The Season of Advent

I want to first apologize for taking so long for not posting the past 2 weeks, things have been chaotic around the office with the start of Advent.

I am sure that everyone is starting to acquainted with the New Roman Missal and all the lovely word changes. I find it so soothing to the soul in the power of what a few words can do to the liturgy. I have made my share of mistakes already with "and also with you" and will most likely have a few more mess ups. Something about it being programed and saying it all my life makes it so hard to do. I can have the words in front of my face and still find it challenging.

Anyways onto the lovely season of Advent. As you may know we are already almost halfway through Advent. The video above I think does a great job of showing us as Catholics of what Advent is about.  The one thing though that I feel like needs to be added to the video is to show the importance of the sacrament of Confession to the season of Advent.  This is such a wonderful time when you look at the Gospel readings to see the grace/forgiveness of the Lord.  Be sure to use this time to prepare yourself so that you can better receive the Lord in the gift of His birth into the world.   

Here is a really cool Advent calendar that you can use daily to help yourself prepare this season for the coming of the Lord.  You should totally check it out.  

Thankgiving Basket Build

So this upcoming Monday, November, 21 from 8-12pm the high school youth group will be helping the St. Vincent de Paul ministry build and deliver Thanksgiving Day Baskets to people in need in the St. George community. These Thanksgiving Day Baskets lets people have one of the meals that we so many times take for granted every year. We will be meeting at the St. Joseph Hall on St. George's campus. This is a great way to give back to the St. George please come out and support this event i you are in town over Thanksgiving Day break.

New Roman Missal, Coming To A Church Near You!

New Roman Missal for High School Teens - Word for Word by Life Teen from Life Teen on Vimeo.

So if you missed the youth group we had a while back about the New Roman Missal that we will be using. Here are some great resources by the USCCB (United States Catholic Conference of Bishops) of why it is happenings and what changes are being made click on here to learn more

Salvation History Bible Saga

Salvation History Bible Saga - 2011 Life Teen Training Convention from Life Teen on Vimeo.

This video I feel shows the power of the senses of sight and sound. It is quite a way to see the the entire story of Salvation of the Bible through words and music. Through seeing this video it really helped me see the Bible story in new light with a modern twist. Let me know what you think!

Church of the Living Dead

So a friend of mine with his blog did a post on the Church of the Living Dead.  I thought it goes so well on what we talked about a few weeks ago at youth group about not being a zombie in mass.  It is a satire post, but I think he gets his point across.  I think goes so well with Halloween just being on Monday.  Click on the link to check out the zombie living church.

All Saints Day

Today is the joyous feast of All Saints Day for the Church. This is by far one of my favorite Church celebrations. It helps me see the simple reality of what our lives are about. Many times we often get caught up in the busyness around us loosing focus of building the kingdom. We celebrate All Saints for the Church to honor those that have gone before us and have given there lives to the Lord and help spread His message here on earth. The reality is that anyone who makes it to Heaven is a Saint. So if our goal is to get to Heaven then our goal is to become Saints. It is quite a task at hand that we have to become saints. However, Blessed Pope John Paul II challenged our generation by simply saying "Be Not Afraid, Be Saints In the New Millennium." Our time is here, Our time is now; to go out into the world and proclaim that Jesus reigns. Let us to challenge ourselves so that we can grow in holiness and build the kingdom here on earth. May we all have the strength and courage through the Holy Spirit to live lives that reflect Christ.

Matt Maher 'The Love In Between" Review

This is the third studio album from Matt Maher titled The Love In Between. The twelve track album sees Matt look at the ideas of suffering, grace, redemption and hope. The Canadian singer/songwriter is well known for writing moving worship anthems like Your Grace Is Enough, As It Is In Heaven, Hold Us Together and Christ Is Risen. Alongside the album, Matt Maher will launch the first in a series of headline tours in Texas in early September with support acts One Sonic Society (Jason Ingram, Stu G., Paul Mabury) and Sons & Daughters (David Leonard, Leslie Jordan).

First track on the album Rise Up starts with just drums until the whole band bursts into life with guitars and bass, once the chorus kicks in the whole song moves to another level. Matt sings with a bit more velocity "Rise Up, Rise Up, when this nightmare has got you down". He sings that even in times of difficulty, fix your eyes on Jesus no matter what. There is a lot going on in this song with a great guitar part and a gospel choir really belting it out, this is one stunning opener. The guitar led songs continue with Turn Around pushing the rock sound forward, with a tiny hint of country rock making it an interesting second track, but what makes it stand out is the many voices singing together at the end, all very Arcade Fire.

The album takes a slightly slower mid tempo pace in Heaven Help Me. This mid rock track again has that country feel to it that Matt Maher has become well known for. The slower tracks follow into Every Little Prison (Deliver Me) which has a bit more of a driving rolling feel with hints of Mumford and Sons, with a big guitar rock sound in the chorus, this is something different to a lot of worship songs out there and definitely a standout moment.

One thing I really like about Matt Maher is his vocals, he doesn't have the obvious normal style, instead his distinctive harsh voice makes him stand out. This can be heard in songs Woke Up America and the heart beating opening to the track Heaven & Earth, the latter being a beautiful intimate piece of music - close your eyes and get lost in this song. The album jumps back into life with rocking tracks Write Your Love On My Heart and acoustic rock On My Way which has a bluesy stance and style to it. Love it.

Matt Maher is a strong songwriter and this album has a style that is distinctive to him. There are quite a few stronger tracks that could have made it onto my standout tracks list, and I'm sure if you asked me on another day the list would change (On My Way really should be on there). Take a listen and pick your three as this album is full of classic Matt Maher songs.

Standout Tracks
Rise Up
Every Little Prison (Deliver Me)
Heaven And Earth 

40 Days for Life

So I know have been posting tons of videos for people to watch and have been planning on doing more then simply posting videos.  However, this video can not go unnoticed with it being Respect Life month and the 40 Days for Life campaign going on.

This video is so amazing.  Be sure to break out the tissues ladies and gentlemen.  It just shows how important and precious life is.  The crazy thing is that Youth Minister Emily Froeba (St. Mary's False River) knows Elliots' Aunt & Uncle.  They are her next door neighbors.  

Reminder:  We will be out at the Delta Abortion Clinic today from 5-6pm (Corner of Colonial and Goodwood).  BYOR (Bring Your Own Rosary).  If you can't make it, be sure to drop by another time or day.  It is going on from 7am-7pm every day from now till Sunday, November 6th.  

Upcoming Epic Events!

Hey Everyone,

We have two sweet events coming up this Fall that you for sure can't miss. Here are forms for the two events: World Youth Day & In Your Face

WORLD YOUTH DAY
Come join the St. George Youth Group on Sunday, October 23, 2011 for the Diocese of Baton Rouge Annual World Youth Day Event. The event will be from 12:30-7pm in New Roads, LA at St. Mary False River Catholic Church. All 6-12th graders are welcome to join us, including families. Highlights include: Mass with Bishop Mueunch, Interactive Venues, Eucharistic Procession, Dinner. The cost is $10, which includes our green youth group t-shirt and bus transportation.


IN YOUR FACE
Come with the Georgetown High School Youth Group on Saturday, December 3 as we head out to Alexandria, LA for “In Your Face”. Experience the Steubenville Conference in one day with us this winter. This event will be one amazing day with Chris Padgett who is one of the most hilarious speakers I have ever seen. Paul George, founder of ADORE ministry, will be the host for the day. The music for the day will be directed by Paul Hood. Fr. Jose will have the honor of celebrating mass on that afternoon and to do the Eucharistic Adoration. We are inviting all students, 8th grade and up. In addition, we invite any adults that would like to chaperon. The cost of the event is $25 a person, with scholarships available. Deadline to register is Friday, November 18.

SO BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR THESE EVENTS!

October What A Month!

October is one of my favorite months of the year.  There is so much going on.  We are in the heart of football season from pee wee through NFL.  The lovely smells of tailgating in the air.  The race for the world series is coming together.  People are raising awareness for cancer, especially breast cancer.  It is finally getting cool enough to start hanging out outside without losing 5lbs of water weight.  However, the most important things that I love about the month of October is that the month is dedicated to Respect Life and the Rosary.  Does life get any better then babies and the Blessed Mother?  I think not.  They definitely go hand in hand when you think about it.  One of the best ways to prayer for the Pro-Life movement is through the Rosary.   

With the Rosary in mind I want to take notice to the video above.  It is a great video, just check it out.  It has a purpose don't worry.  I think when looking at the end it makes one heck of a shirt idea!  What a simple, but bold statement "I PRAY THE ROSARY."  Praying the Rosary for me personally has helped my life so much that it is irreplaceable in my prayer life.  The Blessed Mother is beyond amazing!  Here is a link on how to say the rosary, along with all the mysteries....you should try it out sometime and see for yourself.

We have an amazing opportunity in our grasp this respect life month.  Baton Rouge is having its first annual 40 Days for Life campaign.  This is a campaign that allows people from across Baton Rouge to visit the Goodwood Delta Abortion Clinic and pray outside of it.  This campaign has people at the Delta Clinic everyday for 40 days from 7am-7pm on September 28-November 6.   The power of prayer does amazing wonders for people inside and outside the clinic.  Just last Thursday they had 3 women outside of the clinic change there mind in to keeping their child.  What an amazing gift.  It is a true witness of the power of prayer.  
Next Wednesday, October 12 St. George has adopted the entire day to stand outside of the clinic.  I have decided to sign the youth group up from 5-6pm on that day.  So it would be awesome if we could have the entire youth group out there working the beads of the Rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother in intercession for everyone that is involved with the Delta Clinic.  Also, if you are unable to make it or would like to sign up to take an hour any time/day of the campaign you can get information right here at the 40 Days for Life Website 

October is amazing month.  Why not making it better in partaking praying the Rosary and maybe giving up some of your personal time for the 40 Days for Life campaign.  It would just simply make the month better then what it is already turning out to be.

Archbishop Hannan Dies, But Leaves A Legacy

I thought that this news could not go unnoticed as Archbishop Hannan died last Thursday after an amazing 98 years on this earth. He was an great bishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and amazing man. I even had Archbishop Hannan confirm me just ten years ago. Even though I only directly spoke to him a few times, I still feel that he truly witnessed to me. He showed me the potential that each one of us has when we simply wake up every morning and ask the Lord what He wants us to do to help build His Kingdom here on earth. He was truly a man that loved and served the Lord. Here is a great prayer that I got from Fr. Brent that is simple to say for Archbishop Hannan

De Profundis
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.
If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?
But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered.
I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word.
My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord,
For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption;
And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.


Check out the video above or you can click on this link to a great news article about his life.

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103852.htm

St. Michael the Archangel

Over the past years I have begun to notice a drop off in devotions to saints, archangels and the Blessed Mother. People always look at these things of being from the past or something my grandparents do. However, I am here to tell you the importance of these devotions and using the saints and angels as a way to help yourself in your spiritual life and doing battle with the enemy.

So many times I feel that people downplay the existence of spiritual warfare in the modern world that it is truly scary. Having this in mind I think it is important to recognize the feast day of St. Michael and the Archangels feast day this Thursday, September 29th. Without the works of the archangels think about the things that would have never happened in the Bible: We see Gabriel coming to Mary to announce that she will bear Jesus (kind of important). The archangels are there for St. Joseph telling him to take Mary as his wife because she conceived by the Holy Spirit and to flee to Egypt after the birth of Jesus from Herod. We see the archangels continually doing battle with the devil and St. Michael helping kick out Lucifer and a third of the angels from Heaven when the fall of Lucifer and creation of Hell occurs.

My most favorite of the Archangels has to be St. Michael as the picture seen here. St. Michael is just an amazing warrior in the spiritual realm it is hard for us not to notice him. He is always there ready to help us fight in our own battles with the devil. He not only helps us fight, he can help protect us from evil moments of evil in our world.

I always put St. Michael in the Amazing Awesomeness Majestic Warrior category. I know he kicks it with Jesus in Heaven and they talk about what is on the agenda for the day only to come up with to Drop Kick the Devil in the Face. I good analogy I like to show how effective St. Michael is... "its like being in a wrestling match with your friends and having Hulk Hogan on your team." So he is a star player when it comes to spiritual warfare. You have to ask yourself, why not bring out the big guns to battle the Devil every day? So today I have to tip my hat to St. Michael and the archangels of Heaven, without them I have no clue as to were we would be.

Here is the St. Michael prayer that I challenge everyone to say daily. You would be amazed as how well this prayer works in moments were you find yourself struggling to not fall into temptation. So here it is. Hope you enjoy.


Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Win A Free Trip To The March For Life

So All Juniors and Seniors of Gtown you have the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in this years Pro-Life Oratory Contest. This is the third year that the oratory contest has taken place within the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

The Pro-Life Oratory Contest consist of high school junior and seniors across the area competing with 5-7 minute speechs on a Pro-Life issue. These issues are on topics regarding the Tragedy of Abortion, Euthanasia, Infanticide, or Embryonic Stem Cell Research.

First place winner receives $200 Cash and FULL registration to attend the March For Life. Second place receives $100 Cash and half price to attend the March For Life. It is a great honor to be chosen to go on and represent the Diocese of Baton Rouge to compete at the state and national level.

Last year our very own Katelyn Lamy won 2nd place in the Diocese and benefited from a half paid trip to the March for Life with us.

You can download the form as seen above via pdf for registration and more information. Let me know if you are wanting to do this.

"Living on Hope"

When first look at the hit movie Napoleon Dynamite one can only think of the cheesy characters in the movie. Think about each character from Pedro for President, Kip training to be a cage fighter & chatting with babes all day, Unlce Rico wanting to relive nonexistent glory days of 1982, and Napoleon participating in the happy hands club & talking about mythical creatures. However, when we look deeper into the movie past all the one liner quotes and the sensational dance scene by Napoleon there is more then meets the eye.

Napoleon's gift he shows throughout the movie is perseverance. He never gives up no matter what happens, even when his own family Uncle Rico continually humiliates him. Napoleon continually Lives on Hope. Though Napoleon gets continually rejected he always offers his friendship. He continually searches for community and friendship which is hardwired into our souls. That is something so amazing because he does not try to be anything that he is not. How many times in our own lives have we found ourselves trying to be something that we were not? Napoleon does not care what anyone else thinks of him.

On a similar note, the film affirms that everyone is worthy, no matter how geeky, different, or damaged. This obvious mirrors the teaching of JPIIs Theology of the Body in that everyone is created by and for Love. We are created in the image of the living God. This is such an amazing thing to see in the movie how Napoleon always offers people acceptance even when he was rejected. He sees the beauty in people even if it is displayed in a weird way. We see this best when he tells Deb how pretty she is in telling her that she could be drinking whole milk instead of 1%.

Throughout the movie we see the tether ball court as an important landmark for the characters, especially Napoleon. The movie ends and begins at the tether ball court with Napoleon asking Summer and Deb if they would like to play him. The first results in rejection, where we continually see rejection occur, and the last acceptance were the movie ends with Napoleon and Deb playing together. So from start to finish we walk through the journey of Napoleon from zero to hero. Napoleon pretty much changed the culture of his school and family just by being himself throughout the movie. If God can use Napoleon this way it is living proof that God uses anyone. We should never give up on the dreams that God has for us! It is simply our vocation to lead others to Christ. We continually see throughout the Bible of God choosing the weak to lead the strong.

Next time you find yourself watching the ridiculously awesome movie of Napoleon Dynamite. So the moral of the movie is to don't try to be anything then who you are. We must find our identity in Christ and put that into action. Notice how Napoleon "Lives on Hope" and tells Pedro "Listen to your heart... that's what I do!"

Jesus: The Bread of Life

Over the past few years we have seen a new trend of underground art. This art form as you can call it is a way for people to come together in one central location to do something that brings surprise and attention to every day people that happen to witness it. You may know this as "The Flash Mob!" I came across this video randomly of a Eucharistic Flash Mob in Preston, England organized by some Capuchin Franciscans. This was staged by the friars and some local missionaries in England to help bring revival to the Church in England.

What an amazing thing to see the people that come to kneel before Jesus as they continually invite all to do as they pass. I always think of the phrase "Let The Children Come To Me." Jesus simple shows up in middle of this busy intersection and he obviously takes care of everything. Just as Christ had crowds that were drawn to Him in His ministry over 2000 years ago, we see that He still has the power to do so more then ever.

Last night at St. George we had the ability to put down the business of our lives and spend time with Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament through Adoration. Adoration is such an amazing gift were we can come face to face with the God of the Universe and just be in His presence. All it

How often do we see in our own culture the lack of the Lord's presence within our streets? Just as Jesus was brought into the streets of Preston, England as seen above through this video we too must bring Jesus into the places we go. Maybe we do not have the ability to carry the Eucharist with us were we go, however can we not be the Face of Jesus to all that we meet? We must be the hands and feet of Christ to all our peers, friends, family, and whoever that God puts into our life. We must continually answer the call of "Come Follow Me." It is when we daily choose to follow Christ that not only our lives are transformed, but also the people around us.

March for Life 2012

Check out this Righteous Video of last years March for Life 2011 Trip! It is time to make the decision for 2012.

It is that time of the year again when the St. George High School Youth Group will be preparing for our annual March for Life Pilgrimage. We will be headed to Washington D.C. from January 19-24 with the Diocese of Baton Rouge for a pilgrimage experience like no other. Registration has begun and space has begin to fill. Last year St. George took 25 participants on the trip of the total 350 from all across the diocese. Deadline to sign up is October 1 for a guaranteed spot on the trip. Space is limited hence we had a waiting list of 60 people that were unable to go across the diocese. Start to make the decision now to come to the March for Life pilgrimage. You can find more information at www.youthmarchforlife.com, which has the link on the bottom of the blog under places to visit.

Also, every year we have a few parents that attend the event as chaperons for the trip. If you are interested in attending the event as a chaperon in any way I would love to talk with you about this amazing experience.

Take note of our annual March for Life Benefit Dinner which will be held next weekend on Saturday, September 17 at Our Lady of Mercy Church. We make sure money is never an issue for youth. Scholarships are available for those in need.

Feel free to leave comment on your thoughts of the March if you have ever attended and it has affected your life.

If you have any questions or would like to join us for this year’s march please contact me. Have a wonderful day and God Bless.

Signs of the Times

Hello Everyone,
So after much thought and prayer I have decided that Gtown should go into the digital discipleship business.  After having our youth group night on technology and realizing that so many people are not actually using Facebook.  I think this will be a better way to get things in front of your face including: news, information, spiritual/formation material, interesting things I happen to find online, and conversation starters.  So let me know what your thoughts are on the new page.  Remember it is still under the construction stage.

Pax Christi,
Matt