Remembering

By Steven Polley

Director, Office of Youth Ministry

I had this column formed in my head but had not yet gotten it onto paper. Then in one brief moment, something happened that added to my thoughts. I only hope that I am able to do this justice and in some way possibly bring a little healing to the community of Ulysses.

Last fall in a couple of my columns I spoke about how I had challenged the Diocesan Youth Council to enter into this year of ministry with a mindset of making a difference in the lives of others, the Church, and in themselves. I asked them to ponder the question, “How do you want to be remembered at the end of this year?” I encouraged them to take steps in all they did that would leave a lasting impact on the lives of the people they would meet. I spoke about how little honors and awards received can soon be forgotten, but the true presence of a person will last for years.

As the year progressed I wondered how well the members of the Council held onto these thoughts. I even went as far as to re-address it in February. For myself, I had held onto these thoughts, but I continued to question. What I was really doing was being a lot like doubting Thomas. I guess I wasn’t sold on the fact that all of the Council members were buying into my request. But like Thomas, the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit brought everything to completion. I can hear Jesus right now, “Oh, ye of little faith.”

Three weeks ago at our annual high school rally, I was able to see it all taking shape. As I watched the rally unfold, and the Youth Council members working on different aspects of the weekend, I began to see my request coming to life. I watched young people change lives through an opening dramatic presentation. No words were spoken, but these few Youth Council representatives spoke volumes through their actions. I saw Youth Council representatives and other youth not on the Council go out of there way to sit and talk with that one person who was sitting alone. They were giving that extra little effort to make them feel welcome and part of our community. I saw Youth Council representatives, with a deep desire to share words with the entire group, but instead make the sacrifice to step away and allow someone else this opportunity.

Time and time again, I saw young people step out of what may have been a comfort zone and live the Paschal Mystery in their life, a true dying to self for the sake of others. In many ways a dying that too often goes unnoticed.

As I reflect back on this past year of ministry, this Youth Council and the many young people I have been associated with, one thing is certain, I will remember them. I am proud of this year’s Youth Council, and I thank them for doing what they have done. They answered the call, and yes they will be remembered for their efforts.

I realize that as I have written this, much of my focus has been on the Youth Council. I in no way want this fine group of young people to be the only focus of my attention. I know that all of our young people will be remembered for things they have done.

Much is the case for the community of Ulysses. Just last week tragedy hit the community. Two of the young ladies who died in the accident were participants in this year’s youth rally.

They too were nearing the completion of their journey toward the Sacrament of Confirmation. With the large number of young people attending this year’s rally, I was not able to meet Victoria and Julia personally. But right from the start there was something special about this rally. There was a spirit of joy, and new life. Even though we were looking to Palm Sunday and Holy Week, there seemed to be a joy of resurrection in the air.

I know that Victoria (Tori) and Julia were part of the reason for this joyful spirit. I sense that if they were asked the question last fall, “how will you be remembered,” there would be no fear, no hesitation. These girls will be remembered for years to come by many. They will be remembered for the person they were, and the joy and laughter they brought to life, and for the many lives they touched.

God calls us to help build the Kingdom here on earth. In their short lives, Victoria and Julia made this world a better place.

I am drawn to the words of the song we used in our Saturday night prayer at the rally: “Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord. And He shall lift you up, higher and higher, and He shall lift you up.” I pray that everyone affected by this tragedy can again turn to our risen Lord and through the faith we profess be lifted up to our loving God, allowing a healing to begin.