I hope that you are having a restful and relaxing summer. It is hard to believe that we are already in August. Although it may be the summer, many parish groups and Jornadistas are hard at work in continuing the mission of “youth evangelizing youth.” I want to thank you for all your work and dedication to the movement.
I want to once again welcome and congratulate our new elected Equipo Base and Zone and Mission Delegates. Thank you for saying yes to God's call. I know that you can count on the support and prayers of each jornadista as you take on this new position.
During the past few weeks, many groups have had their parish delegate elections. To those who have been elected, I congratulate you and assure you ofmy prayers during this time of transition. May I ask that you set an appointment with your pastor or spiritual director to formally introduce yourself as delegate and listen to any of his requests, thoughts or concerns regarding the parish group. Too often delegates approach pastor and spiritual directors seeking favors and wanting something. Allow this first meeting to communicate that the Jornada Movement is here to serve the parish.
I would like to call your attention to some upcoming events so that you can prepare accordingly.
1) September 5th – will be the Opening Mass and Installation for all leaders. This includes: Base, Zone Delegates,and Parish Delegates. We also ask that you invite your parish spiritual directors to this Mass. All those who are taking on a leadership role during the year are asked to be in attendance; as we invite all Jornadistas to come and pray this special Mass of the Holy Spirit as we begin a new year.
2) September 21st - 23rd – Leadership Retreat Unlike past years the weekend will be open to all those in leadership position including Base, ZDPs, ZDMs, parish delegates, adult delegates and Auxiliares
Also new this year is that the weekend is open to all Jornadistas. We invite all Jornadistas to make every effort to attend the retreat, as it will help you to spiritually prepare for the upcoming year.
This retreat will give tools needed to lead their parish group and the larger Jornada movement. In a special way, I strongly encourage that all Delegates attend this foundational weekend retreat.
Some thoughts about this Retreat: 1) I ask for your participation, patients, and seriousness as we take on this new adventure. Only you will make this weekend a success! 2) This weekend is to give the spiritual tools that is necessary to be a leader. This is not just simply a weekend on the practicalities. Throughout the year you will be busy with the practicals and the “work.” This is a weekend where you can be with the Lord. In your discernment of attending this retreat, I ask you to read the Gospel of St. Luke; Chapter 10, verses 38 – 42.
3) Delegates:please know that you have a responsibility to your parish and to yourself to attend the delegate retreat. I assure you what you will learn during the weekend will not only make you a great delegate but will also prepare you spiritually to be a better Christian. This especially is important for those who have been delegates in the past and attended past retreats. I assure you this retreat is important for your spiritual life.
4) As spiritual as this weekend will be, there will be some important practical information given. Therefore, a delegate from each parish mustattend the delegate retreat. As in past years, those who attend the Leadership retreat will make their parish a registered Jornada Parish where the fee for a retreat is lowered from $150.00 to $130.00 for candidates. This year we are implementing a similar policy for Auxiliares. Those who serve a Jornada from a registered parish will remain $110.00 and for non-registered parishes the fee will now be $130.00.
October 21st - Annual Cultural Day. I hope every parish would be willing to do something in being part of this day. It is never too early to begin planning and organizing your parish to participate. Let's make this year the first year where we can get 100% participation from our parishes.
Finally I wish to thank you all for all you do for the movement. I hope the upcoming months will allow for some relaxation and vacation. Even on the 7th day God rested!