Service

250 loud, nervous freshman crowded the gym that day, a couple weeks back. They had no idea what was about to happen as ten scary, intimidating young adult leaders representing Youth Arise welcomed them.

Thus begins our fourth year serving the students at St. Mary's Catholic High School in downtown Phoenix. We will be again running a day retreat for each grade this year. There is one change in the programs for this year. We are working with Katrina Zeno of the John Paul II Institute of Theology of the Body at the Diocese. She is helping us to incorporate Theology of the Body into the retreats.

The freshman were surprised to see that we weren't all that scary and to watch various skits, movie clips and talks that actually appealed to them. Small groups gave us a chance to go deeper with them and their relationship with God. It was an amazing and exhausting day for all of us!

Please keep us in your prayers as the school year continues and for the students. These can be some of the hardest students to reach. Thank you to all our volunteers! If you are interested in helping out, please let us know. God bless you and the work you do!

Andrea Prisby