A Colorado Spring

Last week the ground was covered with snow and yesterday we got into the 70's.  I have to chuckle at spring in Colorado. The unexpected change from sunny to snowy days is a reminder that though winter is still upon us spring is on the way.  Lent also is on its way out and Easter will soon be upon us.  No matter if you have been faithfully praying everyday and have given up your favorite treat or have put Lent on the back burner there is still time to remind ourselves about the importance of this holy time of year. There are a variety of activities for us to get an idea of Jesus’ sacrifice for us:

*You can read your Little Black Books or do the Rice Bowl donations and readings.

*Below is the schedule for the Parish events for Holy Week:

Thursday, April 1 Mass of the Lord’s Supper 8:00 p.m. (Followed by Eucharistic Adoration)
Friday, April 2 The Lord’s Passion 3:00 p.m. and Stations of the Cross 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 3 Decorating the Church 10:00 a.m.; Easter Food Blessing 12:00 noon; Easter Vigil 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 4 Easter Masses 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt 12:30 p.m.

Take the time to go to as many days of Holy Week as you can and talk about the experiences with your family. This is a great opportunity to experience our faith through all of our senses!

February 2010

February has been a full month for the OLV youth program. We started the month out with an extremely successful bake sale! The following weekend, a group of 14 of us attended the Archdiocesan Middle School youth rally, Mountain Madness. The middle school students were able to experience their faith in new and exciting ways and really came out of their shells throughout the weekend. Pictures from the event will soon be on the blog.


This Sunday, (Feb. 21) we will be having our Middle School Winter OLV-ympics: fun winter inspired games that will give the youth a chance to engage in friendly competition and get to know each other better. If you have never been to a youth event before, this is a great one to try out. We will be having snacks similar to what you would get at a fair or carnival.

Next weekend we are offering two activities for 7-12 graders. The first is our OLV/St. Joe’s ski trip (Feb. 27). We are taking a bus to this event and have a few seats left so if you would like to sign up as a participant or a chaperone, please let me know by 2/22. The second event is the “Ain’t Misbehavin’ Purity Rally” at St. Thomas More Parish. We are still accepting individuals until 2/24 for this event (Feb. 28). To attend all you need is to fill out a permission form (in the back of church) and return it with $15 to Mandy in the Youth Office.

I hope that you are all spending some time this Lent strengthening your relationship with Christ either by sacrificing something that you really love or by giving of your time to engage in something new.
Peace, Mandy

Youth Reminders and Thanks

Thanks so much to all of the families who donated time and food for our soup dinner (1/17) and high school youth group (1/24) this month. The youth program relies on help from the parish and you have been great in giving of what you have to our 6-12 grade students.

We have our next fundraiser on the horizon. We will be holding our second (and most likely last) bake sale of the year on February 6 & 7 after all masses. We are in need of all kinds of baked goods and snacks. If you are interested in helping sell or donate items, please contact Mandy asap.

February is a busy month for the youth program. We have Mountain Madness on the 12-14 and are taking a group of almost 20 middle school students to this amazing event. We are also taking a combined parish ski trip to Eldora on the 27 for all 7-12 graders. Parents are needed for this event. Sign up by returning a permission form and money (varies by age and needs) to Mandy by February 14.

Finally, we have a great opportunity to attend the Ain't Misbehavin' Purity Rally in Denver on February 28. This event is open to high school students with a limited number of spots for 7-8 grade students. Cost is $15 per person and permission forms and money are due to Mandy by February 14.

We have a great winter and spring planned for our youth. If you haven't volunteered for a youth event, I urge you to do so. We have amazing young people in this parish and it is important that we have lots of adult involvement so that this program can serve as many youth as possible.

Stay warm,
Mandy

Calendars are almost ready

The spring semester calendars are going out at youth group this week (at both middle and high school) as well as to all the 6-9 graders in RE next Wednesday.  If you aren't attending either youth group or RE look for them in the back of church or contact Mandy to get your copy!  The blog will have the most updated information asap.

Happy 2010!

The Youth Office is excited about the upcoming calendar of events.  Keeping checking the blog for all the latest updates and info!  Here's to a great 2010!

Peace and Happy New Year,
Mandy

Register for Mountain Madness by Wednesday 12/16

Don't forget to turn in your Mountain Madness registration form and $50 by Wednesday, December 16. This is an awesome experience for our Middle School Students to go to a great Archdiocesan event, learn more about their faith, and to have a great time!

Contact Mandy with questions.

A great weekend for the youth

Our youth program had a busy and spiritually fulfilling weekend. On Saturday, the middle school students learned about Advent, other winter holiday traditions, and even explored their creative sides by making their own nativities and ornaments for a service program.

We were also reminded of the generosity of our parish by the support at our youth bake sale. We sold all of the donated baked items and the money raised is helping to get us on our way for events like Mountain Madness, Steubenville of the Rockies, and High School Mission trip.

We are wrapping up the year with parish caroling on Wednesday evening at 6 pm along with the RE students and anyone from the parish who enjoys singing. Keep checking the blog for the new year calendar.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas,
Mandy