Pastor Weekly Message For September 12, 2021

Jesus Is Lord!

Dear: Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Next Sunday evening, September 19, a new season of LIFE TEEN begins at the 5:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass. The Mass will be followed by the big KICK OFF – LIFE TEEN BOOT CAMP, an exciting time of fun, food, fellowship, and prayer with our teens. Our new Life Teen Minister, Jake Thiringer, and Life Teen Core members have been planning for this amazing Kick-Off.

I know Covid-19 has had a negative effect on all age groups, but I believe it has negatively affected our teens lives the most. Everything that teens should be enjoying as teens - school, sports, friends, and socializing has been negatively impacted. Even LIFE TEEN, where forming community is a cornerstone to our mission, creating a safe environment where teens can have fellowship together and grow in their faith, was seriously challenged. LIFE

TEEN retreats, activities, and gatherings have been cancelled or altered because of Covid-19. This is certainly, not the LIFE TEEN way of ministry we are accustomed to here at Saint Mary’s. Recent studies report that after many months of Covid 19 restrictions and isolation, teens are dealing with fears, anxiety, and depression. Bottom line is their world has been rocked.

With the help of all our parishioners, especially parents and grandparent of teens, this new season of LIFE TEEN will be the most fruitful season of all. LIFE TEEN International has chosen the theme, “New Fire” for this new season, a season of restoration and renewal. It comes from the Fire of Pentecost when the church was in darkness – an age embroiled in suffering, fear, and isolation. The Holy Spirit came in boldness and power, unleashing a new fire within the hearts of the disciples. Armed with a critical mission, the early Church moved forward in faith and boldness. It is that same Spirit – a spirit of power and love – we again will move forward in sharing the Gospel with our teens. It’s time for a New Fire, a time to call on the Spirit like never before and respond to the mission put before us.

Parents and Grandparents can help by encouraging their teens to be part of LIFE TEEN. Tell them about the LIFE TEEN BOOK CAMP Kick-Off next Sunday. Do whatever you can to get them involved. Teens will need your encouragement! If you would like to arrange for Jake or a Core Member to email or call your teen to invite them to attend the Kick-Off, please send their contact information to saintmarys.lifeteen@gmail.com. I cannot overstate the importance of parental encouragement or personal invitation.

EDGE – the Life Teen Middle School Ministry will begin on Wednesday, October 13th. We are always in need of more Core Members to serve our teens, both for EDGE and LIFE TEEN. There are many types of ways to serve. Please call Jake or myself at the parish office. Help serve the LIFE TEEN mission in “Leading teens closer to Christ!”

Have a blessed week! In Jesus and Mary,
Father Jeff Kegley
Pastor