The challenge

While "working" on Facebook, I ran across the status of my friend, another youth minister.

Mary is trying to use Final Cut Pro to make a version of Donnie Darko that's edited for the kids.

It's particularly funny because, once again, it's the time of year for Confirmation candidates to make their "day of reflection" retreat. I work with a team that facilitates just such a retreat. For the past few years, I've been tasked with finding video clips which stimulate discussion about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, like Courage and Right Judgment. Lots of movies could fit that criterion, but, alas, they must be unoffensive (to youth and their chaperones, a near-impossible task), clear, brief...Furthermore, based on adult evaluations, they must not involves witches, witchcraft, or sorcery. So Harry Potter is out. But, by those standards, so are the G-rated films Mary Poppins, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Nanny McPhee. Or the PG Princess Bride.

We've tried to apply our own rules like "permitted for viewing by adults and adolescents by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office of Film and Broadcasting." Apparently, while the good bishops saw no major problems with The Devil Wears Prada, the chaperones were less forgiving. By the way, the bishops mention no objection to magic or wizardry in Harry Potter.

It's challenging. It's frustrating, and sometimes aggravating. Ministers are asked to catechize youth in the teachings of the Church. We are asked to reach out to young people in their element, which means engaging them in discussion about music, clothes, movies, socializing. And yet, we're asked not to get too real. Sure, they've all seen Harry Potter and The Devil Wears Prada, but that was in their secular lives. This is their church life and it should be naively pious, even if it means isolation or willful ignorance. Why equip kids with the moral and intellectual tools observe, question and challenge their own culture, when you can just show them The Song of Bernadette from 1943 and then have a nice, innocuous, vapid discussion on French saints?

There's lots of room for talking about Christian identity--saints, apostles, sacraments and all. But if we can't make ministry relatable and relevant, what's the point? We're not raising youth to be hermits. We're raising them to be conscientious adults, formed by the world in which they live, and informed by the values of the discipleship.

Mary, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. The Mormons used to offer edited movies at CleanFlicks.com but apparently the copyright people weren't pleased. Now they offer rental services for movies that do not include nudity, profanity and violence. So that should give you a stock of about 6 movies to choose from. (They do offer Harry Potter and The Princess Bride!)

This is not a peace sign

A bloody end to another peace-less year. The perennial tension in Israel-Palestine has broken into violence once again. Here, Palestinian protestors flash victory signs and chant anti-Israeli slogans. Both sides are launching missiles and young men, both Israeli and Palestinian, are seen on the streets throwing rocks at police forces. Please keep the people of Gaza in your prayers, along with the aid workers, world politicians and UN officials, that they may work diligently to find a common path to peace.

Advent

God, in God's wisdom, has gifted me with living in St. Louis. I love this city and treasure it as my chosen home. While at college, the Arch always welcomed me home and certainly stirred my heart whenever I neared it--almost there! Finally, I've put down roots and can claim the city as my own. The city holds many of the things I love--people, places, food! And a most permanently vital feature: I also have the pleasure of crossing the Mississippi River twice a day (or more), a feat that still amazes me. This is a river with a history and meaning that run deeper than its waters. Today, I welcomed a stupendous sight. The cold weather has caught up with the mighty river and there were ice floes among the barges this morning. Photographer Bob captured this photo and was kind enough to let me show you. This is my (frozen, frosty) city, no less beautiful in the dead of winter than it is in full spring bloom.

As Advent draws to a close and we make our final preparations to welcome the Light into the world, let us embrace the gray twilight and take stock of our blessings. They are present, even in shadow. The light is on the horizon! Come, Emmanuel.

A Prayer

One of the Christmas activities our Youth Min staff oversees is a Peace Prayer Tree. Children are invited to write a prayer for peace in the world. It's not unusual to get indecipherable scribbles or prayers like "Jesus, I would give you a football." Here's a gem. In case you can't read it:

Our

father hoo

wort in heven

I will be my

name my

kingdom

kom I

My favorite is "I will be my name." I like to pretend that this kid is familiar with Moses and the burning bush.

Merry Christmas!

Hey, we have a meeting Tuesday!

Most of the time, they're not too bad. But sometimes, they result in...puppet shows about angels with broken wings.

Good news, Bad news

The good news is that the priests I work with are great guys, willing to help out in whatever capacity necessary for ministry. Even if it means dressing up as an a) beauty pageant winner to hand out goofy awards to teenagers or b) a Roman centurion for the Holy Week Stations of the Cross presentation.

The bad news is that, due to a total lack of modesty or body-consciousness in the above situations, I've seen two priests in their boxers.

Please note that this does not constitute a scandal. Praise God for willing, if sometimes clueless, servants of the Church.

Inspirational Poster

As we prepare for Holy Week, please enjoy this inspirational image.