Weekend O'Fun

This past weekend was a blast.

We started Saturday off nicely with a little service project for the Santa Bus. Carol, Elise, Gina and I cut out about 1000 frames...I think Gina has a blister!

Next, we went to Eckert's. It was a pretty day and we enjoyed eating in the restaurant (mmm...Biscuits) then I had my sights set on kettle korn and a funnel cake. Thank heavens I don't do the low-carb thing. Elise and Gina came along and we were joined by Shannon, his wife, Erin and their one-year old, Madeline. She really is super-cute. We ended the day with mass at the Cathedral. Right in time for it to start raining.

Sunday was bowling, we earned some money for the Thanksgiving dinner we are helping to provide. Thanks to Aaron, Chris, John, Dave, Ben and Elise for coming out - and for their valiant effort at crazy bowling. To date we have raised $46 for the dinner.

Look for our new schedule of events out soon.

Don't forget Theology on Tap November 13th - 6:30 at Cutter's in Belleville!

Urban Plunge

This last weekend, I was lucky enough to join a group of students from the SIUC Newman center on their Urban Plunge. We dusted, and covered chairs and painted a house all in one day! I think what amazed me was how strongly I felt the presence of communities. My group started at Immaculate Conception Church in E Stl. Miss Ceola (and George) told us the story of getting Metrolink to come close to them and getting the overgrowth and huge tire piles cleared away. She said you just need a group of dedicated people to come together! Miss Ceola has been the church's caretaker for many years, she has since had health problems - "I used to take care of the church, now the Church takes care of me!"

Next we went to a woman's house that hasn't been painted for 20 years. It happened because her neighbor saw a need and found a group willing to help. During the day we saw almost all of her neighbors, who wanted to know what we were up to - some of them even helped out by the end of the day! We didn't even get to finish the whole of the house - but the homeowner was so happy.

Change the World. Change Yourself. Can you choose one concrete thing to help change yourself?
Recycle
Work on a relationship
Be active in your neighborhood association
Start a clean-up day at your parish


Ask for God's guidance and help...
Then do something...

YAM goes to the Blues game

Last Thursday, we were lucky enough to go to the Blues home opener against the Redwings. (boo hiss) It was a really exciting game - even without the empty beer cups or the verbal abuse. Dave, the man who got the group together, is from Michigan. He also wore his Shanahan jersey to the game. Needless to say, we were given many opportunities to "turn the other cheek."

I think we should try again when the Blackhawks are in town...I know a few die-hard Chicago fans that we could bring with us. We can call it, "Cheek-turning Boot Camp."

Let me know what other activities you are wanting?