Youth Ministry Blog

Hey y'all!

It was another great week at school! I talked about prayers of petition with the little ones, and I talked about Stations of the Cross and humility with the bigger kids. 

So we're a week and a half into Lent. How's it going so far? Have you been able to stay strong in your resolve to pray, fast, and give alms this Lent, or have the ups and downs of life gotten in the way? Maybe you're lacking in one or all three areas. That's okay. An adage comes to mind: it doesn't matter how many times you fall, it just matters how many times you get back up. 

I don't like it when people say “Jesus didn't come for the perfect people”, because He did come for them. It's more accurate to say that “Jesus didn't come only for the perfect people”. This is what we need to remember. The Church isn't a museum for saints; it's a hospital for the sick. If you're anything like me, you can get into the bad habit of getting down on yourself when you fall and staying on the ground. I tend to think “Whelp, that's it. I tried. There's no use starting over again.” That's the furthest thing from the truth. We have to remember that Jesus's mercy is new every second of every day. We need to accept that mercy and let it radically change our lives. So, how does this relate to Lent?

For those of you that have already “messed up” your Lenten practice, that's okay. You're not a bad person, and you're definitely not alone. All you have to do is turn to Jesus and start over. Turn to Jesus and remember that it is from Him that we draw the strength to engage in these practices. Start over, not relying on your own strength but on His. Ask a Catholic friend, your favorite saint, and especially the Blessed Mother to pray for you. Most importantly, never just throw in the towel. 

That's all for this week. Know that I am praying for you all, and please keep me and this ministry in your prayers.

Peace of Christ,

Miss Jessica

A.M.D.G.