Religion Community
As a representative of our Youth Group, I was asked to share my thoughts and reflections on this week's readings as part of the World Youth Day. I appreciate this opportunity and celebrate this example of our parish's willingness to listen to the youth of our faith community (even though I do not profess to represent the voice of all youth). I realize that my thoughts do not carry the wisdom of the ages but just as St. Paul encouraged and a enthusiastically supported the Thessalonians in our second reading even though they were quite "young in the faith" I hope you will patiently value the thoughts I express. As I read and reflected on the readings, three points seemed important to me. The first point is the need to know your Faith. The Second Point is importance to Act on your Faith. The Third point is the Need to Build Community. The first point to know your Faith. St. Paul tells the Thessalonians that they had received the word with joy, and from that they had gained knowledge of their faith that grounded their actions so that they became models for all believers. As youth we are still receiving the Word and we look to those around us to be models for us to imitate. I personally look to you my faith commu
The second point is to Act on Your Faith. St. Paul also stated that they were not only content to lead lives as imitators but that they acted on their faith and went out beyond Macedonia and Achaia. This challenge to act upon our faith I think is difficult. Until a year ago I pretty much was happy to just be with my friends. Then, Kathy Cameron, the Youth Group Minister, started asking me to attend the youth group meetings and that led to attending LIFE FEST this summer with ........ (#) other youth group members from our parish and thousands of other youth from all around the Midwest. We all enjoyed great music out under the open stars for three days, surviving on our own cooking. Eating our own cooking was another act of faith.. (pause).. For me acting on my faith also means being there for my friends. It means being more aware of their needs, for instance, being a sounding board when they need to talk to someone, standing up to others when they are disrespectful, and at times it has also meant not being afraid to ask for assistance from parents or teachers when I thought it was called for. Acting on my faith also has brought me to be part of a team that has planned liturgies and retreats for other youth; an activity which also challenged me to grow in my
Some common words found in the essay are:
Lord God, LIFE FEST, St Paul, Youth Day, Faith Getting, Building Community, Macedonia Achaia, Youth Minister, , faith community, Gospel Jesus, act faith, build community, acting faith, st paul, faith st paul, it's reason, own cooking, love neighbor, faith st, third build, third build community, reason i'm involved,
Approximate Word count = 856
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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