Last night we had a meeting of clergy and lay leaders from St. Mary's, St. Anskar's, and Emmanuel United Church of Christ.   It was energizing to talk about our hopes and dreams for the coming year and the opportunties we hope to offer to young people so that they may grow in faith.  In welcoming a third church (Emmanuel) we also add to the number of young people.  In a time when we hear that many churches are declining, we continue to rejoice in the new life and growth in ministry. 
Being a part of a youth group was a big part of my life during my teen years.  Gathering with others, doing fun things, going on retreats, and being involved in service opportunities were all ways that I was able to grow in faith.  It was due to youth ministry opportunities that I was able to partake in that I began to discern a call to priesthood. 
Let's pray that our youth ministry endeavors may be blessed by God and that the youth we will seek to lead may grow in faith, hope and love.  Pray for the adult leaders, too!