News from ‘All Around:

OTTAWA, CAN — Unplug from the Internet, take out those ear buds, take some time to be still and rediscover the love of God—and make that prayer time and stillness a habit if you want to effectively share the Good News with young people.

That was the message that about 300 Catholic youth ministry leaders from across Canada steeped in March 9-12 at the Canadian Catholic Youth Ministry Network conference here on the theme: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). The conference kicked off with a reflection by Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast on the conference theme, followed by Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Basilica.

Archbishop Prendergast said that in preparing for the talk, he Googled the theme’s scripture verse and came up with 37 million responses. “What does it mean to be still? “ he asked. “Can we be still today?” Read more from the BC Catholic.

BALTIMORE, MD — Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic youths are joining an Occupy movement – not that one, though. The Youth and Young Adult Pilgrimage, held annually on the Saturday before Palm Sunday in Baltimore City, will be held March 31 with the theme, “Occupy Passion/Manifestar Cristo.”  Scott Miller, the archdiocesan director for the Division of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, said Jesus’ willingness to enter into his passion was the inspiration. “Jesus chose to ‘occupy’ his passion and young people are invited enter into the same as we begin holy Week with our annual pilgrimage,” Miller said. Read more from the Catholic Review

News from ‘Round Here:

Monday found me still in MAC unpack mode- primarily spending the day returning borrowed LCD projectors to various schools.  With that task completed at 9:30am, the rest of the day was spent off.

Tuesday was primarily a desk day with many tasks checked off my list.  There was an impromptu MAC celebration lunch and the day finished with dinner at a friend’s and then a board of directors’ meeting at the Msgr. O’Dwyer Youth Retreat House. Wednesday brought the NFCYM Region 4 meeting with other diocesan directors of youth ministry.

Thursday involved primarily a directors’ meeting with the e-team and kicking out the office e-newsletter.  It was a full and busy day. I actually went into work a little late on Friday… which means just a nudge after 9am. I’m usually in much earlier. I wrote and submitted a Slant 33 article, met with Margaret regarding some long-range planning, discussed with Georgina a potential name change of one of our summer programs, had a ReBuild conference call, and still got out at a reasonable hour.

The weekend brought an easy Saturday with errands and relaxation. The evening involved a double date with the daughters for dinner and a production of the Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods.  Sunday was a planning and execution day for an annual confirmation retreat out at Mother of Sorrows. Elements included Matt Maher’s 40 days, revisiting the three pigs, Wow, Attitude of Christ Jesus.  The retreat was this week’s Awesome Weekly Experience (AWE)

Week seven of my medifast diet paired up with a consistent schedule of workouts was not a great week, only down .5 pounds.  I’m hunkering down these last two weeks to get the necessary 3.5 pounds in the next fortnight towards my goal date. and 3 weeks away from my original goal.