Youth Speak News

I would hold my mind and body in complete reverence, knowing the supreme importance of the opportunity: I was standing next to God, serving Him. I became both a servant and a friend in God’s house, and I cherished that deeply.

The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board in Ontario is naming its virtual school after Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006), the teenaged Italian computer programmer beatified by Pope Francis Oct. 10 who is becoming increasingly known as “the first millennial saint.”

There are approximately seven weeks between the Canadian and American celebrations of Thanksgiving.

Let’s hop in a time machine back to 1999. It was a year that, among others, saw Tony Hawk skateboarding his way to the top of the cultural scene.

The immortal poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lt. Col. John McCrae, has brought countless reflections on the past to vividly remember and connect with brave soldiers who fought virtuously for freedom in the major conflicts of the past century.

Rev. Dr. Peter Gittens, a Toronto School of Theology lecturer, sees first hand the lack of appreciation for the liberal arts which has grown over the past two centuries. He noticed it years ago when teaching at a Catholic school where he saw a lack of focus on theology courses.

It would be impossible to encompass all the ways a Catholic woman could live purposefully in 2020. However, one virtual workshop explained some of the core elements in a six-session thought-provoking series of online talks and seminars. 

In a world free from a pandemic’s grasp, the young adult ministry Faith Connections would have a vibrant suite of in-person fellowship and faith formation events slated for the next three to six months.

A friend of mine shared a Facebook post from a Catholic youth group. He commented: “Finally a saint with a picture with his tongue out and wearing jeans, t-shirt and a sweater. We could possibly have been Facebook friends too.”

If there are teachers or students in your life, I urge you to pray for them because this school year is nothing like anything anyone has seen before.