by Ricky Doc Sauceda
Last week I spoke to the youth in our CCE classes in the Francesca Hall. They received messages that pointed out that faith can provide all things in the love of Lord Jesus Christ. Tonight, we were supposed to have a gathering in the hall with our youth minister, Julie. Father Frank decided he wanted the kids to come to tonight's mass. It was a special celebration of St. Juan Diego and was very unique and offered an alternate experience of spirituality.
Father Frank reached out the youth tonight with the message they heard last week. That each of them can do something wonderful with their lives if they allow God to be their influence. Now, he specifically referred to the Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is the Virgin Mary in an Indian form. I cannot explain this, so I suggest you Google it or research her at Wikipedia. It is an amazing story.
What I am saying is that our youth got another dose of "God loves you!" They were really into the message and inspired by Father Frank - who is a spirit filled and passionate orator. I spoke to them from my heart but he spoke to them as the loving leader of our church...the authority figure. They heard confirmation from our Big Gun that "all things are possible with the Lord."
It was amazing.
(By the way, I served in the Hospitality ministry in addition to being with my class in the church tonight. I saw a few of my students from last year. It was a very special night. I could see the fire of the Holy Spirit over Father Frank on the altar.)