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Second Star to the Right! 

Author: Andy Baker, Faith & Family Formation, Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator, Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation & Youth Ministry – Diocese of Palm Beach

It was just one of those ah-ha moments, standing in a 90-minute line for one of my family’s favorite theme park rides, Peter Pan’s Flight at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. As we stood there shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of strangers, I couldn’t help pondering one of the great challenges in ministry today, RELATIONSHIPS!  As we slowly meandered the queue, it became apparent to me that this ride process looks an awful lot like the process of faith formation that we have used for decades. Not knowing whether it was the heat or the Holy Spirit, I knew that in this ride I was witnessing the dilemma and I had the answer.

Over the centuries the Church has enjoyed a solid amount of time ministering in what is known as a Christendom time. A time when the majority of the world’s society lives for and aligns its values to a life lived for Christ. A Christian society that deeply influences every aspect of life from families to politics, in media, and education, etc.  It was in this time that the church created a process of formation that led the already believing faithful toward encounters with Christ in His Liturgy and Sacraments. Knowledge-based formation that helped believers grow in their understanding of the beauty and truths of our faith. This school-based model of formation served its purpose for a time, but in recent decades, amid a rapidly changing society and an ever-evolving human condition, it has proven increasingly inadequate. As more people become disengaged and disbelieving, the Church has called for a renewed model of formation.

To grow the church again we have been challenged to embrace the ancient ministry model of Jesus and the apostles, a model that has at its core the development of true and intentional relationships. 

The current formation process, like most major theme parks, has mastered the art of moving large groups of people through a process. Like the ride, it all begins with an all call, an invitation for large groups of people to step onto a conveyor belt and into a generic process that moves them together, through a desired story line, within a very short and specific amount of time. When the process is over, the conveyor belt stops and the participants, often even more disengaged, are left wandering and wondering. This process may have worked in a Christendom time when the family, church and greater community were aligned in their belief and values, but in the post Christian era – it just isn’t working. It is failing us because it lacks the foundational elements of family, community, trust and friendship necessary. In other words, the model has no seedbed for the knowledge of our faith (the seed) to germinate.  

Using the Synod on Synodality as a jumping off point, the theme that has reverberated through the Synod and its documents has been RELATIONSHIP! In this post Christian era, the way forward, the way to lead people to Christ and His salvific love is through a genuine relationship – a friendship. This is the ministry model of Jesus and His Apostles and in order to grow the church again within this new era that is being called an Apostolic time, we must see, understand, value, listen, accompany and evangelize a seeking people toward an encounter with and conversion to Jesus Christ. This is the Christocentric mission of the church and the commission given to each one of us at baptism. 

The challenge of this shift is monumental but not difficult. In order for parishes to change their approach, we ourselves must change. We must step out of our comfort zone, embrace our baptismal call and proclaim joyfully the gospel, not just in words, but in our willingness to walk with others, just like the Apostles more than two thousand years ago. The parish can no longer pursue this mission alone; it needs our help. The idea that one person, a Director of Faith Formation or a Youth Minister can do it all by themselves is a mistaken belief. One person can’t build the relationships necessary with an entire parish to successfully lead them to a lasting and ever deepening relationship with Christ. Christ himself didn’t even do that, His primary focus was not the crowd but His twelve and in the twelve, Peter. So, if we are going to help our parishes turn off the conveyor belt and walk with people into the salvation story and not just sail over it, we must answer loudly, HEAR I AM, SEND ME! (Isaiah 6:8)

On this one-year anniversary of my first blog on relationships, I challenge you once again to become a Linus Van Pelt or in this storyline, Wendy, for someone else. Pick up the phone, call your parish and say here I am, send me, I want to help bring others to heaven. When we allow Christ to work through us, and we intentionally share scripture and the beautiful truths of our faith, we save lives, grow parishes and change the world. What are you waiting for, take the leap, and as Peter Pan would say, “Second Star to the Right then Straight on till Morning”, and together we can grow the church again!

A Glimpse into what scripture says about discipleship and relational ministry:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. (Luke 24:13-16)

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4: 18-20

You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5: 13-16)

Prayer of Paul: For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Relationships Matter: The Youth Ministry Review

Author: Andy Baker, Diocese of Palm Beach Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

It’s hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since we last reflected on the importance of relationships in ministry. Last year, we looked back at the Christmas classic A Charlie Brown Christmas and discovered how much we need friendships that do more than simply walk with us—they help us find Jesus. In short, we all need a “Linus Van Pelt” in our lives.

In youth ministry, the need for multiple “Linuses” is not only helpful, but absolutely necessary. Today’s young people are not responding to ministry as it was once structured. Instead, they are drawn to the small, the authentic, and the personal. They are curious and searching, craving relationships that are real and trustworthy, relationships that lead them toward the only truth that satisfies: Jesus Christ.

For more than four years, we in the Diocese of Palm Beach have been working to help parishes build relational ministries that meet young people where they are, draw them into authentic community, and allow them to encounter Christ. Within these small communities, young people are finding mentors and friends who walk with them toward deeper conversion.

The fruits are undeniable. Across the diocese, parishes are answering the call—and young people are responding. Their participation is no longer out of obligation, but out of genuine desire. Small groups are becoming places of transformation where hearts are converted, and where a burning love for Christ is born.

Here are just a few of the ways God is at work:

  • Diocesan gathering in Port St. Lucie: On a recent Friday night, 120 middle and high school students from several parishes came together with their small groups for a joy-filled evening of community, encounter, reflection, adoration, and confession.
  • Mission at St. Clare: Small groups have adopted a rural parish in North Carolina. For two summers, they have served the poor and brought the hope of the Gospel to those in need of Christ’s joy.
  • Digital discipleship at St. Bernadette: Groups are creatively using technology to reach young people where they are—helping them move beyond the distractions of digital life into deeper friendships and encounters with Jesus.
  • Family-centered ministry at St. Anastasia: Entire families are being invited into small groups together, building community and empowering parents to become the primary faith influencers in their children’s lives.
  • Explosive growth at St. Jude, Tequesta: In just two years, the ministry has more than doubled, fueled by great mentors, a vibrant community, and a “fear of missing out” that draws more youth into fellowship. Family nights are helping anchor this desire for faith-filled community.
  • Mentors on mission: At St. Lucie in Port St. Lucie and St. Jude in Boca Raton, dedicated mentors like Mary Jane, Coreen, and Samuel (check the links) are forming disciples who, in turn, are mentoring others. Their profiles have even been highlighted by YDisciple and NET Ministries to inspire and train small group leaders around the globe.

What we are witnessing is more than growth in numbers—it is growth in faith. Relationships matter. Small groups matter. Most importantly, Jesus is at the center of it all, and He is changing lives. The story of youth ministry in our diocese is still being written—and you can be part of it. Whether as a parent, mentor, parish leader, or supporter, your “yes” to walking with young people can change a life forever. Together, let’s keep building communities where our youth not only find friends, but also encounter Christ.

What does scripture say?

  • “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
  • “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:24–25
  • “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” — Matthew 18:20

In the One Christ, we are one.

Author: Catherine Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation, Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

As we continue our reflections on how our new Pope Leo XIV is influenced by St. Augustine, the patron of his Augustinian Religious Order, we can clearly discern Augustine’s thought in Pope Leo’s choice of papal motto: “In the One Christ, we are one.” This motto has been linked to St. Augustine’s reflection on Psalm 128 where he associates blessedness to a life lived in faithfulness to God, especially the blessings of a faithful family life. Living united in reverence and obedience to God is a source of happiness and blessing. Pope Leo’s call for unity centered in Christ is already a key theme of his papacy begun on May 8, 2025.

Pope Leo’s motto also echoes Christ’s prayer for unity offered in his farewell address to his apostles on the night before he died:  “I do not pray for these [apostles] only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21).  This call to unity was taken up by St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-5).

However, St. Paul (as well as Jesus) knew full well that we live in a fallen world, damaged by sin, so how did he propose that we attempt to live this unity? Well, he reminded us of the fruit of the Spirit- charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity – formed in us by virtue of our baptism into the Lord and perfected in us by the Holy Spirit. Paul encouraged us to call upon them to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Again, in his letter to the Colossians, St. Paul reminded us that the fruit of the Spirit is the key to living in perfect harmony.

Unfortunately, as the recent escalations in the Middle East have proven, we have yet to achieve living in unity and peace. Regardless of our personal opinions on the events of Saturday, June 21, 2025, the actions should elicit a certain global sorrow but also a personal examination of conscience regarding how we have allowed the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us and inform our daily lives. Even among us followers of Christ, we have yet to achieve the unity called for by Jesus and St. Paul as attested to by the multiple confessions of faith separating the Body of Christ.

But we know that Christ’s promises are true. We are reminded in this Jubilee Year when we are called to be “Pilgrims of Hope,” that Jesus taught us that he has “other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd” (John 10:16). Further, we are promised that “affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:4-5). So, let us allow the Holy Spirit to perfect the fruit of the Spirit given to us, thereby participating in the coming of the Kingdom when perfect unity will be achieved “when everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will [also] be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28).

What does Scripture say?

Psalm 133:1: Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

Ephesians 4:1-3: I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace….

Colossians 3:12-14: Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.

Galatians 5:22-23: In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Offerings

During Lent, we often focus on what we are giving up. We talk about fasting, about sacrifice. But what are we offering to the Lord? Scripture reminds us that offerings are more than just physical sacrifices. In Mark 12:33, we read, To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. At every Holy Mass, the priest prays over the gifts, saying, “May what we offer you, O Lord, in token of our service, be transformed by you into the sacrament of salvation.” These words remind us that our offerings should be more than routine gestures; they should be truly pleasing to God. What about the offerings of our own lives?  God gave us the gift of our life; do we offer our life back in service to God?

Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—all of which are ways to offer ourselves to God. Often, we think of offerings in terms of action, but our prayers are also a precious gift in His sight. Psalm 141:2 says, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”

When we pray, we are offering God our time, our trust, and our love. A sincere prayer—whether of praise, repentance, thanksgiving, or petition—is an act of the heart that God welcomes. But do we approach prayer with reverence and devotion? Do we truly offer our words as a gift to Him, or do we rush through them without thought?

There are many ways to make our prayers more of an offering to God.  First, pray with intention – Instead of just saying words, we can take a moment to acknowledge that we are speaking to the living God. Offer your prayer with love and devotion. Perhaps we could pray with greater surrender, that is, offer your desires, struggles, and joys to God, trusting that He knows what is best for you.  Another way to offer our prayers to God is to unite our prayers with sacrifice – Offer up small sacrifices during the day, like patience in difficulties or kindness when it’s hard, as a prayerful act of love.  Often, we are asked to pray for others.   Interceding for someone in need is a powerful way to make our prayer an offering of love. One other way to make our prayers more of an offering to God is to give God our time – Set aside focused time for prayer, free from distractions, as a true gift to Him.

Are our offerings favorable to God? When we fast, do we unite our sacrifice with Christ’s? When we give alms, do we do so joyfully, as an act of love? When we help someone, do we see it as an offering to God? When we love our neighbor, do we recognize it as a sacrifice more pleasing than any material gift?

Too often, we focus on what we do rather than why we do it. Our works of love—helping a friend, forgiving an enemy, comforting the sorrowful—can be powerful offerings to God. But do we give Him credit for these moments? Do we thank Him for the opportunity to serve? Do we ask Him to guide us toward new opportunities to love?

Lent is not just about giving things up, it is about giving of ourselves.
It is about surrendering our hearts, our time, our love, our very lives to the Lord. Mother Teresa once said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”  Her life was an offering, a willingness to be used by God as His instrument.  We, too, can offer ourselves in this way – allowing God to write His love through our actions, our words, and our prayers.

So, how can we better offer ourselves to God today as part of Lenten practices and continuing into Easter?

  • Through prayer: Lifting our hearts to Him as a sincere offering.
  • Through fasting: Sacrificing comforts to grow in spiritual strength and reliance on God.
  • Through almsgiving: Generously giving our resources, time, and love to those in need.
  • Reflect on your daily actions:  How can they become intentional offerings to God?
  • Ask God for opportunities to serve Him through others.
  • Make your prayers an offering: Pray with devotion, offering them as a gift of love.
  • Go forth and love—because in loving, you are offering yourself to God.

May our prayers, our fasting, and our almsgiving be holy and pleasing to Him.

Here’s what Scripture has to say:

Romans 12:1 – I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.

 Hebrews 13:15-16 – Through him, then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

Psalm 51:17-18 – Lord, open my lips; my mouth will proclaim your praise.  For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept.  My sacrifice, God is a broken spirit; God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.

Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Life Has A Schedule

On the day following our national holiday when we give thanks to God for our family and friends and for all the blessings we enjoy in this great country, our friends in “merry old England” in the British House of Commons voted to allow euthanasia for those deemed unworthy of life. The current monarch, who also sits as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, is expected to sign the legislation even though it directly conflicts with God’s Commandment that “You shall not kill” Deuteronomy 5:17. What a travesty that some find life so inconvenient or too difficult to bear. Life is supposed to have its own schedule.

On the other end of the spectrum of life, we here in our office excitedly await the news of the birth of the first grandchild of one of our own team members. Although we already know the sex and the name of this highly anticipated child, we do not know when she will actually be born. She is already delayed more than a week after her anticipated due date. New life also is supposed to have its own schedule.

As people of faith, we believe that all life is a gift from our creator, our loving, heavenly Father, who has plans for each of our lives, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give [us] a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:11. God gives us the great gift of being co-creators with Him, but He has also given us the parameters within which we are to exercise this awesome gift. God created man and woman in His image. “And God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth’…” Genesis 1:28. Yet, God reserves dominion over life and death: “See now that I, I alone am he, and there is no god besides me. It is I who bring both death and life…” Deuteronomy 32:39.

As we enter this season of Advent, when we prepare to celebrate the coming of the newborn King, let us reflect on the beauty but also the inconvenience of life. We have our plans, but we know that God has a plan, also. Sometimes that plan may seem unclear or look difficult or even frightening. Let us remember Mary and Joseph who placed their trust in God even though they likely did not plan to travel all the way to Bethlehem when Mary was in her final stages of her pregnancy, only to find themselves in a stable where the animals were kept because “there was no place for them in the inn” Luke 2:7. May we also place our trust in God and in his plan for our life no matter how challenging it may seem from the viewpoint of our limited humanity. Let us remember the comforting words Jesus directed St. Faustina to include on His image of Divine Mercy: “Jesus, I trust in you.”

What does the Bible say?

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it….” Genesis 1:27-28

See now that I, I alone, am he, and there is no god besides me. It is I who bring both death and life… Deuteronomy 32:39 (NABRE)

You shall not kill. Deuteronomy 5:17

Author:  Catherine Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation, and Youth Ministry

Changes

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

There are many twists and turns in our journey of life.  Often these twists and turns lead us into places and situations we didn’t anticipate, and we must adjust our life or make changes.  Some changes make us better, they are joyful, and we can see the beauty of God at work in our life.  Some changes are difficult, and they force us to be strong, they draw us out of ourselves to experience life in way we have never seen.  God is always at work in our lives, even when it may be a more difficult to see the beauty. Some changes challenge us to rise to an occasion, and in the end, we are somehow different.  If we follow God’s plan and if we follow the Truth of the Gospel, we will be changed for the better.  God’s plan for us is more than what we settle for in our everyday journey.  We are made for more. 

As we begin Lent, we enter another special time of reflection.  Let us pray that the Lord will show us changes that we need to make and reveal ways that we could love like Him, forgive like Him, serve like Him, and give like Him.  Remember that each time we encounter Christ in the Eucharist we are changed.  As we encounter Christ in the Eucharist, draw near to Him, and allow him to bring a twist or turn to your journey of life.  In our 40 days of Lent, let us allow ourselves to encounter Christ, to rise to an occasion, to help someone else, to be strong and to be forever changed.

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say…

Isaiah 64:7 – O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter:  we are all the work of your hands.

Romans 12:9-21– Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.  Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.  If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.  Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance in mine, I will repay says the Lord.”  Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.”  Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.

John 15: 1-5 – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.  He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.  You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.  Remain in me, as I remain in you.  Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches.  Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.