So often we look to "do" things to better ourselves this time of year. "I'm gonna go on a diet," or, "I'm gonna start going to the gym..."

Instead of looking to the externals, I think we should look inwards first. If we are true to ourselves, we'd realize that Jesus is calling us, first and foremost, to a deeper transformation in HIS love! He wants us to encounter Him in prayer, and to experience all He has won for us.

In short - He wants us to come away and rest in Him, to retreat into our relationship with Him.

By Monsignor David Ratermann

When the snow fell on November 30, I arose very early and sat at a window in the chapel where I live. Snow was falling and there was just enough light to see it come down; not like the rain, but in slow motion, delicate flakes of snow that floated very gracefully and landed covering the earth with a white blanket. I had not seen that sight for many years because I had been in Bolivia. I was fascinated as I gazed at that beautiful manifestation of the glory of the Lord in creation. "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all people shall see it together."

What kind of news do you hear, read, or see on TV most often? Good news or bad news?

Paul Masek answered this great question and I thought I would share it.

Dear Paul,

On your retreat, I realized that I wear masks all of the time. It is so bad that I am not even sure who I am any more. What advice can you give me to help me remove my masks?

Dear Friend,

Thanks for writing. I want to let you know that I have asked some of the wisest people I know, including quite a few teenagers who serve on the REAP Team and who have attended our retreats, for practical advice on how to remove masks. Here are some excellent tips -

On Friday evening December 12th, the REAP Team will rock the roof off DeSmet Jesuit High School's theater with Karl Zimmerman and Pete Buncher at the REAP Team Benefit Concert! We hope to see all of you there! What better way to celebrate the feast of day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, right?

For those of you who can't make it to the concert, we'd like to ask you to prayerfully consider showing your support of the REAP Team by sending in a five dollar (or larger) contribution. We're all very aware of the state of the economy and this has had an effect on ministries like the REAP Team - and while financial resources may be strained, ministry needs don't stop. So if you'd like to support the REAP Team and just can't make it to the concert, please consider sending in a donation to our office - no gift is too small, and certainly no gift is too large!

The Catholic Youth Apotolate, Office of Youth Ministry welcomes Ron Garcia to our staff! Ron joins us from Madison, Wisconsin, where he worked for ten years as an officer of the law, then decided to change careers a bit - and became the Coordinator of Youth Ministry for the diocese of Madison. When I asked him about the career change - he thought that the two were pretty closely related... ok then... HA!

Seriously though, Ron brings a wealth of gifts, knowledge and experience to the Archdiocese - and we are truly blessed that he is with us. You will all have the opportunity to meet him at our events and programs - or just call him up!

I was a pretty stubborn kid. Well, I never went so far as throwing full out tantrums... but my mom would probably say I often came pretty close. What can I say, I liked getting my way. If I wanted my blankie... that meant I wanted it right away. If hungry/thirsty.... put somethin in my belly! In some ways, my stubbornness has stayed with me through the years. 

So.... there I was, getting more and more comfortable speaking Spanish, celebrating Masses, funerals and baptisms in the poorest country in South America...

OK... I guess I should back up a bit. My last assignment was in La Paz, Bolivia, in the parish of Maria Reina, where the Archdiocese of St. Louis has had a mission for the past 52 years. La Paz is nestled in a valley in the middle of the Andes Mountains - the parish rectory sat at about 11,000 feet. Often, I had to walk up and down the mountain roads to get to parishioner's "house" for a funeral or anointing. I had an increasing amount of pain in my leg and back - it soon became apparent that I was in need of some major help.

Catholic Youth Apostolate welcomes Fr. Brian Fischer!  Fr. Fischer is the new Director for the Office of Youth Ministry.  He brings with him years of experience in youth ministry.  Before entering the seminary, Fr. Brian helped start LIFE TEEN at Sacred Heart in Valley Park as a volunteer. He served his deaconate at Queen of All Saints where he helped start youth ministry. After his ordination, he worked as the associate pastor at Saint Clare of Assisi in Ellisville.  It was hard for St. Clare to say goodbye when he was assigned to work the Archdiocese's Bolivia Missions.  After 13 months working for the missions, Fr. Fischer returned to continue the work of Sr. Consolata as the new Director of Youth Ministry.  We are very grateful and blessed by his new assignment.  We know that he brings new gifts and talents to our office that will continue to bless our Archdiocese.  Please join us in welcoming him. 

As a youth minister for 7 years, I have seen some of the best to the worst when it comes to retreats.  I have also struggled with having the time to do it all, as I'm sure many can relate.  I bring this up because St. Louis has an AWESOME resource and opportunity in the REAP Team.  The REAP Team is a Catholic Youth Retreat Ministry for the Archdiocese of St. Louis (even though they get calls from other states due to their reputation).

I bring this up because I am new to the OYM and I am not sure how many people out there realize what the REAP Team can do for your youth and even your parents.  I have experienced their retreats and even helped with a few of them.  What I find are a group of faithful people that are connected with the Holy Spirit and also the youth of this generation.  Their retreats have all the elements that bring teens into relationship with Jesus Christ and also empower them to make good choices to be the people God calls them to be (and they have fun at the same time!)

On Tuesday, September 30, 2008, will be the 1st Annual Golf Classic for the Catholic Youth Apostolate!  This will be an awesome day of fun, which also helps out the youth of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.  The Catholic Youth Apostolate is made up by the Office of Youth Ministry, Catholic Scouts, and the CYC Sports!  Their is almost 200 parishes in our Archdiocese, so think about how many teenagers you will be helping by playing a great (or not so great if you play like me) game of golf!

 The cost is only $125.00 person for a 4-Person Scramble, including a Cart, Lunch, Cocktails, Dinner Buffet, Silent Auction, and Contests for Men & Women (Longest Drive, Closes Pin, Longest Putt)!