Today is Catholic Media Promotion Day. Who knew?  I caught wind of this mid-day and this is my first moment to play along.  Seemingly, we are asked to post favorites in the following categories:

3 blogs: (I’ll stick with Catholics) Roy Petitfils, Christopher Wesley, and LifeTeen

3 other media… Rocco Palmo’s Twitter feed, I do listen to Relevant Radio, even when I’m not on it… and am quickly becoming a fan of Skype.    

3 random Catholic things online- The NFCYM, Catholic Youth Work.com, and E-Word Unloaded,

their own projects- Want to figure out how to YouTube a Skype (or Skype-like) conversation (and, therefore, possibly bring back podcasts; want to figure out how to zipcast on slideshare, and then there is the yet-to-be-unveiled project.

There you go!!!

Retreat?  Why don’t you just surrender???

That was a bad old line that I used to drop when it came to youth retreats…

That being acknowledged… I have grown a lot in the last year about scheduling and protecting down time… even if I have to go to some extremes to gain it… My travels to Steubenville recently is an example. The trip and the experience was awesome, but the “away” vibe of the long drive was worth the price of admission.

This morning, I scheduled a meeting with a professional contact… to discuss shared business and gain some insight regarding future academic possibilities… (sorry to be so discreet, but it really isn’t important)

But, the point is that I’m out-of-the-office this morning, I’m with a trusted friend, and it’s a small slice of time out of the work week that will only serve the work and meeting of the rest of the week. In the upcoming weeks, I have vacation time coming with visits from friends and family… So looking forward to the surrender of time.

Throughout the season of Lent, we are going to “outsource” our reflections on the Sunday readings.

St. Paul’s College seminarians’ down in DC are offering their reflections of the Gospels for the Sundays of Lent, including today’s readings.

Bonus points to them for tagging them with James Bond-ian themes; today’s is that The World is Not Enough.

Today’s reflection is offered by Anthony Francis Rosado, CSP.  He is a native New Yorker and graduate of the Manhattan School of Music. Anthony is currently in his second year of theological studies at the Catholic University of America.

Let us continue our prayers for all those who are in (or in studies preparing to be in) The Father’s Secret Service.

New reflections for each Sunday will be posted here.  You can get an advanced look each Wednesday on their YouTube page.

Every now and then it is important to be reminded that we are to include the joy of the promise of resurrection in our lives and spirit.

This video was a pick-me-up for me.

It is just goofy fun.

It was a project by the catholic youth from Carinthia (Austria). It was made at an event called "Lobpreiszeit"  ("Worshiptime") in January 2011 (for more information www.lobpreiszeit.at – not in English)

Let them praise his name with dancing Psalm 149: 3

Of course, all our prayers this weekend are joined with those in support of those impacted by the massive 8.9 magnitude quake that hit northeast Japan today, causing many injuries, fires and a ten-metre (33-ft) tsunami along parts of the country’s coastline.

Catholic Relief Services personnel throughout the Pacific are standing ready to assist those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan early Friday morning. Donate Now.

Lord, be with those who are impacted these days and nights. Lord, be with us all as we attempt to reach out and serve our neighbors in need.

I think public speaking is often like jazz – - a series of riffs that involve listening as well as speaking. Therefore, I like this quote…

What is jazz?

Man, if you have to ask

you’ll never know.

– Louis Armstrong

I always presume that we in Catholic youth ministry as a very hopeful crowd – viewing situations as glasses half full. Michael Hyatt. in that same light, recently had a great reflection of the story of David and Goliath.

Goliath presented an immense obstacle / a challenge to the ranks of Israel. Yet, while others were “dismayed and terror-stricken” at the overwhelming obstacle presented to them, all David could see the promise of the rewards of great wealth, the king’s daughter, and a royal exemption to his father’s family. Check out Hyatt’s full break-down of the scriptures.

That next big project you have before you – -  Is it all about problem or promise?  Your perspective on what lies before you will either keep you in your seat fretting over issues or have you stepping up with your eyes on the prize.

Our newsletter went out this morning with promises of thoughtful resources (like today’s Pope quote on Lent, Monday’s reflection on the Signs of the Times, and Thursday’s Ninja game, news (like yesterday’s reports and a report of a new conference, and fun distractions like our CaptionThis! contest (which closes today at 6pm eastern- get those entries in!

It’s LENT, folks.

Here’s hoping and praying that your forty day journey is one where you walk more resolutely towards Christ.

The Lenten journey, in which we are invited to contemplate the Mystery of the Cross, is meant to reproduce within us “the pattern of his death” (Ph 3: 10), so as to effect a deep conversion in our lives; that we may be transformed by the action of the Holy Spirit, like St. Paul on the road to Damascus; that we may firmly orient our existence according to the will of God; that we may be freed of our egoism, overcoming the instinct to dominate others and opening us to the love of Christ. The Lenten period is a favorable time to recognize our weakness and to accept, through a sincere inventory of our life, the renewing Grace of the Sacrament of Penance, and walk resolutely towards Christ.

Pope Benedict XVI
Message for Lent 2011