As a representative of our Youth Group, I was asked to share my thoughts and reflections on this week's readings as part of the World Youth Day. I appreciate this opportunity and celebrate this example of our parish's willingness to listen to the youth of our faith community (even though I do not profess to represent the voice of all youth). I realize that my thoughts do not carry the wisdom of the ages but just as St. Paul encouraged and a enthusiastically supported the Thessalonians in our second reading even though they were quite "young in the faith" I hope you will patiently value the thoughts I express.
             As I read and reflected on the readings, three points seemed important to me.
             The first point is the need to know your Faith.
             The Second Point is importance to Act on your Faith.
             The Third point is the Need to Build Community.
             The first point to know your Faith. St. Paul tells the Thessalonians that they had received the word with joy, and from that they had gained knowledge of their faith that grounded their actions so that they became models for all believers. As youth we are still receiving the Word and we look to those around us to be models for us to imitate. I personally look to you my faith community to be those models and I look to my family and my friends.
             The second point is to Act on Your Faith. St. Paul also stated that they were not only content to lead lives as imitators but that they acted on their faith and went out beyond Macedonia and Achaia. This challenge to act upon our faith I think is difficult. Until a year ago I pretty much was happy to just be with my friends. Then, Kathy Cameron, the Youth Group Minister, started asking me to attend the youth group meetings and that led to attending LIFE FEST this summer with ........ (#) other youth group members from our parish and thousands of other youth from all around the Midwest. We all enjoyed great music out u
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