Back to the football game. We had just punted and I was running down the field to cover the punt. Well, to me it was running, but to others it might have appeared to be a slow jog. In the process of covering this punt, one of my friends from Arapahoe came running up beside me and said, "I hate to do this to you, but…." At that very moment he simply laid out a block that sent me rolling. Needless to say we both got up laughing, said a couple of friendly comments to each other and went about our business. Here we were both competing to win the game, but still had the time to enjoy the friendship that existed.

I share this story with you because I was able to experience the same thing this past fall.

A little over a month ago, Medicine Lodge played football at St. John. There are several kids from both schools serving on the Diocesan Youth Council, and others are involved in different youth events. So, as we began working with the Youth Council in August, a friendly competition began between the kids from the two schools as to who was going to win the ball game. Once again, I was drawn to the fact that these young people have came together through different youth ministry activities, formed friendships, and through it all have remained loyal to their schools. They have a bond and a small faith community that speaks louder than any football game.

As I watched the game unfold, I knew that Jed Ricke and Tyler Meyer were trying to meet up head to head during the game, simply to have a little solid contact. I’m not sure if it happened, but I know that before and after the game, laughs were shared and friendships strengthened. They enjoyed the moment.

I am a firm believer that all extra curricular activities offered by our schools truly do shape and form the lives of our young people for life. But too, youth ministry and the involvement that our young people take in it shapes their lives. Through youth ministry, the presence of God is found and more easily recognized in all things.

I sometimes wonder what happened to all of those kids from Arapahoe. Where did their lives take them, etc...? I wonder: If our friendship been formed more through our faith than through school events, would we still be in contact with each other? For the youth from Medicine Lodge and St. John and all of our schools, I know that through the competitive spirit that took place during that football game and other events, friendships grew stronger. I don’t know if once these young people move on to college and other things in life, they will remain in contact or not. But I am a firm believer that if we can help each of them encounter our risen Lord in new and special ways, then these things are more likely to happen.

I encourage you then, to remain involved in the lives of all our youth, through a presence and wordless witness. Together we can draw them more deeply into this pilgrimage to a sacred place.