Life out in Medicine Hat can always be summed up into one word and that word would be Awesome. Seriously! The community, the host homes, the youth, the priests, the parishioners are all nothing short of Awesome! The way they take care of our needs, the opportunities we get to hang out with them and really get to know their stories is always so amazing. God really is constantly giving us the chances to build up friendships and bonds that we hope shall last for years to come.
This past week has been super fun being able to go snowboarding/skiing twice with some of our youth from both Unchained and Equip up in Hidden Valley. It is a beautiful provincial park nestled in the Cypress Hills 45 minutes outside of Medicine Hat. It absolutely amazing to be driving through flat praises with no trees or snow, take a turn into the hills and then all of a sudden come across an area full of trees, gain elevation well above the prairie floor and snow making me think we had just entered British Colombia. Only two of us from the team (Matt and Kyley) had ever snowboarded/skied so for everyone else it was their first time. It was great watching them learn the techniques, make it up to the bigger trails and have a day with nothing but smilies! Good times were had by all. I also had my unbirthday (Matt) up there which was well beyond awesome.
Ministry has been going super solid as of late with a lot of talk about Lent for both youth groups. Many small groups have been had to discuss what we have given up or taken on for the Lenten season. Some people are giving up Facebook and Instagram while others gave up all liquids (not including water) and praying the rosary daily. It's always inspiring to see what others are doing to grow in holiness for the Lord.
Some of the biggest news in the Catholic world is with Pope Benedict XVI stepping down as Pope has made many turns head but we are praying for him and his health. He recently spoke about the "Emerging Youth Culture" which is a very important to not just look over but to take action and fully participate in for the sake of our youth in the church. One line that really stuck out to me as being a missionary is getting a shout out from the Pope as he stated the "generous and courageous" youth volunteers who dedicate their lives to the needy as well as those who "joyfully bear witness to their belonging to the Church." It is totally focused on NET and other missionary individuals/groups all across the world which brings us strength to keep doing what God has called us to do!
With all that said our focus should be on our youth for they are the future of the church. God is calling for constant change and bringing youth back to the church. God bless!
Matthew ten-Bohmer
Infuse 2
Medicine Hat, Alberta
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