I went to portions of a conference this weekend. . . from my living room.  While others might talk about youth ministry and web 2.0, bless these folks or doing something about it. 

HOUMA, LA — Organizers of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s annual Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference are always looking at ways to boost participation. This year’s conference, held at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, marked the first time officials offered a live feed of what’s going on for those unable to attend. “The idea is something we have talked about for a couple of years,” said Sally Dubroc, conference coordinator for Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Conference Office. “We are doing this to give everyone the opportunity to hear awesome Catholic speakers from all over the country and to see them interact wit the teens.” Read more here.

The following is a light critique about our efforts regarding service.  Perhaps it was the report’s own viewpoint, but I found it a little unsettling. Here a listing of quotes that came out of a recent workcamp.

CARSON CITY, NV –   About 60 young people camped out at a catholic school, bathing in portable showers and sleeping on classroom floors. But the somewhat primitive conditions were of little importance. Their focus remained on the service they were providing.
> “It’s been really good, I’m feeling closer to God with this. I’m finally giving back to the community after all they’ve given me.”
> “We really wanted to have a connection to the elderly and really make a difference in our community. We’re here for one purpose and that purpose is serving.”
> “The guy we were working for started to cry. He was so excited we were there helping him out, That was really touching. It almost brought me to tears.”
> “They just get you motivated and active. It’s just awesome.”
> “One of the biggest reasons most of us are here is to help people in need and know what it means to change people’s lives. It was life-changing for me.”
> “The littlest things can mean so much to people.” 

What’s missing from this Catholic workcamp conversation?  Words such as faith, God, Jesus Catholic….