a falsely-conceived freedom?  How are you using the gifts you have been given, the “power” which the Holy Spirit is even now prepared to release within you?  What legacy will you leave to young people yet to come?  What difference will you make?

Friday, 1 August, 2008
BUSY!!
The week has been full and especially busy, especially the last few days.  A slew of last presentations, an encounter with the bishop. . . haven’t checked e-mail, blogged, or generally breathed…
HIGH-LI
Heading home tomorrow from the three-week WYD / High LI tour. Not a moment too soon.  Not weary or tired as much as ready for quiet.

WYD SEEN AND HEARD
SEEN ~ I was blessed to have my third WYD opportunity to serve as catechetical animator over in Manly. Musician Curtis Stephen really helped to rock the house!
The folks from Papua New Guinea and their Aussie hosts rocked out a communion meditation at mass one of the days.
HEARD ~ Pope’s homily at the WYD closing mass: In these days I too have come, as the Successor of Saint Peter, to this magnificent land of Australia.  I have come to confirm you, my young brothers and sisters, in your faith and to encourage you to open your hearts to the power of Christ’s Spirit and the richness of his gifts.  I pray that this great assembly, which unites young people “from every nation under heaven” (cf. Acts 2:5), will be a new Upper Room.  May the fire of God’s love descend to fill your hearts, unite you ever more fully to the Lord and his Church, and send you forth, a new generation of apostles, to bring the world to Christ!