Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I remember once hearing a wonderful story about a very smart group of people. The story begins with the invention of the I.Q. test and several studies to find a "norm" score for different age, ethnic, social, and gender groups. Within these studies, one group that was tested was a group of Hopi Indians. Apparently when the group of Hopi received the test they immediately began to work together to compare answers, solve problems, and correct each other. For a short time the administrator of the test was too shocked to say anything. Eventually however, he intervened and told the group that they would have to take the test silently and that they could not help each other or share answers.
When the group of Hopi heard this, they refused to continue the test. "It does not matter that I am smarter than my brother or that my brother is smarter than me,” they stated, "It is only important what we can do together."
As I reflect on this story I am reminded that it is the same Spirit that gifts each and everyone of us with different service, talents and personalities. "To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom, to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another the gifts of healing by the one spirit, to another mighty deeds, to another prophecy, to another discernment of the spirits, to another varieties of tongues. But the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them to each person as He wishes.” (Corinthians 12:7-11).
As we begin a new chapter of youth ministry in the Rush Henrietta area, I am excited about the variety of gifts and the possibilities of ministry for and by our young people that our new model RHYM (Rush Henrietta Youth Ministry) promises. As a combined ministry, we will be able to offer young people and their families a variety of faith and fellowship opportunities including comprehensive youth ministry for youth in grades 6-12, a traditional classroom formation option for youth in grades 6-8, a youth service/justice group, a youth music ensemble, a peer leadership/discipleship group, gatherings for college age young adults, parent faith sharing gatherings and MORE!
More information about RHYM opportunities is available in the LIFE LONG FAITH FORMATION packet that was sent out to all parishioners in June or by visiting www.myspace.com/RHYM4Jesus and clicking on the pictures link.
I feel truly blessed to be a member of the Rush Henrietta Catholic Community. I am looking forward to the future and . . . “What we can do together.” In the peace of our Savior,
Gina