I wish I could make it better.

This past weekend we realized a tragedy in our community. A sixth grader's life was cut short by an accident. An accident that many of us are going to replay in our heads over and over again. Even saying things like, "What if that was my son or daughter?" "What could I have done to change the situation?" "What if....?" As a parent, my heart breaks for the family most of all. The pain that they have in their hearts is so deep that we must all show them our support and be there for the family and pray. My heart weeps when I see all of the friends and classmates just trying to understand. For them, we must listen and be there for them and pray. My heart aches for the drivers. For them, we must help them realize that this was a terrible accident. We must pray and be there for them too. Just know that with time, God's love and your faith you will get through this.

But in Leah Harper's death we must make a positive impact. We must use this event and make changes in our own lives. Because of Leah, I took extra time to be with my children. The time I usually spent cleaning my house, watching TV or just relaxing on the couch. I held them longer and maybe even told them 100 extra times how much I loved them. I realized what is really important. We prayed more than we have ever prayed. We showed compassion to strangers. We listened. We changed.

For that, I owe tremendous gratitude to our new angel Leah. Thank you for reminding me that our time here is precious. Thank you for making me realize the gifts that God has given me. Rest in peace Leah, may God's perpetual light shine upon you.

Place to go, people to see, things to do

October 30 - Meet at Luke's Restaurant at 5:00pm . Join the group for pizza and just all around fun. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAIGE!!!!

October 31 - Harvest Fest - be there at 1:30 to help make signs. The event is 3-5pm.

Next meeting - November 4 at 6:30

November 7 - Movie Night after 5:00pm mass. It is a potluck style movie with a Charlie and Chocolate Factory theme. Watch for the golden ticket and bring a dish to share.


Please continue to pray for those on our prayer list. God Bless.

We hit the ground running!

Our first official meeting of the year was a very successful one. Meetings will be every Wednesday at 6:30 pm. Welcome to our newest member Marissa, Micheal, and Hanna. We kicked off the year by attending the evening daily mass. During the meeting we discussed several events and outing that the youth group will be participating. Here is what we have so far...

We are looking into an event for October 30. Possibly mini golf at 6pm at Cedar Creek Family Golf Center. 18 holes of min golf with glow in the dark balls. With a stop off for Pizza.

October 31 - 3pm - 5pm we are having a Harvest Fest for the kids. We will be inviting the public to come and play games. Kids can dress in costumes. Jessica is chairing this event. We will need the youth group to be at the hall by 1:30 to set up.

November 7 - Is movie night in the church hall after the 5pm mass. This is open to the whole church. We will be watching a moving on Father's huge movie screen. Bring a dish to share. This is a potluck dinner.

December - We will be hosting a parents afternoon out. This is an opportunity for parents to drop off the kids at the church so that they can take the afternoon to go shopping or prepare for the upcoming Christmas season. The children will be watching a movie, doing craft and learning about the Christmas story.

January - the Youth Group will be attending the March for Life rally in DC. This is an overnight event. Detail will be made available see Heather for details.

It is the right thing to do

We had our first "unofficial" meeting of the 2009-2010 school year. Unofficial because we sat around and discuss things to do, places to go and people to help and tried to set a schedule. While discussing our up and coming events I found out something that was quite shocking.

You see, I planned the Great America trip thinking it is our fall break and it would work out perfect given the fact that most people have school. Then I found out that it is Fright Fest at Great America and the hours for this day is 5pm - 11pm. Which meant that we would get home after 1:00am. A little disappointing but still thought it was a possibility. Then the bomb hit! I always thought that Fright Fest meant that Great America would decorate the park, change the names of the rides to be more fitting to the theme. But it is so much more than that. I have heard that the night is mass chaos with way too many people and the employees and patrons walk around scaring the "bageebees" out of people. A compelte transformation from what it would be like during the day. The 6 hours that we would be there would be nothing but very long lines, lots of screaming people and way too many people actually running through the park. So I sought the advice of my family. When my sister-in-law says it is bad, it is bad. That is where as a youth group, we have to draw the line. We have to do what is right.

So once again we are having to delay this event until June 12, 2010. If I had a stone tablet I would carve that date now. I feel terrible because I promised everyone that we could go this year but due to many circumstances beyond my control it just is not possible. Please be understanding and know that we are trying to plan another fun filled event for the October 30.

God Bless.

Sandhill Crane Festival - September 19, 2009

We have been asked once again to sell pop at the Sandhill Crane Festival. This event helped us raise money for the group last year. Please let us know if you can help throughout the day. We can schedule time for everyone so that we work in shifts. Please contact Heather, Judy, Luz or Andrew if you can help out.

Summer is almost over!!!!

The summer is coming to an end. The school bells soon will be ringing. I have enjoyed my summer for the most part but feel that it went by way to fast. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful summer.

Great America

We will be going to Great America on October 30. Sorry for the long delay but with everything that had happened over the summer this seems to be the best time. By then my knee should be up to the 10 miles of walking. I need to know who all can go and who will be driving. Family is invited to come along but will have to pay for their tickets. All current and active youth group members who have participated in our fundraisers will have their ticket paid for. Please call Heather/Judy/Luz or Andrew with the number of people to attend. We need to know this by October 16th so that we can order tickets and see if we have enough drivers. More details to follow.


Meetings

Youth group meetings will start up again September 23. They will start at 6:00pm and go until 8:00pm. Anyone 7-12 grade is invited to attend. Get an information sheet from Heather. We are preparing for another great year. If you have any suggestions on events or workshops just let me know.

CCD
In September CCD starts again. Make sure to get the most out of these classes. If you have already made your confirmation you can offer to help out with classes or even teach. We do not spend enough of out time with God. This would be a great opportunity.

My Sister's Dash

On July 14 at approximately 1:30pm my sister Kathryn lost her strong fought battle with MS. For many we were stunned by the fact it was way to soon. But during her short lifetime of only 35 years, she managed to teach people to love, to laugh, how to have strength, and to never give up. Last December when we lost our father my sister took the time to shared this poem from Linda Ellis with me. Today I feel that it is only fitting to share it with you today.

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

by Linda Ellis

God Bless Kathryn. May she rest in peace.