With God, all things are possible

Sunday, 1 pm: A long line of cars approached Most Precious Blood Church, and teens stood in line to participate in the Global Celebration of Young People, Corpus Christi edition. Prepared by the Office of Youth Ministry and the Office of Young Adult Ministry, more than 225 teens attended the gathering, with 30 young adults as role models and 50 youth ministers and volunteers.
 
After pizza and an introduction by the MCs Sister Gemma, SOLT and John McFarland, Vicar General Fr. Paul Hesse celebrated Mass, bringing the greetings from Bishop Mulvey, who is still recovering from his knee surgery.
 John McFarland and Sister Gemma, SOLTIn his homily, Fr. Paul referred to the Gospel of the day – the episode of the rich young man who was invited by Jesus to sell everything he had and follow Jesus but walked away sad because he had many possessions - about how he loved backpacking and camping but would end up with a heavy backpack. “Our possessions can weigh us down,” he said. After letting go of some seemingly necessary items, he enjoyed the hikes more.
 
“The rich young man was attracted by Jesus,” Fr. Paul continued. But his vision was clouded; he could not see what was essential. “God has an invitation for each of us – and with God, all things are possible.”
 
After Mass, the teens enjoyed games and worship with “Movement 5.” Jake and Angie Windnagle shared their faith journeys with the participants. Jake went to catholic school but left the faith when he went to college. While partying and trying to fit in, he was feeling exhausted. When his grandfather passed away, his friends would take him out for free drinks, but that didn’t help. After visiting a friend from high school who went to a Catholic College, he felt attracted to the atmosphere there. “I transferred to that college and found friends who really cared.” When his grandmother passed away, one friend, whom he only knew a month, offered to drive him home and help with everything necessary. 
His wife shared how she had a conversion in high school and realized that no one could love her like Jesus does. “Even if I love my husband and we have children together, he will fail me. And I will fail him – no one can love like Jesus. He is always our first love.”
 
The teens journaled and ended the day with adoration, giving everything to God. There were long lines for confession throughout the day, and the teens left with a renewed relationship with Jesus.