MHR YOUTH MINISTRY 

 As you know, our Youth Ministry has been collecting used sneakers for the St. Francis Soup Kitchen clients.  This was a result of a recent visit there.  On February 6^th, 16 members of our Youth Ministry served the poor and homeless at the St. Francis Soup Kitchen.  This is when we learned of the need for used adult sneakers.  

During the past month, we had a large appliance box set up in the back of church to facilitate our collection of your used athletic shoes.  And have you looked in that box lately?  It is almost filled to the brim!  Due to your generosity, we will be delivering donated shoes to the Soup Kitchen on Good Friday  

Our Senior High Youth Ministry will take part in the annual WESTSIDE RELAY FOR LIFE May 15 – 16 at Bishop Snyder High School.  This is an 18-hour relay beginning at 12 Noon on Saturday, May 15 and ending at 6:00 A.M. Sunday, May 16.  We are raising money for the Jacksonville chapter of the American Cancer Society.  And we are doing this in memory of Gaby Bizier. 

Our team goal is $2500. As part of our fund-raising efforts, we are selling “Survivor Suns” and “Memorial Moons” at $1 each.  These can be purchased through any of our youth and participating adults.  Just be sure you write the name of the person you wish to honor on the Sun/Moon.  You can even honor a care-giver with a Sun.  All Sun/Moons will be “hung” in the office window of Sharon Tomore through the weekend of the event.   

At 9:00 P.M. on May 15^th, the Relay for Life will hold a Luminaria service in memory of those who have fought the good fight, both those who have died and those who have survived. You might want to remember a loved one during this service.    

You can remember a loved one by visiting the website listed below and ordering a luminaria for $5.  You may also contact Sharon Tomore – 786-1192.  

There are many other ways to support us. Check out the website for the American Cancer Society at www.relayforlife.org/WestsideFl.  Look up our team name, Most Holy Redeemer Youth Ministry, and pledge an amount you are comfortable pledging.  We invite you to come out and join us. There will be lots happening.  Cancer affects every one of us.  Cancer never sleeps.  

 Youth Ministry is in need of funds to accomplish our summer goals: 

►Summer Mission Trip to Mississippi 

►ND Vision conference at the University of Notre Dame 

►YouthLeader Camp at Marywood 

These are all wonderful opportunities.  The mission trip helps us live out the Gospel message.  Remember those Corporal Works of Mercy?  ND Vision is a program offered by the University of Notre Dame that enables young people to discern their giftedness and to be open to the direction in which God is calling them 

YouthLeader is a program that helps young people develop their leadership skills.  And each program takes – money for program fees, transportation, food, etc. 

To that end, our Youth Ministry will be holding a Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 10^th, from 9:00 A.M. til 3:30 P.M. in the MHR Social Hall.  

We will be happy to accept your donations.   (NO clothes please.) You may drop them by the Social Hall the evening of April 9.  You can make special arrangements by calling Sharon Tomore – 786-1192 if Friday evening is not convenient.  

We will also be happy to rent you table space at $25 per table so you may sell your own treasures.  Just think. We will do the advertising.  It will be an indoor event so weather won’t be a problem.  All you have to do is sell your stuff.  

Whatever you decide, we hope you all decide to come out and browse.  Remember, that’s Saturday, April 10. 

After all the fish were cleaned, the poles were stowed away and the boat tied up at the dock, Youth Ministry hauled in a catch of $431.44 after last month’s Fish Fry.  A great, big, special thanks to the crew who made it all possible – Ron Skelton, Teri Skelton, Robert Leverock, Betsy Swayne, Ursula Carr, Marie Barton, Joe Murphy, Glenn Klauer, Ron Jarrette and Radio.  And thanks to our loyal customers.  You have helped us with our Mission Trip expenses. 

Given the age we live in, I feel it is no longer reasonable to expect anyone to stay connected to the Church because, “I say so!”  I think the secret to keeping people connected to the Church is to give them reasons and opportunities that will foster a sense of belonging to something bigger than they are. 

Many families “go missing” after a baby’s Baptism and don’t show up again until the child is of an age to receive First Communion.  Then, after First Communion, they disappear until it is time for Confirmation.  This seems especially true with our youth.  Too many young people drop off our radar screen after Confirmation thinking it is “graduation.”  And some parents believe it too, as that is what they did. But we all know that is not the case.  There is so much more. 

How can the Church expect young people to stay connected if we don’t offer them opportunities to grow in their faith?  And that my friends, is part of my job – keeping them connected. 

You too play an important role here.  Here at Most Holy Redeemer we do a great job of letting our youth know they are important to our Church – and not just the future Church, but the Church of today.  

Youth are valuable members of our community.  You support our youth financially.  Our recent Fish Fry is an example of that.   You serve alongside them in ministerial roles.  You talk with them and ask about Youth Ministry adventures. Julie Manogg, chairperson of this year’s Parish Picnic, was interested enough to inquire what type of games/activities they would like to see on that day.  Fr. Tim attends as many of their sporting events as possible.  

You realize we are trying to offer a young person another opportunity to see what it is to be a Catholic Christian, whether that opportunity is a Mission Trip or attending the National Catholic Youth Conference, whether you are dropping off your used shoes for their service project, or providing finger foods for their Baccalaureate Reception.  

And, even though they may not say it aloud, the youth of our parish are grateful for all you do for them.  They pray for you and count their parish family as one of their blessings.  GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU!