This Week with Incarnation Teens

Posted on September 26th, 2008 in Incarnation Teens by Derek Rotty

Another Friday is here, and this week has been filled with beautiful weather and lots of fun!  Throughout the past seven days, our high school youth have conducted service projects, learned about the fascinating history of St. Paul of Tarsus, and participated in a skit involving the Joker and Darth Vader!  I told you that this week has been filled with fun.

 

Click here to see pictures of this week's ENCOUNTER. 

REFLECTION ON THIS WEEK'S READINGS

St. Paul wrote that we should think and act "of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing."  But, whose is the mind that we should use?  Whose heart has the love that is perfect?

The mind and heart to which St. Paul referred was that of the Church!  The Church is the perfect guide for our thoughts and actions.  The Church teaches all faithful people how to love perfectly.  We will never be led astray if we follow the Church!

WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK?

There are a few less things happening this week, but they'll all be just as great!  Bill and Ted might think that they are "excellent!"

  • Youth Ministry Service Project
    • Saturday, September 27 @ 9am
    • Meet at Youth Room
    • Adult drivers needed to help collect bags of food and hygiene products
    • Food provided at end of project
  • ENCOUNTER
    • Wednesday, October 1 @7:15pm
    • Holy Family Life Center Gym
    • Bring a smile, an open heart, and your Bible!
  • Fall Youth Gathering and Camping Trip
    • Leave from parish going to Chickasaw State Park on Saturday, October 4 @ 7:30am
    • Return from park by 11:30am on Sunday, October 5
    • Cost is $10 for food; must RSVP by Monday, September 29
    • Please let us borrow your extra camping gear for the weekend

FINAL THOUGHT

Distressed princesses and fire-breathing dragons always make for intriguing television!

As always, please feel free to contact me vial email or phone if you have any questions.

God bless! 

This Week with Incarnation Teens

Posted on September 19th, 2008 in Incarnation Teens by Derek Rotty

Well, we've had another great week of youth ministry!  Nineteen high schoolers were present for TLC on Sunday afternoon, and nearly 50 were present for ENCOUNTER on Wednesday evening!  The best part is that people are coming to grow closer to Jesus!

We were all entertained by Magic-Do (generic Play-Doh) creations like whales, starfish, barnyard animals, and the Loch Ness Monster.

In addition to our amazing display of creativity, I heard wheels turning inside the heads of youth as they contemplated the brilliance of St. Thomas Aquinas!

Click here to view more pictures from the latest ENCOUNTER gathering. 

REFLECTION ON THIS WEEK'S READINGS

This week, the Church celebrates the 25th Week in Ordinary Time.  The lectionary readings include Isaiah 55:6-9, Psalm 145, Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a, and Matthew 20:1-16a.

The prophecy from Isaiah is so important this week!  It is a call for all of us to turn from our worldly ways; from our laziness, greed, and envy.  It calls us to seek out God's forgiveness and begin to work toward eternal life.

Seek the Lord while he may be found, call him while he is near.  Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked his thoughts; let him turn to the Lord for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving.

This message gives great hope for those of us who haven't always been perfect.  It reminds us of God's unchanging love for us!

WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK?

There are plenty of great things happening this coming week.  Join us as we fellowship with each other and grow closer to Christ.

  • Teens Loving Christ
    • Sunday, September 21 @ 1:15pm
    • Youth Room
    • Bring your Bible!
  • ENCOUNTER
    • Wednesday, September 24 @ 7:15pm
    • Holy Family Life Center Gym
    • Bring your Bible!
  • Open Door Friday
    • Friday, September 26 @ 3pm
    • Youth Room
  • Youth Ministry Service Day
    • Saturday, September 27 @ 9am
    • Meet at Youth Room
    • Adult drivers will be necessary for this project

RANDOM THOUGHT

Cheese and crackers are, quite possibly, the perfect combination of food.  That, of course, is my humble opinion. 

As always, feel free to contact me via phone or email if you have any questions.

God bless! 

Isaiah 55:6-9
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg LXX Hebrew
6Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found: call upon him, while he is near.
7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unjust man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God: for he is bountiful to forgive.
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.
Philippians 1:20
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek
20According to my expectation and hope; that in nothing I shall be confounded, but with all confidence, as always, so now also shall Christ be magnified in my body, wither it be by life, or by death.
Matthew 20:1-16
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek
1The kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2And having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3And going about the third hour, he saw others standing in the market place idle.
4And he said to them: Go you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be just.
5And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did in like manner.
6But about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith to them: Why stand you here all the day idle?
7They say to him: Because no man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go you also into my vineyard.
8And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard saith to his steward: Call the labourers and pay them their hire, beginning from the last even to the first.
9When therefore they were come, that came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: and they also received every man a penny.
11And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house,
12Saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the burden of the day and the heats.
13But he answering said to one of them: Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?
14Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee.
15Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? is thy eye evil, because I am good?
16So shall the last be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.

B.A.S.I.C. Blast!

Posted on September 18th, 2008 in B.A.S.I.C. by Derek Rotty

Anyone who missed the B.A.S.I.C. gathering last Sunday definitely missed one heck of a party!  There was fierce competition on the dodgeball court, laughter around the ping pong table, and at least one clown costume.  We also watched people stuff their faces with all sorts of food in order to win the eating relay.  Most importantly, we learned some really practical ways to quench our thirst for God!

Click here to see more B.A.S.I.C. pictures. 

If you missed this first gathering of the semester, you won't want to miss the others!  There are so many opportunities to make new friends, laugh, and love Jesus!  Check out what's coming up on our calendar for middle school youth.

  • Middle School Dance
    • Friday, September 26 @ 7pm
    • Holy Family Life Center Gym
    • Admission is $5; concessions for sale at the dance
  • Fall Youth Gathering and Camping Adventure
    • Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, October 5
    • Meet at parish at 7:30am; travel to Chickasaw State Park
    • $10 cost to cover food and campsite
    • RSVP is necessary by Monday, September 29
  • Family Outing to Tom's Farm (in Fayette County)
    • Saturday, October 25
    • Meet at parish at 5:00pm; arrive at Tom's Farm by 6:00pm
    • $10 cost covers corn maze, hay ride, bonfire, hot dogs, and smores
    • RSVP for family is necessary by Monday, October 20

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

God bless! 

Isaiah 55:6-9
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg LXX Hebrew
6Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found: call upon him, while he is near.
7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unjust man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God: for he is bountiful to forgive.
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.
Philippians 1:20
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek
20According to my expectation and hope; that in nothing I shall be confounded, but with all confidence, as always, so now also shall Christ be magnified in my body, wither it be by life, or by death.
Matthew 20:1-16
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek
1The kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2And having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3And going about the third hour, he saw others standing in the market place idle.
4And he said to them: Go you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be just.
5And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did in like manner.
6But about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith to them: Why stand you here all the day idle?
7They say to him: Because no man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go you also into my vineyard.
8And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard saith to his steward: Call the labourers and pay them their hire, beginning from the last even to the first.
9When therefore they were come, that came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: and they also received every man a penny.
11And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house,
12Saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the burden of the day and the heats.
13But he answering said to one of them: Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?
14Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee.
15Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? is thy eye evil, because I am good?
16So shall the last be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.

Sorry for the Absence!

Posted on September 16th, 2008 in General Youth Ministry by Derek Rotty

The wireless card inside my computer was fried at some point last week.  As you can see, that kept me from posting anything about our awesome Incarnation Teens' ENCOUNTER last Wednesday; or about the BASIC gathering that was held on Sunday.

At last, I'm back in cyberspace!  I'll have new posts and pictures in just a few days!  In the mean time, keep loving Jesus and each other!

God bless! 

Isaiah 55:6-9
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg LXX Hebrew
6Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found: call upon him, while he is near.
7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unjust man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God: for he is bountiful to forgive.
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.
Philippians 1:20
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek
20According to my expectation and hope; that in nothing I shall be confounded, but with all confidence, as always, so now also shall Christ be magnified in my body, wither it be by life, or by death.
Matthew 20:1-16
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek
1The kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2And having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3And going about the third hour, he saw others standing in the market place idle.
4And he said to them: Go you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be just.
5And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did in like manner.
6But about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith to them: Why stand you here all the day idle?
7They say to him: Because no man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go you also into my vineyard.
8And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard saith to his steward: Call the labourers and pay them their hire, beginning from the last even to the first.
9When therefore they were come, that came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: and they also received every man a penny.
11And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house,
12Saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the burden of the day and the heats.
13But he answering said to one of them: Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?
14Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee.
15Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? is thy eye evil, because I am good?
16So shall the last be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.

This Week with Incarnation Teens

Posted on September 5th, 2008 in Incarnation Teens by Derek Rotty

Today is a fabulous day!  Despite the fact that there is not much sunshine to be found, I'm having a great day!

For one thing, I get to go see my favorite movie of all time, Casablanca, tonight.  I can't wait!

For another thing, today is the 11th anniversary of the death of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.  I have asked for her to intercede for me and for our youth ministry today.  You all ought to consider praying for her intercession, too!  She loves Jesus and His Church so much that she's sure to send those prayers to the One who can answer them.  Click here for more information on this wonderful modern saint.

But, I digress.  I'll now list this week's upcoming events for all who are interested.

  • Youth Mass and Fellowship Dinner
    • Saturday, September 6
    • Sit together at 5pm Mass
    • Go to local restaurant for dinner
  • Teens Loving Christ (TLC)
    • Sunday, September 7 @ 1:15pm
    • Youth Room
    • The first meeting in our in-depth study of St. Paul the Apostle
  • ENCOUNTER
    • Wednesday, September 10 @ 7:15pm
    • Holy Family Life Center Gym
    • Focus on "Why I Want God"
  • Open Door Friday
    • Friday, September 12 @ 3pm
    • Youth Room
    • Play video games, ping pong, foosball, ultimate frisbee, or just hang out.

I'll leave you all with one final thought…

Na na na boo boo!

 

Click here to view pictures of our first ENCOUNTER gathering of the semester.

God bless! 

Isaiah 55:6-9
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg LXX Hebrew
6Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found: call upon him, while he is near.
7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unjust man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God: for he is bountiful to forgive.
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.
Philippians 1:20
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek
20According to my expectation and hope; that in nothing I shall be confounded, but with all confidence, as always, so now also shall Christ be magnified in my body, wither it be by life, or by death.
Matthew 20:1-16
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek
1The kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2And having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3And going about the third hour, he saw others standing in the market place idle.
4And he said to them: Go you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be just.
5And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did in like manner.
6But about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith to them: Why stand you here all the day idle?
7They say to him: Because no man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go you also into my vineyard.
8And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard saith to his steward: Call the labourers and pay them their hire, beginning from the last even to the first.
9When therefore they were come, that came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: and they also received every man a penny.
11And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house,
12Saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the burden of the day and the heats.
13But he answering said to one of them: Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?
14Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee.
15Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? is thy eye evil, because I am good?
16So shall the last be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.

B.A.S.I.C. Activities for September

Posted on September 5th, 2008 in B.A.S.I.C. by Derek Rotty

There are several great opportunities during September for the middle school youth in our parish!  We will have bunches of fun and food together, we'll serve others, and we'll get to know more about Jesus!  Come, join us for all the festivities!

  • September Gathering
    • Sunday, September 14 @ 4pm
    • Holy Family Life Center Gym
  • Middle School Dance
    • Friday, September 26 @ 7pm
    • Holy Family Life Center Gym
    • Admission is $5
  • Day of Service
    • Saturday, September 27 @ 9am
    • Meet in parish parking lot (need volunteer drivers and chaperones for off-site work)

By the way, I'll be going to Collierville Middle School for lunch on Thursday.  Let me know if you'd like me to come and talk to you while I'm there.

God bless! 

Isaiah 55:6-9
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg LXX Hebrew
6Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found: call upon him, while he is near.
7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unjust man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God: for he is bountiful to forgive.
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.
Philippians 1:20
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek
20According to my expectation and hope; that in nothing I shall be confounded, but with all confidence, as always, so now also shall Christ be magnified in my body, wither it be by life, or by death.
Matthew 20:1-16
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek
1The kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2And having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3And going about the third hour, he saw others standing in the market place idle.
4And he said to them: Go you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be just.
5And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did in like manner.
6But about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith to them: Why stand you here all the day idle?
7They say to him: Because no man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go you also into my vineyard.
8And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard saith to his steward: Call the labourers and pay them their hire, beginning from the last even to the first.
9When therefore they were come, that came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: and they also received every man a penny.
11And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house,
12Saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the burden of the day and the heats.
13But he answering said to one of them: Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?
14Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee.
15Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? is thy eye evil, because I am good?
16So shall the last be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.