We can dodge a wrench...only if middle schoolers aren't throwing it.

I always look forward to the Holy Hours at the seminary. The adoration is spectacular, well-done and meaningful -- it gives us all time to sit down, stop, and be in Christ's presence for a brief period of time during our usually hectic and fast paced weeks of school or work. Getting the chance to pray with so many from across the diocese, young and old, is both remarkable and spiritually encouraging. We are blessed to be able to witness faith in act by kids in middle school, high school and college.

I am inspired by the students I work with at Hofstra U. We all know that college can be a breeding ground for all kinds of awful things that can be more attractive on the surface than Christ, and for students to give up a Friday evening so that they can spend time in prayer brings me such a great joy. I can say in all sincerity, that the opportunity to pray with these awesome, young Catholics helps me to grow deeper in my own personal relationship with Christ, and for that I am ever grateful.

...Dodgeball is cool too...

Except when Hofstra's team, the Flying Dutchmen, got immediately trampled on by a youth group comprised of tiny, young teens. Adelphi and Stonybrook's team did not fare well either. Adelphi did give those little ones a run for their money though. But, of course, in the end those tiny tots won.

And Jesus wept...


...because he was laughing so hard at us.



I'm not holding a grudge though.


Okay, I lied, I am holding a grudge. If we do play dodgeball again, those kids are getting what they deserve. :)

All in all, it was an awesome night. I can't wait to get all the college students back together next month for what is proving to be our most popular event. I would like to thank Father Brian and Rose Sullivan for organizing the event, and all the youth ministers, campus ministers and those from the various other ministries in the diocese for showing up in great numbers to this evening of prayer, relaxation, and of course, epic dodgeball.

James