With graduations officially over it is time for youth groups to get busy. Plans are in the works for locks-in, service learning trips, and much more.

Nativity Youth Ministry just returned from a trip to St. Gabriel's Mission in Mound Bayou, MS. From the reports I have heard it seems like they had a great time doing an assortment of things, including sweet potatoes something! Immaculate Conception Parish in Laurel leave on their annual Washington D.C. service- learning trip soon. That is always a great trip and often will include youth from some of the surrounding parishes as well. St. Joseph in Moss Point planned, cooked and served a meal at the local Soup Kitchen recently.

St. Thomas and Sacred Heart parishes in Hattiesburg hosted summer Lock-ins. Picture tell that a dance-off was completed and the adults won easily?

St Mary's in Woolmarket, St. James in Gulfport, St. Charles in Picayune,Sacred Heart in Dedeaux and St. Matthews in White Cypress and St.Thomas in Long Beach are all traveling to Steubenville Conferences around the South.

Our office is also heading back to South Bend, Indiana with a bus load of 51 youth and adults for a week at the Notre Dame Vision program. We have on board four adults who will earn a certificate of completion after attending for the past three years. Congratualtions to you all.

Looking at the various websites and on facebook it is obvious that youth from around the diocese are assisting their parishes with their Vacation Bible Schools as teacehrs, aides, skit performers, music leaders and mentors. Lots of work, lots of fun and lots to be learned through those efforts

As you can see it is a busy summer ahead from the youth in our parishes. It is always a great time when faith is put into action. Where service leads to grace and blessings. Thanks to all of you for making Youth Ministry a great experience for all.