Hi Friends!

The following is the update from June during my time in Chicago after the evacuation. Click here for the scrapbook! 

Following the evacuations around mid-June, I attended the Jesus Youth Commitment Retreat at Mundelein Seminary as part of my ongoing formation in the movement. This retreat was the final step in a 3-year formation journey that started with a Christ encounter retreat and continued through different phases. Over the years, we went through a series of sessions and experiences that helped shape different aspects of faith life—like rootedness of the encounter through the Word of God, consistency in personal prayer, forgiveness & healing, self-discovery, relationship and sexuality, stewardship of time, talent & treasure- all preparing for a formal discipleship commitment. Each phase built on the previous, and it’s been a path of spiritual growth in a community context.

Following the Commitment Retreat, a few JYs, from around the country and different age groups, came together in Chicago for Ad Cor, a four-day workshop. Latin for ‘to the heart’, it was a time to cherish and rediscover the charisms of the Jesus Youth movement, the unique giftedness for the times, deposited in the movement by the Holy Spirit. Under the guidance of Dr Edward Edezhath, a pioneer of JY, we spent time through intentional listening, meaningful conversations, practice using the Holy Spirit charisms, and the sharing of personal and communal stories. 

Following the end of Ad Cor, JY campus ministry held the Campus Leadership Summit (CLS)—a program designed for campus students to experience Jesus Youth culture, community, and mission. Towards the end of the summit, students engaged in outreach followed by praise and worship in the city. The outreach pushed students beyond their comfort zones, encouraging them to engage with strangers through conversation, face rejection with grace, and offer prayer through teams of two. This year, the program took place at my local parish/school, making it especially meaningful. It was also a valuable time for regional groups to come together, share dreams, and plan for the upcoming semester.

My time in Chicago provided a beautiful opportunity for both personal and spiritual growth through a missionary community. It was also a period filled with meaningful moments shared with friends and family. Thank you for your continued prayers, you all continue to remain in mine.

That’s it for now, till next time. 

With Love,

Josh