This will be my last blog entry. As most of you have probably heard by now, I will be leaving my position at St. Anthony’s at the end of June. I will be going to the Philippines as a Peace Corps volunteer for the next 27 months starting July 1st.
I just wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful times! It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you and to be able to share such great memories.
It has been especially great to see the growth in the teens that I’ve worked with these last four years. Many were shy or unsure of themselves when I first met them, but they have really blossomed into confident leaders and amazing people. I am so proud of all the young people at St. Anthony’s! Their enthusiasm and energy, their faith for God, their dreams, goals, and passions have really inspired me. I always tell them that they are not only the future leaders of the Church, they are the present leaders, here and now. They have certainly proven themselves to be effective leaders by serving in various parish ministries and events, community events, and at Youth Group or retreats. You should certainly be proud to be parents, friends and mentors of such awesome young people.
I would also like to thank all the youth ministry leaders who have helped with the program. Their care and dedication to the youth is very evident in the way that they give their time and talent in many different kinds of ways. From chaperoning retreats to organizing snacks, to leading a game or mentoring a small group, they have all blessed the program with their presence. Youth ministry is certainly not a one person job and I couldn’t have run this program without them!
It has been a privilege to be a part of all of your lives. I’ve been witness to many wonderful things happening at St. Anthony’s. God has been present in every moment – including retreats, Adoration, pancake breakfasts, foosball, Confirmation, Youth Nights, meals shared with families, beach trips, youth band, Steubenville NW, silly games, and everything else!
Even though I am excited for the new life adventure I will soon be embarking on, I will still miss all of you very much! Feel free to keep in touch! You can also follow my Peace Corps blog to keep updated on my life in the Philippines.
Sincerely,
Deborah
