I am sure that anyone who reads this will be able to relate to what I am saying. It seems that about this time each year, I really have to get tunnel vision, in the sense that I have to keep the light at the end of the tunnel in sight. For it is this time each year that my life gets very busy. I look at my calendar and see that my next free weekend is Palm Sunday and Easter, then I see that the one after that is sometime toward the end of June. People continue to remind me that I need to learn to say no. In some cases this cannot happen, and in other cases the bottom line is that as busy as I may be, I am truly energized by it. And for the many of you who have completed a "Called & Gifted" weekend, we learn that if we are working on our Charism, we will be energized.

All of these busy weekends involve in some way the opportunity for me to be in parishes ministering to youth, primarily through confirmation retreats. But also, there is ongoing youth ministry training, the annual high school rally and summer camps. As I continue working with our youth, one thing always stands out. Throughout the diocese, we have a very diverse group of young people. But through this diversity, we have a wonderful group of young people each possessing their own unique gifts and talents. I continue to be in awe of the many gifts our young people have. I too am in awe as to how each of them in their own special way is learning how to use their gifts to grow in his/her own personal life, as well as helping other people grow, too.

As I have said before, we should be proud of our young people. They truly do represent our diocese and Southwest Kansas very well. But, I encourage you to accept part of the praise. Pat yourself on the back, because each of you in some special way has been a part of helping our young people find in themselves the gifts and talents God has given them. From the many catechists who recently completed the first year of our catechist certification program, to the many adults who serve as youth ministers, to the many others who simply say yes to spending a long night on a hard gym floor just to be present with the kids. I know that I have said this before, but to each of you, I say thank you for giving in these many special ways. As we continue to respond to Bishop Gilmore’s calling to deepen our own spirituality through prayer and participation in programs like "Called & Gifted"; we are accepting our part in God’s plan. I invite you to "Be quick to share the applause."