News from ‘All Around:

HARTFORD, CT — Is freedom just the absence of rules, or something more? Over three hundred high school students will discuss what it means to be free, during the March 9-11 Convivio conference in Fairfield, Conn.

Freedom “is such an important topic in our time but also one that is very misunderstood,” organizer Florencia Silva said in an announcement released by congress. She directs youth ministry in the Diocese of Bridgeport, which is sponsoring the international Catholic youth congress.

Organized by the Marian Community of Reconciliation, the 2012 Convivio conference belongs to a 30-year tradition of bringing young people together to reflect on life’s questions and the issues facing society. Its format features group discussions alongside larger gatherings and presentations. Read more from the Catholic News Agency.

AUSTIN, TX — For months the excitement was mounting; a Twitter feed on the Austin Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) web page kept participants informed, urged them to pray and get excited about the event that brought about 2,200 people to the Waco Convention Center Jan. 20-22. They came from more than 80 parishes throughout the diocese. This year’s conference drew about 400 more participants than DCYC in 2011.

The theme “Unafraid,” was based on Hebrews 13:6, “Thus we may say with confidence: ‘the Lord is my helper [and] I will not be afraid, what can anyone else do to me?’” It was also based on the message “Be not afraid,” from Blessed Pope John Paul II, and used an image of the crucifix as its logo.

The excitement was evident each time the conference doors opened for the sessions; participants eagerly awaited Mass, prayer services, skits, entertainment and keynote speakers Ennie Hickman and Jackie François.  Read more from the Catholic Spirit

News from ‘Round Here:

Monday got away from me pretty quickly into a succession of meetings.  A slower start ro a busy week.  I advanced some MAC stuff in the afternoon, prepped for the Sunday YM training, and then headed out.  My first Medifast weigh0in was in the evening along with some shopping.  At home, I worked up my last video for the cause of Equip.

Tuesday was an Association of Professional Youth Ministers meeting followed by a meeting with an individual youth minister.  A good day.  Wednesday was a desk morning, followed by an Equip lunch, and then an extended Georgina check-in in the afternoon.  The threat of snow (and the promise of a snow day) were unfulfilled in the evening.

Thursday was a gathering of the e-team. the “premier” of a video discussing our historical basilica, filming and editing yet another video for Equip, and collaborating with the offices for child and youth protection. Then it was off to my brother’s for an overnight stay.

Friday, I went to the funeral of a father of a friend. I knew Tom from thirty years back, he lived a life well lived. May he rest in peace.  The car ride home was a good break from the norm and I paused along the way for a meal with the daughters

I was off to Mount 2000 on Saturday, checking in with our youth ministers who were there and well as with the seminarian leadership of the program. I taped Father Leo Patalinghug for an upcoming ReBuild episode and then was feted with a great lunch (video evidence) along with the Josh Blakesley Band.

Sunday was our Catholic Relief Services Young Adult Ambassador Training- A very full day! (and I snuck two projects while on the margins.)

I’m now into my second week of a medifast diet paired up with a consistent schedule of workouts. According to my scale this am, I’m down 4.1 pounds for a two week total of 11.5. My Monday evening official weigh-in has me losing 4 to a total of 12.5 lbs. Average is supposed to be 3-5 pounds se we are very on track!