Peace of Christ be with you!  As I begin my sixth year at the Catholic Youth Apostolate – Office of Youth Ministry, I turn to the words of Christ who says, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit that will remain.”  The Lord called me to serve here in the Archdiocese of St. Louis in July 2003.  Now, September 2008, He calls again. He is sending me forth to be the Vocation Director for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George.  My last day in the office is September 15th and I will move to Alton on September 20th.

Last week I went to watch the movie,American Teen, with some awesome youth ministers and we discussed our thoughts afterwards. I wrote this review to youth ministers and all those people out there that love teenagers.  Here is my review of the movie and how you could use it in your youth ministry programs:

American Teen is a documentary on the life of 5 teens (Hannah, Mitch, Megan, Colin, and Jake) in their last year of high school. Before you read on, I would watch this trailer for the movie:

http://www.americanteenthemovie.com/

I'm excited to announce that our 2nd and all New CORE TEAM TRAINING Day is Saturday, September 13th!  This will be an awesome day for core members and youth ministers to come together to GET CONNECTED in new and real ways that will enhance how you minister and grow the kingdom of God!  Our world changes all the time and it is a challenge to get connected and stay connected with teens and making Jesus relevent to their lives.  We have a whole new day planned for you with speakers like Hector Molina and the REAP TEAM, along with many new topics, techniques, and prayer!  I hope you all can make it!  You and your teens are in my prayers.

Come by the OYM at the Cardinal Rigali Center (3rd floor) on July 30th from 1-3pm to say good-bye to Liz! 

After more than three years as the Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Liz Buncher will be leaving the OYM to be the Campus Minister and to teach sacraments at Notre Dame High School this fall.  Liz has brought much joy, creativity, experience and care for youth ministers and young people.  Her love for youth and those who serve them as been an asset to the OYM and parishes in the Archdiocese.  Thank you Liz for using your gifts to serve and to bring Christ to the people of St. Louis!

Today Archbishop Burke was appointed as prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Church's highest court.  Listen to the Archbishop himself as he addresses us in the Archdiocese of his appointment.

We are grateful for his service and guidance here in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and will accompany him with our prayers as he prepares for the next step in his journey in following Christ.

Thank you Archbishop Burke for your love and support of young people and those who serve them!

World Youth Day is quickly approaching!  There will be something new at WYD come this July.  Did you know that the Holy Father plans to communicate with the young people directly?  How?  Well, he is going to text them daily with personal messages.  How incredible is that?  Please keep all the pilgrims in your prayers as we travel to be His witnesses.