By Deacon Bill Richer
A reading from the Book of Numbers. “Assemble for me 70 of the elders of Israel, men you know for true elders, and authorities among the people. And bring them to the meeting tent. When they are in place beside you, I will come down and speak to you there. I will also take some of the Spirit that is on You, and bestow on them, that they may share the burden of the people with you. You will then not have to bear it by yourself “. The word of the Lord.
In case you have not heard. I am your new (old) high school youth minister here at St. Francis. Approximately two weeks ago, I again said yes, to Coordinate FISH, our high school youth ministry program, as well as directing our next year’s Confirmation preparation program as well as leading this year’s Confirmandi through their final process. This includes a retreat, practice, and concluding with their Confirmation Mass scheduled for October 20.
All that being said, that makes me your New Interim Youth Minister. I chose this scripture today for obvious reasons. There is no way that any one person can undertake this Ministry alone. Today I am inviting you all, to join with me to minister to the greatest asset we have in our parish, our young people. A couple of my goals I intend to implement, with the help of the Holy Spirit, is to invite and empower our young people to draw them into responsible participation into parish life. I also aim to help them to grow into a personal relationship knowing Jesus Christ while having fun doing it. So, join us in this mission, as an Adult Leader, or Catechist, for our upcoming Confirmation class. Or, at the very least, pray and encourage our high school students to be a part of our FISH program this year. May God and all of His angels be with you all.