I can't believe it is September already ... where the heck did the summer go? We had a quieter summer in Youth Ministry compared to our crazy year!

In July the Youth Group took part in cleaning the Church, what a day, we scrubbed, polished, vacuumed, steam cleaned and wiped all surfaces of the Churches ... looks amazing!

We had the adults vs. child soccar game and I am proud to announce that the adults won with out cheating or forcing the kids to play on thier team ... an honest victory is always best ... what a fun day that was!

Then at the end of August the leaders and myself met and we planned some of the year coming up, monthly themes, new ideas, games and of course JHR! It's always a great way to get excited about the fall.

It's going to  be an exciting year starting up our new Senior High Group on Thursday evenings ... hopefully we'll have lots of teens coming to both nights. Youth registration forms will be available at the Youth Bulletin Board, there is no cost for our weekly nights but we do need you to  fill out a form so we have contact information and other details!

Anyone who attended last year knows how much fun we all had at the Calgary Corn Maze! This year we are adding a twist ... we are going on a Friday evening, in the dark armed with Flashlights! I think I'm in trouble, I got seriously lost Last year,  in daylight! 

We have rented a bus to take us this year, there will also be a campfire with goodies adn to add to the fun, St. Boniventure Youth are joining us!

It is going to be an awsome evening. So mark your calendars for October 2nd, hurry home from school, grab some supper adn head to the Church for 5 pm ...

You won't want to miss this! Registration forms availaable on the Youth Bulletin Board!

ARISE: AN INSIGHT FROM LAURA:

In May the Youth Group went to a special 'Arise' night at St. Luke's parish, this is one of the girls reflection from the evening!

"Recently, I''ve felt like part of a package. I fell like that extra free belt that you get when you call the number on the screen; the one that nobody wants but everybody gets and has to deal with. I've almost felt like a background character forgotten in a play or rock in the collection that's only there to contrast with the flashy gems. These are times when I've forgotten you.

I may be an extra belt in your eyes you just doubled your winnings. I may be over-priced-the exaact price of your life-but you had faith that I'd be worth every penny adn every drop of blood. I may be imperfect but because of that you get to spend more time with me. I may be crying but to you I'm still beautiful adn still your companion. I may not see you but you make your presence known in my heart.

So when I feel down, forgotten or alone just please remind me ... that to you friend, I am all you ever really wanted.

On Sep 29th the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast day of St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael. The three Arch Angels and protectors. St. Michael is often depicted as the warrior. He is often invoked as Patron protector of the \church. St. Gabriel is remembered as the angel who announced to Mary that she would bear a Son, He is the patron of comminication and communication workers.

St. Raphael is someone we have chosen to be our Senior High Youth Group patron of travelors, we felt that was fitting for a group journeying in faith! St. Raphael Pray for us!

On Sunday we had our soccar game adn jame Fouillard brought homeade shortbread cookies and they were fabulous! She was asked by almost everyone there to provide the recipe I thought this was easier!

Preheat oven to 300 F

Blend together:
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon (a splash) vanilla

Stir in:
1 cup flour
3/4 cornstarch

Shape into balls. Place dough balls on cookie sheet and press down with a fork to make the cookie into the cookie shape.
Sprinkle with colored sugar if wanted.

IT'S SEPTEMBER!! Which means it's time for youth group to be all started up again! Which is tres exciting! (tres, in case you did not know means very, except in French!)
I am personally very ecstatic about youth group this year, as we have some awsome fun astivities and a new dynamic to our group! With the new splitting of the groups between junior high and senior high,not only will we be able to get to know all you guys better, but you'll actually be able to get to know everyone else in the group! Last year there was just too many of you little piggies, we didn't know what else to do with all of you!
So I know I'm not the only one who is excited about this. and on Tuesday noght our gym night went so well, I can't wait to see what happens on Thursday!

Speaking of some fantastic new activities, on October second we're going to the Calgary Corn Maze!!! And just to make it even better, we're going at night with falshlights, and we're having a campfire after, which as most kids sho have ever gone to Junior High Retreat know, I LOVE CAMPFIRE SONGS. Maybe a little bit. And with youth mass, and who knows all the other exciting activities we have planned(I know, but I don't want to ruin it all) I just won't have time to  do anything else, like school, or friends.
Whatever, Because you guys are all the fun I need! And I'm personally really not looking forward to the schooling of the University, with 3 hour labs and a rediculous amount of reading. SO therefore, if any of you can do mine, and I'll do yours! Deal? Oh, Tracey will also switch you. She doesn't like schooling either.

Also it's fall time! Which means whenever I wlak down the the street, I get to CRUNCH THE LEAVES. Which is definitely my favorite part of fall, adn not to mention it's even closer to winter time, which means winter fun! Like snow boarding adn throwing snowballs at all your faces, and other fun things involving snow. Peace out jesus Folk.

September and Fall often get a bad rap, thay are the months no one wants to talk about ... back to school, back to routines, no more BBQ's late noghts and camping!

I love fall, always have especially the colours in the leaves!

This month at Youth Group we are going to be looking at what makes fall so speacial and the beauty that is around us.

We are also going to be looking the idea of a new beginning adn with the forming of our new Senior High Youth Group on Thursdays!

It is going to be a great month, we hope to see you out and about at all our events.

Please check the bulletin for more information and a special prayer for Fr. Tran and Fr. Vincent!

Or go to Vatigan Website and click on the link for  Year for Priests. Ascension Parish will be hosting some special events to celebrate this special year.