While We're At It...
Dear Friends,
Something unusual happened in the Church last Friday night.
It was First Friday of the month, a day loaded with the promises of the Sacred Heart to anyone who put their trust in him. And as usual, Jesus did not disappoint.
A hundred and twenty five seventh and eighth graders spent an hour in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, singing and praying and worshipping like you’ve never seen. Half of them freely went to Confession to one of three priests who made themselves available. It was, as I say more and more these days, “awesome”, with the kids really praying and worship Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I processed through the Church giving Benediction, and it dawned on me: these kids really do believe.
It was all part of our new Edge Middle School Youth Ministry program for 7th and 8th graders. On First Fridays we gather for an hour of praise and worship of the Blessed Sacrament. Then the kids head to the gym for games and fun, and some snacks and ice cream sundaes.
It is awesome to see what the Holy Spirit with these young people when they are given the chance to spend some time with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. We prayed and sang and led them in prayer and taught them to pray… the Holy Spirit pulls off all the rest, deep down in their little souls.
I got to thinking afterwards that maybe all too often, we sell our young people short. We don’t really think they are interested in a relationship with Christ, and so we don’t expect much of them, and we don’t push it. But when they are given the chance, it becomes clear that they are hungering to know Jesus. They want to know he is their best friend, the friend who will never let them down.
Pray for our Edge ministry and for our Lifeteen (high school) youth ministry and the many generous Core team members—parents and young adults—who make it happen. And drop in at 7 pm next First Friday and catch some of the spirit yourself.
Our simple goal is to lead teens closer to Christ. That is what a youth-centered parish does.
Welcome to St. Lawrence O’Toole, the place for families and kids.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Rich Gill
frrichardgill@gmail.com
301-873-8418
