Welcome to my blog for Merciful Redeemer Parish's Youth Group! Here you will find information about Edge and LifeTeen, as well as our calendar of events and some pretty awesome resources to help you grow in your faith and develop a closer relationship with Christ! Enjoy! - Miri

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

UPDATED DATES: Talent Show Auditions! (Edge & LifeTeen)

The LifeTeen and Edge Talent Shows are coming up in May and June, so get your act together (no pun intended ;)) and get ready to audition! You MUST book an audition appointment ASAP if you want to participate in the Talent Show, as there are limited spaces!



LifeTeen Talent Show: May 28th
LifeTeen Auditions: April 30 and May 7, 3:00-6:00pm

Edge Talent Show: June 17th
Edge Auditions: June 4, 3:00-5:00pm



To book an audition, email Miri at ym@mercifulredeemer.org or call (905) 812-0030 ext 7 (leave a message if there is no answer).

In addition to displaying our great local talent, we will also be raising funds to help our World Youth Day pilgrims cover the cost of their trip! :)

Friday, March 25, 2011

CONFIRMATION CLASS: MARCH 26, APRIL 2 AND APRIL 9

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 26 we have the second round of Session 5: Making Moral Decisions. If you missed the class on March 5, make sure to attend this weekend!

On April 2 and April 9, we will be holding the last session for our Confirmation Preparation, Session 6: Theology of the Body. Please check your schedules to see which weekend corresponds to you. Remember, if you cannot attend on your assigned date, the other date will be your make-up session.

Parents, be advised that we will handle the topic of the Theology of the Body in an age-appropriate manner. We will address issues of respecting one's body and that of others; having a positive self-image based on the love of God, who created us is His image; the beauty and importance of God's design, who made us male and female; the importance of modesty and living a chaste life; and the true freedom that comes from purity. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 

God bless,
Miri R
Youth Ministry Coordinator

PRETZELS FOR LENT

Back in the fifth century in places like Austria, Germany and Poland, people didn’t use any milk, oil or fat during Lent. So, therefore they couldn’t make bread. As a substitute, people began to make pretzels, because the recipe didn’t contain those ingredients. It became a tradition to make pretzels on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Many times during Lent, people would make pretzels and take them to the townspeople that were poor or didn’t have anything to eat. In German, “pretzel” means “little arms.” The pretzel takes its shape from arms crossed in prayer.

What Lenten or Easter traditions do you have in your family?


A Pretzel Prayer for Lent
Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless these little breads. Each time we eat them may we be reminded of the special season we are in and that through prayer we will become better people to each other. Let us not forget those who are in need of our prayers daily. Keep your loving arms around us, O Father, to protect us always.
Amen.



Lenten Pretzels

1 cake yeast
1 ½ cup warm water
1 tsp. salt
1 T sugar
4 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water and sugar for about five minutes. Mix the flour and salt and add yeast mixture. Knead well (seven or eight minutes), adding more flour if necessary to form a firm dough. Let it rise, covered, in a greased bowl until double the original size. Preheat oven to 475°F. Divide dough into 32 equal parts. Roll each part into a snakelike strand, form strand into pretzel shape, and place on greased baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Bake for about 10 minutes or until done.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

REMINDER: NO EDGE, LIFETEEN OR CONFIRMATION CLASS THIS WEEKEND DUE TO MARCH BREAK!

Due to March Break, there will be NO EDGE this Friday, March 18th (for students in grades 6, 7 and 8). Also, a reminder to parents that the Confirmation Class was changed to March 26th; there is No Confirmation Class this Saturday, March 19th (the grade 8 students were advised in advanced through school visits). Our next Life Night will take place on April 16th; all high school students are welcome.

Please remind your friends! See you all next week! :)