Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for.....

Welcome Chris! Third week in a row that we have seen new faces. AWESOME!

We opened the last meeting discussing things that we are most thankful for. The same response was heard over and over. They were thankful for their family, friends, relationships and gaming systems. Even the youth group made the list!

I am thankful for our traditions. I am thankful that Luz, Andrew and Judy have unconditionally offered to help out with the youth group. I am thankful that I have a home to keep me warm and a car to get me places. I am thankful for the teens in the youth group they actually give us purpose. The way they are excited to try new things, have discussions about school and actually want to stand up for what is right. I can not ask for a better group of kids.

I am thankful for my memories. Especially ones that are from my days in the youth group. I look back on those experiences and try to form the same group. I am thankful for the support that we are getting from the parents and the church. I am thankful for the donations that we have received.

November 30 is the start of the advent season. A time that we need to spend preparing for the coming of Christ. Instead we are witnesses of a season that causes everyone to go insane with wish lists. This season may be especially harder on people because of the financial times. This time should not be about the gifts and when can we go shopping. Our main focus should be to get ready for Christ.

I love to give and love to make people happy. This season make it very easy. But the most important that we can do is to make sure that we are following God's will. Showing people that we appreciate them and they have a greater purpose. Consentrating on the birth of Christ, the Savior of the world. Refocus on Jesus's greatest commandment to love one another.

We will not be meeting on Wednesday Nov. 26. Instead you and your family will have the chance to attend mass.

Please use this time to make a difference. Donate to the food pantry, help a family in need or take a envelope from the Jesse tree. During this time keep others in your prayers.

Youth Group has fun and gets exercise!

Welcome Jessica!

Once again the youth group had fun during the regular meeting. We talked, play Never Have I Ever, and played Grog and even the adult leaders were running around. Thanks to Jacob for bring the pizza! The pizza hit the spot.

The next meeting we need everyone to bring something to snack on. If it is a frozen pizza or anything to be kept in the fridge please write on it YOUTH GROUP. For everything else I am getting a container and going to write youth group on it. We will also be accepting donations of containers Kool-aid. It is much cheaper than pop. This way we can also make just enough for the everyone that makes it to the meetings.

Bring canned goods for the food pantry.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving we will not have a meeting. It is too crazy before the holiday.

Also the parish council and Father are working on creating space for the youth group. Their suggestion is to put a wall toward the back of the hall and make that our space. We can't wait!

What do you mean I went over my minutes?

Cell phones seem to be the root of most of the problems with today's society. People forget that there is a certain manners that comes along with cell phones. The cell phone companies have made the phones much smaller and made us think that they are much more affordable. Cell phones are used to save contacts with their important numbers. If anything happend to our cell phones would we be able to call for help? Do we know the number?

What is the good part of having a cell phone. It has made our children more accessible. We can call them find out if they are OK and where they are at. For a parent, this is a blessing. The phones have also been used to contact parents for rides or to ask permission to go somewhere. A parents dream right? Until they get the first cell phone bill with the extra charges because they went over the texting limits or have talked too long and surpassed the minutes allowed. During a youth group meeting we found out that combined as a group they have spent over $4000 in extra fees. $4000 are you kidding me!!!!!

In an effort to help the teens understand the effects they are having on a household we tried to explain what they could have done instead. Like $4000 would take a family of four to Disney world for 8 days, buy a nicer used car, or purchase a whole new wardrobe. But $4000 in today's world with the bad economy, we also explained that $4000 could mean a family would lose their home, lose their car, give up vacations and maybe even have to give up cable! We then challenged the teens to figure out what they services would they cut in order to save money.

In addition, people use the phones to talk to people while driving, eating at restaurants, and banking. Our church has even witnessed cell phones going off during Sunday Mass. People are even walking into shops and restaurants with the phone attached to their ear. It almost looks like they are talking to themselves. Why do they do it? Will you get a better table, bigger discount or better service because you look important?

I must admit that I even have fallen into the era of taking care of business with the cell phone. I have even told people that I am so busy that the only way to reach me is by my cell phone. When the phone rings in the car I begin searching for my purse to answer the call and realize that I am putting others in danger by taking my eyes off the road while driving. Besides nothing is that important that it can not wait five more minutes.

While growing up and attending college I learned that communication is the key to success. Success in friendship, relationships, in business and even with our neighbors. Even in church we learn that we need to talk to God through prayer. We also need to listen to HIM too. So starting in December we are going to work on communication. Youth group meetings are a time that we need to come together, get to know each other and realize that together with great communication we can do anything and solve any problem.

What would happen if tommorrow we did not have cell phones, cable, computers, internet and debit cards? Could we survive?

See you on Wednesday, 6:30pm.

Watch out for the Grog!!!!

Welcome to Allison and Alyssa.

The first Wednesday of every month we attend mass in the chapel. This gives us an opportunity to stay focused in our initial purpose of the group. It also reminds us that we are God's children and we all have a purpose for being here.

After the mass we went back to the church hall and had snacks and played Grog. Grog is a team building experience that had each team member focuses on helping each other and also having to accomplish a team goal. The team goal was to put back together the flashlight and get the Grog. The only problem was that the parts were hidden and stored in separate places around the building. The team had to find the parts and then connect with the other team member to put the flashlight back together. All without being tagged by the Grog. Big round of applause for Judy and Luz. They ran around and kept up with the teenagers. I must say I was very impressed. It was fun to watch everyone work together and yet stay away from the grog.

On Wednesday, November 12 we are going to work on more fun team building games. So come prepared. Wear your gym shoes!! Also bring in canned goods for the food pantry.

See you on Wednesday at 6:30pm.

Calling all available youth. Our church needs us!

Youth Group Meeting October 29, 2008. The meeting is at 6:30pm bring your Moms, Dads, brothers and sisters and anyone who wants to help us out. We need there able bodies. The Altar Rosary Society has asked us to help out with cleaning the walls in the hall. Dress ready to help out.

Things your going to need. A drink, bucket (if you have one) rags. (If you don't have any of those, come anyway!)

We will be meeting a little later to get the job done. Possibly until 9:00pm. (Or the time the parents want you home!)

See you there!

It was sooooo Scary!!!!



It was a cold dark night. A night that only the brave would survive. If it wasn't for Dawn, Tracy and Mary, Heather would have left the farm screaming. Fortunately, Luz and Judy were there to help. They gathered all of the "young adults" and had them first eat to get enough strength to be able to make it through what was going to be a night of terror.





The group stayed together to make sure that everyone was safe. When the hay wagon pulled up everyone got on. Dawn and Tracy made sure they had a good view of Heather. They wanted to make sure that Heather remained "safe". Mary stayed at the rear of the wagon watching every move around the farm. Judy Urbano sacrificed herself to stay back at the picnic area to make sure that the young ones were taken care of. As we pulled away Heather could not help but think "What did I get myself into?"

The tractor started to go faster as we entered into the deep dark forest. Trey, Drew and Jacob were good guides on the trek of terror. They were able to predict every move of the haunted creatures in the farm fields. Luz was determined not to let anything happen to the youth group and used her loud screams to frighten away the unwanted visitors. Alec and Cole were there to give us extra support. Allison just hid on the floor of the wagon repeating.. "I don't like this!" While Felicia and Paige warned us of any incoming signs of doom. Paige was even there to protect her mother if she needed it. Heather just kept saying, "This is all going to end soon, right?"

There were twists and turn, scary creature coming from all sides. Even a man with a chain saw was chasing us down the path. Just when we thought we were never going home again, there was a light. It was a familiar light. It was the very same light that we stood at the start of our adventure. YIPPEE! It is all over now. As we waved good bye to Michael Myers, and yelled "You did not scare me!" The youth group celebrated that we survived the hayride.


Whew! That was close!











Thanks Dawn, Tracy, Mary, Luz, Judy and Dave for coming along with us. I really do appreciate it. Heather

The Holy Name Society Did It Again!

On Sunday, Joe Misch gave the youth group a check for $240. This is the money the youth group received from helping out at the Sandhill Crane Festival. Be sure to thank them for their generous support. Without the support of the people in our parish we would not exist.

The Holy Name is responsible for most of the funds that we have. Thank you!

Hauted Hay Ride

On October 25 at 7:00pm - BEWARE! The youth group is going on a haunted hay ride this Saturday, October 25,2008. We will be leaving the church parking lot at 6:30pm. For those of you that dare, you can meet us at Russell's Farm in Lake Village. I have reserved a fire ring. If you are too scared to go into the haunted barn. Heather will give up her time going into the barn just so you can stay safe by the fire.

Get permission slips from Heather at the meeting. You need a permission slip in order to attend. (Even if you come with your families.) Parents and families your welcome to come. There is a small cost for those of you that belong to the youth group. The fee is $5.00. For others interested, I should have a price list to pass out.

Let Heather know if you are going and how many of your family may be there. Hope to see you then.

And We're Off!

We had our very first official meeting for the 2008-2009 school year. Our next meeting is scheduled October 8 at 6:30pm (for those of you who may of forgotten the time!) We will be finalizing the events for the year which are going to include: a haunted hayride, bowling, movie nights, Wii game nights, scavenger hunt, car wash .... the fun just keeps coming!


October 15th we will be meeting from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. We are going to start our helping with the annual rummage sale and then moving on to our regularly schedule meeting.

We are also in the process of getting shirts for the youth group. We will be asking the opinions of everyone on what shirt they would like. Yes, parents you can express your opinions too. See Heather before CCD to see the choices. We are also thinking about selling the shirts to the youth of the parish for a fund raiser.

This weeks wish list: Everyone bring a two liter of pop, your favorite snack items to share. Keep checking the blog for our wish list.

Here is a fun riddle:

Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday? (See Heather if you have the answer.)

Get Ready.... Get Set........

We had our first unofficial meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 3rd. We discussed the future events and also received input for new things to do. Now here is the best part. Anyone who is in 7th grade to 12th grade is already part of the group. So what does that mean? See an event, be a part of it. However, we do encourage you to come to the meetings and be a part of our service projects and fundraisers too. Get a form from Heather to have your parents fill out. It's that easy.

A big thank you to Drew and Jake. (No not the guys from Disney Channel! They are just as much fun though.) They help Sister Kathryn get the CCD books delivered to the right rooms and help do some rearranging of a classroom.

We expect to have the events posted soon. I am still trying to finalize some of the dates to put into the calendars.

We still need more volunteers for the Sandhill Crane Festival. The youth group will be selling pop and helping out in the booth on September 20 from 10 am - 4pm.

Mark the date - We need you!

The youth group has been asked by the Holy Name Society to sell pop at the Sandhill Crane Festival on September 20, 2008 from 10am to 4pm. This is an opportunity to have a fundraiser for future events. Let Heather know if you are available. We need everyone's help. We appreciate the Holy Name Society's support with all of our events!

Sign up for your favorite CCD Class. Do not delay. Signups are going on now after each mass. First day of class is September 7, 2008 at 9:00am.

Yes! School has started!

School has started and the excitement of everyone is seen in the hallways at school. I especially love the school year because it is when everyone comes back to church. Yes, you all know who you are. We missed you and we are glad your back. Now it time for business. So go to confession and get back to church!

Last year it was our first year as the newly re-created youth group. My hat goes off the the many dedicated indiviuals who previously sponsored the youth group. It does take a lot of time and effort to make the teenagers happy. Thankfully, I have been overwelmed with the support of many from the parish that has motivated me to keep going and make it even better.

During 2007-2008 school year we had planned many events but due to the weather we also canceled many events too. So this year the leaders are a little bit wiser and have taken planning around any unforeseeable event and avoid it.

All I can say is that it is going to be a great year. It is a catholic youth group in Wheatfield for 7-12 graders and is open to anyone who wants to come.

Look to this site for future dates and events. Get ready because this is going to be a fun year!