Monday, December 15, 2008
More scenes from Divine Word...
Here are some more photos from the December retreat courtesy of JP Dy...
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
December retreat highlights...
Advent is definitely in full swing and life has been pretty hectic for all of us Cross+Trainers, especially juggling school (and finals!), work, family, friends, sports, etc. etc. But we all took some time this past weekend to slow down for our December Confirmation 2 retreat! We had over 80 teens in attendance... thank you to everyone for all the prayers and sacrifices for the weekend! It was truly a very grace-filled retreat. On behalf of everyone who staffed the retreat this weekend, I know that those prayers were definitely felt and the graces very visible as the Holy Spirit worked through the teens and the speakers.
Some snapshots from Divine Word this past weekend (photos courtesy of Katrina S. & Jeremy):
Enjoying the beautiful scenery during our Saturday morning hike.
"I see your face in every sunrise..."
Trina shares a story about her faith journey during the first talk of the weekend.
The marvelous 3-tier pyramid that saved 10 souls!
Thanks for praying with us!
It's hard to believe that we are already halfway through our year! Please continue to unite with us in praying for the remaining retreats, and particularly for all the teens who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in April! It'll be here before we know it.
In His service,
Richelle
Some snapshots from Divine Word this past weekend (photos courtesy of Katrina S. & Jeremy):
Getting retreat started with some praise & worship
Retreat leaders Tracy and Dennis get the first session going
Friday Night adoration... let's kick off the weekend the right way!
Enjoying the beautiful scenery during our Saturday morning hike.
"I see your face in every sunrise..."
Trina shares a story about her faith journey during the first talk of the weekend.
The marvelous 3-tier pyramid that saved 10 souls!
The retreat erupts into the "One Body, One Spirit" cheer after Martin's talk on Sunday.
Thanks for praying with us!
It's hard to believe that we are already halfway through our year! Please continue to unite with us in praying for the remaining retreats, and particularly for all the teens who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in April! It'll be here before we know it.
In His service,
Richelle
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thanks be to God!
Our Cross+Trainer Thanksgiving potluck and commissioning for first-year members was last Thursday. It was wonderful to support the new batch of Cross+Trainers as they made a commitment to the ministry for the rest of the year. Fr. Pat gave us a blessing and reminded us of the importance of centering our lives around the Eucharist and spending time in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It was a beautiful evening of fellowship, blessings, and laughter. (Photos will be up as soon as people submit some for posting.)
On behalf of all the Cross+Trainers, we'd like to wish you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! As we celebrate with our families and friends, let us not forget to say a prayer for all of those who may not have a meal to eat or a family to share a meal with. Our hearts and prayers are also with all the families who lost their homes to the recent fires.
Sunday marks the First Sunday of Advent. What are YOU doing to prepare your heart for the coming of our Lord?
On behalf of all the Cross+Trainers, we'd like to wish you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! As we celebrate with our families and friends, let us not forget to say a prayer for all of those who may not have a meal to eat or a family to share a meal with. Our hearts and prayers are also with all the families who lost their homes to the recent fires.
Sunday marks the First Sunday of Advent. What are YOU doing to prepare your heart for the coming of our Lord?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Let the FIRE fall, indeed!
I wanted to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped out with our Confirmation 2 retreat this past weekend, both physically (big ups to the 30 Cross+Trainers who staffed the retreat) and spiritually! The retreat was certainly a challenge for many of us, but by Sunday evening, the graces received throughout the weekend was evident on the faces of the retreatants. We had 79 Confirmation 2 students join us this weekend on retreat -- a packed house at Divine Word!
With the fires raging at home in Chino Hills and the surrounding areas, many of us were worried for the safety of our families and friends back home. Looking at the sky in Riverside, you wouldn't have known that any fires were going on -- the air was crisp, the sky was blue, and the weather was beautiful. Personally, for me, it was an exercise in faith as I felt helpless while getting phone calls from home. My family and the families of several Cross+Trainers were evacuated, and all we could really do was pray for their safety and for those of the firefighters. By the grace of God, no structures were damaged in Chino Hills even though the fires came close to many homes. Our hearts and prayers are with those who lost their homes in Corona, Anaheim, Yorba Linda, Brea, and other areas... and also with the firefighters who have been courageously risking their lives to protect our lives and property throughout Southern California.
The retreat was physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting for many of us who staffed it, including myself. In my moments of anxiety and tiredness, I remembered the words of inspiration of many saints who've gone before us -- to offer up our struggles out of love, on behalf of others. The thought of possibly going home to nothing made me really think about what I valued in life. Material things can be replaced, and yes, I trust that if our houses were taken away the Lord would provide... but the thought of our families in danger was what truly scared me. I thank the Lord for giving me peace and strength... prayer truly helped us on retreat!
Here are some photos from retreat courtesy of Jeremy "Jibbs" Janairo.... more to follow as soon as more people submit them :)
Martin is very passionate about drumming.
Early crew -- Jason, John-John, Rachel, Tiffany, and Joshie enjoy the calm before the retreat teens arrive.
Admiring the beauty of God's creation at the foot of the Divine Word cross.
In God's peace,
Richelle
With the fires raging at home in Chino Hills and the surrounding areas, many of us were worried for the safety of our families and friends back home. Looking at the sky in Riverside, you wouldn't have known that any fires were going on -- the air was crisp, the sky was blue, and the weather was beautiful. Personally, for me, it was an exercise in faith as I felt helpless while getting phone calls from home. My family and the families of several Cross+Trainers were evacuated, and all we could really do was pray for their safety and for those of the firefighters. By the grace of God, no structures were damaged in Chino Hills even though the fires came close to many homes. Our hearts and prayers are with those who lost their homes in Corona, Anaheim, Yorba Linda, Brea, and other areas... and also with the firefighters who have been courageously risking their lives to protect our lives and property throughout Southern California.
The retreat was physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting for many of us who staffed it, including myself. In my moments of anxiety and tiredness, I remembered the words of inspiration of many saints who've gone before us -- to offer up our struggles out of love, on behalf of others. The thought of possibly going home to nothing made me really think about what I valued in life. Material things can be replaced, and yes, I trust that if our houses were taken away the Lord would provide... but the thought of our families in danger was what truly scared me. I thank the Lord for giving me peace and strength... prayer truly helped us on retreat!
Here are some photos from retreat courtesy of Jeremy "Jibbs" Janairo.... more to follow as soon as more people submit them :)
Martin is very passionate about drumming.
Early crew -- Jason, John-John, Rachel, Tiffany, and Joshie enjoy the calm before the retreat teens arrive.
Admiring the beauty of God's creation at the foot of the Divine Word cross.
In God's peace,
Richelle
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Retreat season is now in full swing!
Our second Confirmation 2 retreat is coming up this weekend, November 14-16. Please join all of the Cross+Trainers staffing this retreat in prayer & sacrifice for the teens who will be attending! May the Holy Spirit inspire us all and inflame our hearts with His love.
Next week, we will also have the commissioning of our newest batch of Cross+Trainers. Please keep these young men and women in your prayers as they begin their journey in our ministry. I am personally so proud of all of them and feel humbled and honored to have witnessed a small part of their faith journey... I've had the great pleasure of serving many of them on their retreats and in class, and now I will have the honor of serving alongside them as fellow Cross+Trainers! God is good!
I know it's still a few weeks away, but ADVENT will soon be upon us. How are YOU preparing your heart for the coming of Christ?
In His love,
Richelle
Next week, we will also have the commissioning of our newest batch of Cross+Trainers. Please keep these young men and women in your prayers as they begin their journey in our ministry. I am personally so proud of all of them and feel humbled and honored to have witnessed a small part of their faith journey... I've had the great pleasure of serving many of them on their retreats and in class, and now I will have the honor of serving alongside them as fellow Cross+Trainers! God is good!
I know it's still a few weeks away, but ADVENT will soon be upon us. How are YOU preparing your heart for the coming of Christ?
In His love,
Richelle
Friday, November 7, 2008
You are loved.
"And only where God is seen does life truly begin. Only when we meet the living God in Christ do we know what life is. We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary. There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ. There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with Him."
{Pope Benedict XVI, Homily April 24th, 2005}
I think I can speak for all Cross+Trainers when I say that at the root of all that we do, what draws us into ministry is our own faith life, which is catalyzed by a true encounter with Christ. We may not all have these huge moments of conversion, these big "AHA" moments, but I know we've all had intimate encounters with Christ that have moved and changed us to the very core of our being.
We cannot push forward in ministry without first forging and strengthening our friendship with Christ. It is only through the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, that we are strengthened and from which we draw the graces that allow us to go forth and do His work. If we do these great works but do not have the love of God in our hearts, then to paraphrase Mother Teresa's quote... we would be great volunteers but mediocre ministers.
Today is First Friday, and I'm blessed that I work at church where I can take breaks to sit and pray in the chapel, where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed all day long. One of our guest speakers in formation this past summer told us... if you want to be like the One you love, then spending more time with Him will make you more like Him! So spend some time with God today... pray! Invest in your relationship with Christ, who loves you unconditionally and continually invests Himself in you.
Yours in Christ,
Richelle
{Pope Benedict XVI, Homily April 24th, 2005}
I think I can speak for all Cross+Trainers when I say that at the root of all that we do, what draws us into ministry is our own faith life, which is catalyzed by a true encounter with Christ. We may not all have these huge moments of conversion, these big "AHA" moments, but I know we've all had intimate encounters with Christ that have moved and changed us to the very core of our being.
We cannot push forward in ministry without first forging and strengthening our friendship with Christ. It is only through the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, that we are strengthened and from which we draw the graces that allow us to go forth and do His work. If we do these great works but do not have the love of God in our hearts, then to paraphrase Mother Teresa's quote... we would be great volunteers but mediocre ministers.
Today is First Friday, and I'm blessed that I work at church where I can take breaks to sit and pray in the chapel, where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed all day long. One of our guest speakers in formation this past summer told us... if you want to be like the One you love, then spending more time with Him will make you more like Him! So spend some time with God today... pray! Invest in your relationship with Christ, who loves you unconditionally and continually invests Himself in you.
Yours in Christ,
Richelle
Monday, October 27, 2008
Say not, "I am too young!"
Thank you for all your prayers... yesterday's Junior High Retreat was amazing! It was a great collaboration with our Youth Ministry. Big ups to Nellie & Matthew, two of our Youth Ministers, for helping us organize and staff the retreat! (Special thanks to Matthew for his impromptu talk!) The morning began with a bit of a surprise, and we had to completely throw out the agenda we had planned and roll with the Holy Spirit! Our focus for the day was on vocations, but more importantly, our Baptismal vocation and call to be holy in our every day lives.
The 7th and 8th graders put together some entertaining skits on the calling of Moses, the anointing of King David, the conversion of St. Paul, the calling of St. Peter, and the Samaritan woman at the well. We also talked about the importance of prayer and the Sacraments in our lives. During our breaks, we played dodgeball (the teens, with their nimble feet and younger age, always seem to beat the Cross+Trainers) and some rousing Jenga games brought the group together. The teens also received the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation together and spent some time in silent Adoration. Then we celebrated Mass with our families and parish community at 5pm. It was a grace-filled day for both the youth and leaders alike!
Whenever I work with kids in junior high (or even younger), I'm always reminded of the calling of the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament:
May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen us so that we may live out our baptismal calling daily!
How are YOU doing in your faith life... have you quieted your soul and prayed today?
In His love,
Richelle
The 7th and 8th graders put together some entertaining skits on the calling of Moses, the anointing of King David, the conversion of St. Paul, the calling of St. Peter, and the Samaritan woman at the well. We also talked about the importance of prayer and the Sacraments in our lives. During our breaks, we played dodgeball (the teens, with their nimble feet and younger age, always seem to beat the Cross+Trainers) and some rousing Jenga games brought the group together. The teens also received the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation together and spent some time in silent Adoration. Then we celebrated Mass with our families and parish community at 5pm. It was a grace-filled day for both the youth and leaders alike!
Whenever I work with kids in junior high (or even younger), I'm always reminded of the calling of the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament:
Many people think that the call to holiness is something we can only live out once we are confirmed. Some wait until they're older and they've "grown up" and are "capable" of being holy. But this seed of faith and call to sainthood is planted in EVERY person at Baptism. We are each created for a particular purpose, and we are called to love others and live out our calling every day, starting NOW, regardless of our age. I was so inspired by those young people I met yesterday... inspired to approach my faith with the same simplicity that they did.The word of the Lord came to me thus: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew
you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you."
"Ah, Lord God!" I said, "I know not how to speak; I am too young."But the Lord answered me, "Say not, 'I am too young.' To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." {Jeremiah 1:5-9}
May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen us so that we may live out our baptismal calling daily!
How are YOU doing in your faith life... have you quieted your soul and prayed today?
In His love,
Richelle
Friday, October 24, 2008
The 08-09 season thus far...
It's hard to believe that our Cross+Trainer season has been in session for 12 weeks now! We started our Cross+Trainer formation the first week in August, and the catechetical year began on October 7 with Unity Night. And we already have one Confirmation 2 Retreat under our belt for the year!
We are blessed to have over 80 young men and women who have answered God's call to join (or continue in) our ministry this year! We have another busy season ahead of us and we are thankful for the graces that God continually bestows on each of us both in our personal lives and in our service to the youth.
We especially ask for you to pray with us this Sunday during our Junior High Retreat! We invite you to join us during the 5pm Mass to celebrate with and support our 7th and 8th Graders!
*****************************************************************
Here are some photos from recent events:
Gabi, Dennis, and Chris journaling during our Day Retreat on Sept. 6, 2008.
Jason, the Mikes, Katrina, and Chris strategize during Ultimate Capture the Flag.
The shortest game of Tug-of-War ever played. Ever.
The usual chaos erupts during a game of "Do You Love Your Neighbor" on the October Con. 2 Retreat.
Peace on earth: Saturday evening Adoration
We are blessed to have over 80 young men and women who have answered God's call to join (or continue in) our ministry this year! We have another busy season ahead of us and we are thankful for the graces that God continually bestows on each of us both in our personal lives and in our service to the youth.
We especially ask for you to pray with us this Sunday during our Junior High Retreat! We invite you to join us during the 5pm Mass to celebrate with and support our 7th and 8th Graders!
*****************************************************************
Here are some photos from recent events:
Gabi, Dennis, and Chris journaling during our Day Retreat on Sept. 6, 2008.
Jason, the Mikes, Katrina, and Chris strategize during Ultimate Capture the Flag.
The shortest game of Tug-of-War ever played. Ever.
The usual chaos erupts during a game of "Do You Love Your Neighbor" on the October Con. 2 Retreat.
Peace on earth: Saturday evening Adoration
Cross+Trainers showing the teens our "One Body, One Spirit" cheer!!
(photo & video credit: JP Dy and Richelle Chuatuan)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Retreat Schedule for 2008-09
We hope that you will join us in prayer and sacrifice for the following retreat weekends for the 2008-09 season:
We invite you to spiritually unite yourself with our ministry as we continue to pray for the sanctification of ALL people, particularly all youth and young adults!
- October 10-12, 2008 (Confirmation 2 retreat)
- October 26, 2008 (Jr. High Retreat)
- November 14-16, 2008 (Confirmation 2 retreat)
- December 5-7, 2008 (Confirmation 2 retreat)
- January 9-11, 2009 (Confirmation 2 retreat)
- February 20-22, 2009 (immersion/outreach project)
- March 20-22, 2009 (Confirmation 1 conference)
- March 29, 2009 (Sponsor & Candidate Retreat)
- May 1-3, 2009 (Confirmation 1 conference)
We invite you to spiritually unite yourself with our ministry as we continue to pray for the sanctification of ALL people, particularly all youth and young adults!
About us
Who are the Cross+Trainers?
The Cross+Trainers are a group of young adults ranging from Confirmed high school seniors to post-college young adults who serve the parish community of St. Paul the Apostle in Chino Hills, California through a presentation of dynamic retreats for youth. Our primary ministry focus is discipleship. We recognize that we cannot expect to be effective in ministry unless we have first invested all of ourselves into our own personal formation in prayer, regular participation in the Sacraments, catechesis, meditation on Scriptures, and in keeping our brothers and sisters in the ministry accountable to Christ's call to discipleship. Thus, our apostolate, or duty in giving back to the Church, is through the retreats that we staff and facilitate.
What do the Cross+Trainers do?
The formation & retreat season for the Cross+Trainers begins in August and runs all the way through May. We meet every Thursday evening from 7pm to 9pm in Maher Hall. Our meeting topics vary on a weekly basis, covering catechesis, apologetics, practical ministry skills, teambuilding skills, and prayer. Through these meetings and our individual investment in our personal spiritual lives, we are able to serve the youth of our parish through retreats. We organize, staff, and facilitate several weekend retreats and one-day retreats during the year.
If you are interested in joining the ministry or checking out what we do, don't hesitate to send us an email at crosstrainingministry@gmail.com. Everyone is welcome to drop in on a meeting!!
The Cross+Trainers are a group of young adults ranging from Confirmed high school seniors to post-college young adults who serve the parish community of St. Paul the Apostle in Chino Hills, California through a presentation of dynamic retreats for youth. Our primary ministry focus is discipleship. We recognize that we cannot expect to be effective in ministry unless we have first invested all of ourselves into our own personal formation in prayer, regular participation in the Sacraments, catechesis, meditation on Scriptures, and in keeping our brothers and sisters in the ministry accountable to Christ's call to discipleship. Thus, our apostolate, or duty in giving back to the Church, is through the retreats that we staff and facilitate.
What do the Cross+Trainers do?
The formation & retreat season for the Cross+Trainers begins in August and runs all the way through May. We meet every Thursday evening from 7pm to 9pm in Maher Hall. Our meeting topics vary on a weekly basis, covering catechesis, apologetics, practical ministry skills, teambuilding skills, and prayer. Through these meetings and our individual investment in our personal spiritual lives, we are able to serve the youth of our parish through retreats. We organize, staff, and facilitate several weekend retreats and one-day retreats during the year.
If you are interested in joining the ministry or checking out what we do, don't hesitate to send us an email at crosstrainingministry@gmail.com. Everyone is welcome to drop in on a meeting!!
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