tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32440889176675728152024-03-19T05:45:29.851-07:00St. Thomas of Villanova Youth GroupSt. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-20426169431399696652010-06-03T06:26:00.000-07:002010-06-03T06:28:18.976-07:00Splash Party - Volunteers Needed!<strong>Volunteers Needed</strong><br /><br />The Family Life Committee of the Parish is hosting their annual Splash Party and they need us to volunteer!<br /><strong><br />When:</strong> Tuesday, June 29, 2009, 6:00PM - 9:00PM *rain date is July 1*<br />Come at 6pm and enjoy some free food. The games will begin around 7pm.<br /><br /><strong>Where:</strong> Conestoga Swim Club on Rt. 320 in Villanova<br /><strong><br />What:</strong> Help run the games for the children. Games include sack races, egg toss, etc.<br /><br /><strong>BONUS:</strong> You'll get free food and access to the pool!<br /><br />Please email Carol Abele (<a href="mailto:service@stv.comcastbiz.net">service@stv.comcastbiz.net</a>) if you can help out.St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-33087318299176261082010-04-15T05:35:00.000-07:002010-04-15T06:01:07.053-07:00More About Parish Mission TripLast month, <a href="http://stvyouthgroup.blogspot.com/2010/03/invitation-join-parish-mission-trip-to.html">I mentioned </a>that our parish is going to participate in a mission trip this summer. You are all invited to join in and spend a week of your summer break participating in some very important and rewarding work.<br /><br />Another information night about this mission will be held on <strong>May 10th at 7:30pm</strong> in the Parish Center. There is lots of service work to be done - in an orphanage, in a school with elementary age children, in a health clinic, and lots of habitat work.<br /><br />Volunteers will have nice housing, great food, several cultural trips, and a couple of hikes in the mountains of El Salvador.<br /><br />Students from Villanova University have been working the mission in El Salvador for four years. One student, Danielle Motondo, wrote a reflection of her time spent there and has shared it with you. Please take the time to read her story and consider joining the trip this summer.<br /><br /><strong>Danielle Motondo' Reflection </strong><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">El Salvador: a country that will forever be in my heart. Words on paper cannot describe the profound insight this beautiful country offered me into the true meaning of life, love, and happiness. In seven days the people, poverty, and religious passion inspired me to better understand myself and my place in this world. Everyone kept telling me while I was there, that your first experience with 3rd World poverty is the one that is closest to your heart, and this statement most certainly rings true for me. The minute I stepped off the plane and out into the country I would be spending the next week living in, I found myself overwhelmed with nerves. I was in a country known for gang violence, a civil war 20 years back, and living conditions that I had never seen firsthand before. I instinctively grabbed my bag tight worrying about getting robbed and looked into the faces of my fellow group members. These people were strangers to me. I didn’t know their parents’ names, childhood memories, greatest fears, or overall characters at all. What was I doing here? I was alone in an impoverished country-outside of my comfort zone with no friends or family. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Then I saw it…the image that haunts my memory and knocked the wind out of my soul…the sea of Salvadorian people. As soon as I stepped out of the airport there they were. The Salvadorian people: some tall some small, old, young, the same dark skin, the same face of sorrow and anticipation while looking for a small piece of esperanza or hope to walk out of that airport. These expressions, however, were not the catalyst for my life-changing experience; it was all in their eyes. The dark, chocolate eyes that glistened with sorrow, hardship, and kindness lured me into their lives sharing with me their stories. Hundreds of pairs of dark eyes upon me…”the gringo”…the girl who has it all…the girl from the unknown life…the girl who has come to help. When I first felt the weight of their gazes I thought the sting I felt was their envy. I later learned this sting was not envy but a kind, unhurtful longing for something more; something that I represented. It was their eyes that allowed ME to see a side of myself I had not known; a part of my soul that knows the necessity to serve, make people aware, and recognize the similarities in all of humanity, brothers and sisters all the same. </span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">While on the service trip we were able to experience a number of different service opportunities and help the community in many ways. We visited an orphanage in the outskirts of San Salvador where we played with the children. Once again it was their eyes that caught my attention. Every pair of eyes had a sense of longing, confusion, and sadness. Most of the children just wanted to steal a piece of a puzzle, small bead, or a broken crayon just to put in their pocket so they would have something to call their own. Many of the small children did not speak, could not tell me their own birthdays, and were even hesitant on how old they were. They expressed to me that they had never left the orphanage or seen life outside of those walls. They went to school there, but many could not read or write their own names, let alone the fact that they did not understand what math was when I asked them if they were taught that in school. But these children were amazing in that they had so much character and love to share with complete strangers. Everyone wanted a friend or someone to color with. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Being able to speak Spanish, I was able to hear the most amazing, mind-shattering stories from children who seemed to know more about the importance of life than I ever will. While sitting with a 6 year old girl names Joselyn, she told me she had a mother. I asked her where her mother lived and what was she like…the small child responded in Spanish, “My mother lives in the gardens. She is beautiful and nice.” My heart broke for these children-the voiceless, innocent babies who had no say into their enterance into this world and lifestyle. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Another service site that I personally got to go on was the free health clinic. I was the only person in my group to go because there we a group of Eastern University nurses that needed a translator. Little did I know, I would become a nurse that day as well. At first I was hesitant to leave my group and be thrown into a health clinic just me and three non-speaking Spanish nurses, but the day ended up being absolutely amazing. The conditions in the clinic were extremely unsanitary, and it was packed with hundreds of people waiting all day to simply use an inhaler to breathe properly. I was able to administer shots, prepare nebulizers for infants, and speak to patients in the waiting area. It was here that I fell in love with a small, beautiful little girl in a red dress. She instantly became my friend and was so proud to tell me she had TWO notebooks and TWO dresses. The day was hectic and tiring, but extremely rewarding and eye-opening. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The rest of the week I attended two more service sites, both of which will forever have my heart. We helped to build Miguel’s house which was ruined in a mudslide from Hurricane Ida in this past November. Miguel was an amazing human being. He has seen and been through so much in his life, yet is one of the funniest jokesters I have ever met. He was able to bond with our whole group even though he did not speak English; laughing was universal and everyone understood that. I became best friends with his daughter Gabriela who took my hand and led me on adventures throughout her town showing me how to hold chickens, ducks, rabbits, and all sorts of fruits. We were able to climb to the top of the hill to see the effects of the mudslide, and the beds, baby shoes, and belongings scattered in the dirt. The whole experience and worksite was very hand-on and unearthing. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The last site we worked at was Villa Zaragosa, or as we called it the “dirt site.” Here we helped our cook, LLani’s village build a day-care center for the children of the town. This building is in its very early stages, and all week we moved a huge mound of dirt with five wheelbarrows and two shovels. This work was grueling and exhausting, but so much fun! The children of the town became my best friends. I returned to this site three times simply because I fell in love with those children. They were the hardest workers and at age 6 were able to carry more dirt than I could ever carry. All they wanted to do was play, be picked up, kissed, and hold your hand. They had so much love to give and taught me so much about compassion. They lived in tin houses with dirt floors, three rooms with ten children and a single mother, outhouses, and cockroaches. Their playground was rocks, dirt, and trees. Their toys were wild dogs and chickens, and their shower, laundry, and drinking water were all from the small stream by the town. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Those children are the definition of my El Salvador experience and I would do anything to go back and see them. They were my best friends, my teachers, and my soul-mates. I think about them a lot; when I first returned back home I would cry to everyone I talked to about what I saw and the people I met. I still look at my pictures once a day to keep my feeling and insight fresh in my mind for as long as possible. Often I find myself thinking about my little children from Zaragosa (Willy, Oscar, Lupe, Fernando, Alex, Alfredo, Jose, Juan, and more) right as I am about to go to bed. I lie awake and picture them in their beds laying next to each other in their small house and I hope they think of me too. </span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">By the end of my trip I found myself enthralled in the Salvadorian people and culture. I was captivated by their hardship, the stories of their Civil War, the killings, and the fights. My group and I had become best friends who leaned on and admired each other; these people were no longer strangers, but family. I had grown to learn so much about myself and my place in the world of service. The children had truly touched my heart, mind, and soul, and the whole experience taught me the true meaning of veritas, unitas, caritas.</span></em><br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4522681307_a8595fbeb8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 372px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 500px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4522681307_a8595fbeb8.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4522681345_6779cc867f.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 381px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4522681345_6779cc867f.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4522681385_743800344e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 332px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4522681385_743800344e.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4522681323_d262e171c1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 363px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 384px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4522681323_d262e171c1.jpg" /></a>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-1860828472129126842010-04-05T06:05:00.000-07:002010-04-05T06:09:13.751-07:00Youth Group Year Winding DownHappy Easter!<br /><br />I hope you all celebrated a wonderful Easter and enjoyed your Spring Break. I know after Spring Break, the school year really starts winding down. The same goes for Youth Group. We only have a few meetings left, but we will be making the most out of them. Please come and participate if you schedule allows.<br /><br />Tomorrow, April 6, the high school group will be making its last trip to Presbyterian Village for this year. Please arrive at 7:10. We start at 7:15. The meeting will end at 8:30.<br /><br />In the following weeks we have service projects, guest speakers, social games, and our end of year party. From the feedback I've gotten so far, it sounds like we'll be having our end of year party at Arnolds Fun Center (in Oaks) again this year. I'm open to other ideas if you have them!<br /><br />Let's make these last few weeks, the best yet!St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-44582061643245358862010-03-17T06:44:00.000-07:002010-03-17T06:49:02.741-07:00Invitation: Join the Parish Mission Trip to El SalvadorSt. Thomas of Villanova Parish is trying to mount a parish mission trip to El Salvador this summer - <span style="font-weight: bold;">the week of July 23-July 31</span>. The attendees will be working in San Salvador and surrounding areas with the Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.<br /><br />Options for service will be:<br /><ul><li>working in an orphanage<br /></li><li>building houses<br /></li><li>working in a health clinic or a malnourishment center.<br /></li></ul>There will also be a cultural immersion piece - visits to church related places of interest and some hiking up La Puerta del Diablo.<br /><br />The mission group will take teens 16 years and older by him/herself and middle schoolers with a parent.<br /><br />Ths cost per person is $1300.00 which includes airfare and all costs.<br /><br />If you're interested, come to the information night to hear about the trip!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">INFO NIGHT: Tuesday March 30th at 7:30pm in the Parish Center.<br />RSVP to Anne Murphy at 610-525-4801 or service@stv.comcastbiz.net</span>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-18374890164836807482010-03-01T06:31:00.000-08:002010-03-01T06:40:36.622-08:00Thanks from OLBSThe Souperbowl of Caring shopping/stocking trip was a great success.<br /><br />I received an email last week thanking our group for our contributions.<br /><br /><br /><em>Hello Karen,<br /><br />I am so sorry I was not able to come down and thank the youth group before they left yesterday. Thank you for all you did for our food pantry. God bless you and the youth of St. Thomas for always thinking of us.<br /><br />Blessings on your day,<br />Mark<br />Mr. Mark Gonzalez<br />Director of Faith Formation<br />Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish</em>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-28308572455217534212010-02-16T07:10:00.000-08:002010-02-16T07:12:02.704-08:00RSVP for Souperbowl Service ProjectPlease join the youth group and participate in the 2010 Souperbowl of Caring! This is a great way to start the season of Lent by helping others.<br /><br />We will be meeting in the Rosemont Church parking lot <strong>following the 9am Mass on Sunday February 21</strong>. Then we will head over to BJs (in Conshohocken) and use the tithe collected at the masses from Superbowl Sunday to buy groceries to stock the food pantry at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.<br /><br />Once we buy the food we will head over to OLBS to delivery and stock the pantry. We will be back in the Rosemont lot around 3pm.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Please RSVP if you can help! </span><br /><br /><strong>PARENTS</strong> - if you can help drive and deliver, please let me know! I do need a few extra drivers.St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-88811331287433431442010-01-19T06:56:00.000-08:002010-01-19T06:57:03.601-08:00Teen Convocation for High School TeensThe Archdiocese is inaugurating the Teen Convocation as part of Catechetical Forum Weekend. High School-aged teens from throughout the Archdiocese will gather for fun and faith formation on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at Archbishop Carroll High School. The details are below. Please join in!<br /><br />Archdiocese of Philadelphia<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, March 7, 2010 </span><br />Archbishop Carroll High School<br />Radnor, PA<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11:30 am -- 5:30 pm </span><br />Teen Convocation:<br />“Never-ending Story”<br /><br />Featuring:<br />* Keynote Presenter – Jim Beckman<br />* Music – Tom Lelyo<br />* Workshops – Father Steve DeLacy, Sister Kelly, of the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth<br />*Father Chris Rogers<br /><br />* Sunday Mass!<br />Celebrated by Bishop Timothy C. Senior<br />$20 fee includes lunch and snacks<br />Open to all high school teens (grades 9-12)<br /><br />Office for Catechetical Formation<br />www.archphila.org/catechetical * 215-587-3760St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-71810554435445111342010-01-15T07:00:00.000-08:002010-01-15T07:07:22.357-08:00Serving OthersOne of our youth group volunteers, Joe Anthony, posted this quote on his Twitter page this week:<br /><p>"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love."</p><p>This is the perfect sentiment for our discussions over the past two weeks. I hope you all remember that every day you have the opportunity to do something that matters. You don't have to change the entire world, just affect someone's world. </p>I challenged the middle school group to really think about their day-to-day behaviors and make an effort to complete random acts of kindness. To encourage you all to keep kindness at the forefront of your day, I will reward you for doing so. Each week, you are welcome to tell me that you went out of your way to affect change in someone's day. If you truly went above and beyond, that week, I'll give you an extra raffle ticket. You'll have a better chance at winning our weekly prize by simply taking a few moments to do something for someone else that week.<br /><br />So, over the course of 2010, be sure to be aware. Be aware of those around you. Be aware that you have opportunities every day to “do small things with great love.” And that by doing those small things with great love and intentions, you can make a big difference.St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-44058278083252570182010-01-12T13:54:00.001-08:002010-01-12T13:54:40.566-08:00Happy New YearIt is a new year. With the new year come new resolutions. This year, I am encouraging all of you to make a resolution to do more for each other. Take the time each day, week, or month to consider the opportunities you have to make a difference and then do it.<br /><br />As a group we will have plenty of opportunities to serve others. I ask that you join in as many service projects as you can. The more the merrier.<br /><br />I look forward to a wonderful 2010 together.<br /><br />1 Peter 4:10<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms</span><br /><br />Act 20:35<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'</span>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-33691354183214666202009-12-22T06:28:00.000-08:002009-12-22T06:31:12.666-08:00Poinsettia Delivery Canceled<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Y_6HKhkjdF-IqM:http://www.creationsbydawn.net/pi/tutorials/poinsettia.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 116px; height: 116px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Y_6HKhkjdF-IqM:http://www.creationsbydawn.net/pi/tutorials/poinsettia.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div align="left">Thank you all for your offer of service this past weekend regarding the poinsettia deliveries. I was so disappointed that the snow kept us from visiting with our home-bound parishioners.<br /><br />We won't be rescheduling the deliveries this year. Instead, the parish staff is delivering the flowers to the patients at the Rosemont Manor Nursing Home tomorrow morning. They will enjoy having them.<br /><br />We'll have plenty of other service opportunities in the coming year and I look forward to completing them together.<br /><br />Merry Christmas.</div>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-37334223794698132772009-12-15T08:48:00.001-08:002009-12-15T08:54:51.032-08:00ChristmasTonight is the Christmas party to celebrate a successful first half of our youth group year and to enjoy a little social time as a group before the holiday.<br /><br />We are looking forward to an evening of bowling with all of you who can attend. For everyone else, we wish you a Merry Christmas. Enjoy some time away from school with your families and remember what Christmas is all about.<br /><br />On Saturday, December 19th, the youth group will be spending a few hours to share our time with some parishioners who look forward to our visits. We will be delivering poinsettia plants to the home-bound members of our parish. We are grateful to all of you who can help us to complete this service to our church.<br /><br />Please know that we include you and your families in our holiday wishes and prayers.<br /><br />See you in 2010!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">God of love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us faithful to your Word, that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Lord.<br />Amen. </span>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-45207386191645321762009-11-19T07:15:00.000-08:002009-11-19T07:19:19.687-08:00ThanksgivingDon't forget: We are not meeting on Tuesday, November 24 (the week of Thanksgiving).<br /><br />Youth Group meetings will resume on Tuesday, December 1 with the high school group.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thanksgiving Prayers...<br /></span>Thank you God for all the wonderful blessings,<br />For our daily meals, for clean drinking water,<br />For sunlight and for the cool breeze.<br />I'm thankful for my family, my friends, and my health.<br />I'm thankful for my friends, to love and be loved and for freedom.<br />I'm thankful to be alive and praise you for all these wonders.<br />I'm thankful that you have been so gracious<br />To give your only Son to us<br />Who gave his life and bore the Unbearable<br />For us sinners.<br />On this Thanksgiving Day, I take the Opportunity to give thanks for countless other<br />things you provide us with on a daily basis.<br />Amen.<br /><br />Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love,<br />please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving thanks.<br />Thank you for all the graces and blessings You have bestowed upon us,<br />spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage.<br />Our food and shelter, our health, the loves we have for one another, our family and friends.<br />Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessing throughout the coming year.<br />This we ask in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother. Amen.St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-18690018096703767352009-11-11T12:34:00.000-08:002009-11-11T12:43:34.959-08:00Special Olympics Success!Thank you to everyone who volunteered with Special Olympics. I know the athletes appreciated your encouragement and the Villanova Students were grateful to have you there helping with the event.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We have many more service opportunities coming up, so mark your calendars!</span><br />1. Saturday December 12 from 9:45am - 11:30am Anne Murphy needs your help for Breakfast with Santa. If you can be there for a few hours to help with face painting she'd be grateful.<br /><br />2. Saturday December 19 (time TBD) the parish needs your help with poinsettia deliveries. We will be delivering the plants to all parishioners who have lost a loved one over the past year. Your help makes this ministry a success.<br /><br />Chris took lots of pictures this weekend at Special Olympics. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/4095683779_4abd51e396_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/4095683779_4abd51e396_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4096445066_c89b20c89e_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4096445066_c89b20c89e_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/4096444360_41b046039f_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 135px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/4096444360_41b046039f_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/4095683101_a569d8f42b_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/4095683101_a569d8f42b_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4096444532_6e85dee267_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 193px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4096444532_6e85dee267_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/4095683301_7bc3a0351a_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 135px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/4095683301_7bc3a0351a_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4096444918_dd02b0f8db_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 135px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4096444918_dd02b0f8db_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4096444994_047bdc95aa_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4096444994_047bdc95aa_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-25919314473021739012009-11-03T09:39:00.000-08:002009-11-03T09:40:57.472-08:00Special Olympics - 11/7Please join the St. Thomas of Villanova Youth group in assisting with the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania.<br /><br />You will meet with Chris in the parking lot across from the football field of Villanova University at 10am. From there you will head over to campus to register and then will be sent off to help cheer for the olympians in the powerlifting competition.<br /><br />We will conclude the service at 2pm. You can get picked up in the parking lot at that time.<br /><br /><strong>All volunteers must fill out a waiver and bring it with them. Parent signatures are needed in order to participate. Check your email for a PDF of this waiver.<br /><br /></strong>Please RSVP by Thursday, November 5.St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-61138982383246329912009-10-26T07:34:00.000-07:002009-10-26T07:36:40.495-07:00Don't Forget Your Canned Food!I just wanted to remind you all to bring food donations to our upcoming meetings:<br /><br />Tuesday, October 27 - High School Meeting<br />Tuesday, November 3 - Middle School Meeting<br /><br />*For all three of the above meetings, please bring your food donations!<br /><br />We can take any canned or boxed non-perishable food. Some of the most in-demand items are:<br />Tuna (small cans in a case),<br />Peanut butter & Jelly<br />Soup, Beef Stew, Chili<br />Pasta sauce<br />Rice<br /><br />Also, head's up....<br /><br />Saturday, November 7 - Both Groups, Volunteering with Special Olympics<br />Specific time TBD but will likely take place from 10am-2pm. Mark your calendar.<br /><br />Evite to follow...St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-51447198573728796972009-10-05T10:26:00.000-07:002009-10-05T10:28:13.966-07:00High School Meeting At Presbyterian VillageOn Tuesday, October 13, the High School youth group will be playing bingo with the residents at T Presbyterian Village.<br /><br />We will meet out by the awning in the back parking lot of Presbyterian Village at <span style="font-weight: bold;">7:00</span>. Please plan to be picked up around 8:30pm.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions to Presbyterian Village:</span><br />(From Rosemont Chapel)<br />Start on Lancaster Avenue heading toward Villnova University<br />Turn left onto Lowry's Lane and follow Lowry's Lane to Conestoga Road.<br />Lowry's Lane becomes Strathmore Drive when you cross Conestoga. (Look for iron gates and pillars at the entrance of Strathmore.)<br />Cross over Conestoga Road onto Strathmore Drive. This road winds around through a residential area. Take the second right onto Cheswick Place (there is a very small sign as you turn that says Rosemont Presbyterian Village).<br />You are proceeding to the Main Entrance, stay to the right of the fork. Follow the road around to the large parking lot. Park near the canopy entrance that is the Main Entrance to the community.St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-13969645362239065962009-09-30T06:18:00.000-07:002009-09-30T06:21:38.928-07:00Coming Up: Food DriveIn the coming weeks the High School group will participate in a service project. We'll be visiting the residents at Presbyterian Village and playing bingo with them. In previous year this has been a favorite activity of many of the youth group members.<br /><br />Later, in December, the Middle School group will visit with them as well.<br /><br />In addition to our service with the residents of Presbyterian Village, we want all youth group participants to start thinking about ways they can do a little extra to help others. With that in mind we are asking our youth group members and families to collect food for a donation to our sister parish's food pantry.<br /><br />Start collecting canned and boxed goods now. We'll gather them up at our meetings at the end of October and beginning of November.<br /><br />More information to come...St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-64312830657678336452009-09-28T07:13:00.000-07:002009-09-28T07:17:31.442-07:00Off to a Great Start!Our youth group year is off to a great start. We had a fantastic turnout for both the High School and Middle School groups these past two weeks. We are enthusiastic about this upcoming year and have lots of great stuff planned.<br /><br />Recap from the past two weeks...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rules</span><br />1. No cell phones during the group. If we catch you texting or playing with your phones, we will hold on to them until the end of the meeting.<br />2. Be respectful. Listen when others are talking. Don't interrupt.<br />3. Clean up after yourselves. Make sure all of your trash is thrown away before you leave.<br />4. Be safe. No running around. Wait on the sidewalk for your parents to pick you up at the end of the meeting.<br />5. Participate & have fun!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">T-Shirts</span><br />We designed youth group t-shirts for all of our members. How do you get one?<br />1. Come to at least 3 meetings and be sure to sign in.<br />2. Volunteer for a service project on a weekend.<br /><br />See you all soon!St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-1047937351662130792009-08-20T14:11:00.000-07:002009-08-20T14:14:29.210-07:00Getting ReadyWe are just over three weeks away from the start of our youth group season. I hope you all are as excited as I am to meet new people and learn from each other. I am hopeful that we'll have a good turnout throughout the year and encourage you all to start marking your calendars now.<br /><br />As always, feel free to bring friends from other parishes and other faiths. Everyone is welcome just remember to be respectful of each other and of the volunteers who are working to make this group a success.<br /><br />Please email me with questions and comments about the group. I welcome your suggestions for activities, outtings, discussion topics, service projects and more.<br /><br />Reach me at karentnoonan@gmail.com.<br /><br />Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-34078607741683552009-08-05T10:49:00.000-07:002009-08-05T11:01:42.004-07:00Archdiocese EventsSince our youth group is relatively new and somewhat small, we aren't always able to hold big events just for us. Luckily, the Office for Youth & Young Adults (OYYA) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia creates wonderful opportunities for you all to get involved and join in with other youth sharing our faith.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Consider signing up for one of the following:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD</span><br />The Office For Youth And Young Adults is looking for strong, committed, faith-filled teens to serve on this year's Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The Youth Advisory Board is open to youth entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school. Applications can be found online (<a href="http://www.oyya.org">www.oyya.org</a>).<br />Let <a href="mailto:karentnoonan@gmail.com">me know</a> if you are interested and I will be sure to contact OYYA for extra details.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">About The Youth Advisory Board:</span><br />1. Assists OYYA in realizing our vision: <span style="font-style: italic;">Youth and young adults actively participate in the life of the church through the sacraments and have a burning desire to know, love and serve God and neighbor. </span><br />2. Presents the voice of the youth to OYYA through input on Vicariate and Diocesan initiatives.<br />3. Serves as a model which exemplifies the capacity of young people to collaborate with adults as parish leaders.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">YOUTH FOR THE EUCHARIST & THE GATEWAY</span><br />Youth for the Eucharist provides an opportunity for participants to encounter Jesus in the Holy Eucharist through adoration, praise and thanksgiving. The evening consists of Eucharistic Adoration with live music, the opportunity for Confession, followed by social time and refreshments. Youth for the Eucharist is free and open to all ages<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upcoming Youth for the Eucharist Dates & Locations:</span><br />*August 9, 2009 @ St. Titus, East Norriton (7:30 PM - 9:00 PM)<br />*September 13, 2009 @ St. Titus, East Norriton (7:30 PM - 9:00 PM)<br />*October 18, 2009 @ St. Francis of Assisi, Springfield (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)<br />*November 15, 2009 @ St. Joseph's, Downingtown (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Gateway @ Our Lady of Lourdes (Philadelphia)</span> is a first Friday celebration from October-June that is centered around the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The evening begins with Mass, Confession, Adoration, and Sacred Heart Devotion and is followed by a coffee house featuring local talent, dance lessons, and more! The Gateway is free, but all who attend are asked to bring a drink or a snack for the social.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Gateway Returns: Friday, October 2, 2009</span><br />7:30 PM - Mass, Confession, & Sacred Heart Devotion<br />8:30 PM - Coffee House featuring The Gateway's Got Soul Talent Show<br />Interested in performing at The Gateway's Got Soul Talent Show?<br />Contact Chris Jones: 215-965-4625 -or- <a href="mailto:cjones@adphila.org">cjones@adphila.org</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">OYYA OPPORTUNITIES COMING THIS FALL</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Adoremus Te</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, October 25</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Malvern Retreat House</span><br />Plan on celebrating National World Youth Day Sunday by attending this awesome Catholic Youth festival which will include Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, inspirational talks, praise music, great food & more! Details coming soon!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Urban Youth Summit</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, November 13, 2009</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7:00 PM - 9:00 PM</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location / Topic: TBD</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Open to 7th-12th Grade Youth</span><br />The Urban Youth Summit is an evening for 7th-12th grade youth that will discuss specific issues that youth are facing in their lives today. The summit includes local entertainment, guest speakers, insight from high school leaders, food, activities and more! Interested in being on the planning committee?<br />Contact Chris Jones (215) 965-4625 -or- <a href="mailto:cjones@adphila.org">cjones@adphila.org</a>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-90184883287352284652009-07-21T08:22:00.000-07:002009-07-21T08:24:36.288-07:00Splash Party Rescheduled<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The annual Splash Party was re-scheduled due to rain. If you can volunteer here is the update information:</span></span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 130%; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 100%;">When:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Thursday, July 23, 2009</span>, 6:00PM - 9:00PM (Help needed around 7pm)<br />Where: Conestoga Swim Club on Rt. 320 in Villanova<br />What: Help run the games for the children. Games include sack races, egg toss, etc.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 130%; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 100%;">BONUS: You'll get free food and access to the pool!</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-78723721462306025322009-07-06T09:01:00.000-07:002009-07-06T09:10:53.771-07:00Help with Splash Party<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Volunteers Needed<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Family Life Committee of the Parish is hosting their annual Splash Party and they need us to volunteer!<br /><br />When: Thursday, July 16, 2009, 6:00PM - 9:00PM (Help needed around 7pm)<br />Where: Conestoga Swim Club on Rt. 320 in Villanova<br />What: Help run the games for the children. Games include sack races, egg toss, etc.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">BONUS: You'll get free food and access to the pool!</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Please email Anne Murphy (</span></span></span><a href="mailto:service@stv.comcastbiz.net" target="_blank">service@stv.comcastbiz.net</a>)<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> if you can help out.<br /></span></span></span>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-57599804062201468142009-07-02T08:28:00.000-07:002009-07-02T08:34:12.770-07:00First Newsletter SentYou should have all just received the first Youth Group News email newsletter. As I continue to have news to announce you can expect to receive similar emails from me. Feel free to email back if you have questions or comments (or let me know if you'd prefer not to get my emails).<br /><br />Here's a copy in case you didn't get it:<br /><table width="367" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr valign="bottom"> <td style="border-top: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10px; color: rgb(0, 102, 153); font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3681178233_bd8374ae47_o.jpg" width="392" border="0" height="96" /> <div></div></td></tr> <tr valign="top"> <td style="border-left: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" lucida="" 15px="" 0=""> <b><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800000;">Youth Group News</span></b> </td></tr> <tr valign="top"> <td style="border-left: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); padding-bottom: 5px;"> <p style="margin: 0px 5px; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 102, 153); font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px;">Blog Being Update - pictures posted!</span></span><img style="margin: 2px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3681992444_7df07a7b36.jpg?v=0" align="right" border="0" /><span style="color:#000000;"><br />As you all may have noticed, I forgot all about our blog this past year. But never again! I will be sure to keep the blog updated with announcements related to our group. Here you will find our upcoming schedule, notifications if we need to cancel for any reason, pictures from our functions and much more. Bookmark the blog and check it out often. Feel free to leave comments too.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 5px; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 102, 153); font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px 5px; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 102, 153); font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"><span style="color:#000000;">FYI -- I just posted pictures from some events from the 2008/2009 year.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 5px; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 102, 153); font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://stvyouthgroup.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#800000;">Visit the blog.</span></a></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 10px; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 102, 153); font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px 5px; font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px;">New Youth Group Season - beginning in September</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 5px; font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;">While we don't have the specific start date for our Fall youth group season, mark you calendars for Tuesday evenings. We will continue our Tuesday night meeting schedule. The middle school and high school groups will alternate meeting weeks so we'll see each group every-other Tuesday. Keep an eye on the blog for details announcing our first meeting.</p> <p style="margin: 0.5em 10px 0px; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 102, 153); font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-left: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" lucida="" 15px="" 0=""><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#006699;"> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800000;">Archdiocese Events</span></b></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-left: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); padding-bottom: 5px;"> <p style="margin: 0em 5px 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">City Of God - 12-hour overnight event</span></span><br /><i><b>When:</b></i></p> <p style="margin: 0em 5px 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;">Begins: Sunday, August 9th, 7:30 PM </p> <p style="margin: 0em 5px 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;">Ends: Monday, August 10th, 9:30 AM</p> <p style="margin: 0em 5px 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"><i><b>Where: </b></i></p> <p style="margin: 0em 5px 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;">St. Titus Church East Norriton, PA</p> <p style="margin: 0em 5px 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"><i><b>What: </b></i></p> <p style="margin: 0em 5px 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;">City of God begins with "Youth for the Eucharist" at 7:30 PM and will end the following morning with Mass at 8:45 AM. The evening will include a One Act Drama, Living Candlelight Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Adoration and much more!</p> <p style="margin: 0em 5px 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica;"><b><a href="http://www.oyya.org/montgomery.html"><span style="color:#800000;">Register by August 1 here.</span></a></b> </p></td></tr> <tr valign="top"> <td style="border-left: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </td></tr></tbody></table>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-35030104836154346222009-06-30T13:35:00.001-07:002009-06-30T13:45:38.126-07:00Pictures from the 2008/2009 Year<span style="font-weight: bold;">Special Olympics Fall 2008:</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY97RzeWAemUoSgM1qigqS8M28n1xHYNqeqmj38XE57F5fn03Ls1j_Z2BhrTJypi92QcgwppKtbd5cN_QbTOEJ6Hc5sxTP-v5U818iL1Qfa4tJBscOavHChl29hZXPo89DfO_HFs4DCw/s1600-h/DSC00025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY97RzeWAemUoSgM1qigqS8M28n1xHYNqeqmj38XE57F5fn03Ls1j_Z2BhrTJypi92QcgwppKtbd5cN_QbTOEJ6Hc5sxTP-v5U818iL1Qfa4tJBscOavHChl29hZXPo89DfO_HFs4DCw/s320/DSC00025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353223146488340034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpEmmMmpeok_uK66stKDfFHMUqXMpv6MhaTv8FjsGthooSnJcof5IzxA3UOt-vPEK5UioD8yf8AVU6HQcJKF6gvSV-wqAubEzpWGV13cerdySfpkx2-VFT1evJalD6wEHZHGNShfBxg4/s1600-h/DSC00021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpEmmMmpeok_uK66stKDfFHMUqXMpv6MhaTv8FjsGthooSnJcof5IzxA3UOt-vPEK5UioD8yf8AVU6HQcJKF6gvSV-wqAubEzpWGV13cerdySfpkx2-VFT1evJalD6wEHZHGNShfBxg4/s320/DSC00021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353223612622430210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMd-yVphZk0rkcPVV6_7jBZWcs2iCvIz-rnMuQ6CyjwihhihMX-iJBW_XA7FI6yoayEEw4WDim4qzUguSvB9XgzT4pPRHowNQkLv3qfg3JAaqi4Wi3XMPt4shozfI4vO6ACKLjOpIESbw/s1600-h/DSC00023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMd-yVphZk0rkcPVV6_7jBZWcs2iCvIz-rnMuQ6CyjwihhihMX-iJBW_XA7FI6yoayEEw4WDim4qzUguSvB9XgzT4pPRHowNQkLv3qfg3JAaqi4Wi3XMPt4shozfI4vO6ACKLjOpIESbw/s320/DSC00023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353223617439039938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Villanova Challenge Program - Spring 2009:<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0UzHigxkT878Hb8KZsVMRSnMWroIxDj9c-JFVxzmJ3G_9e_qbpN7utqt-PbXX4I0E7EK-cl7szXRChzxH4fF7hP_hksfK0gCILlKCPu0pP4klDehwzoOH6ynZ1UuLCs0mUQ_zvmBIsE/s1600-h/IMGP7220.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0UzHigxkT878Hb8KZsVMRSnMWroIxDj9c-JFVxzmJ3G_9e_qbpN7utqt-PbXX4I0E7EK-cl7szXRChzxH4fF7hP_hksfK0gCILlKCPu0pP4klDehwzoOH6ynZ1UuLCs0mUQ_zvmBIsE/s320/IMGP7220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353223623477776242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mdo46QQrJmS39sbZi3aq_P7PlepgAFUGEarKlzKlyTscRvBL7Ab6R8GmCw60Okk40flpuyhaln2OPEezfUy7kzXb_4wMR_80uu-bqbDO0qfsxHub2PWHWMO9tW2ur_xPAkaIx8e8-x4/s1600-h/IMGP7232.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mdo46QQrJmS39sbZi3aq_P7PlepgAFUGEarKlzKlyTscRvBL7Ab6R8GmCw60Okk40flpuyhaln2OPEezfUy7kzXb_4wMR_80uu-bqbDO0qfsxHub2PWHWMO9tW2ur_xPAkaIx8e8-x4/s320/IMGP7232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353223626037261730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ffpzv-8wVHZlaqXQM1j_7WmmzEUMaZYvOqvgYSQ5DBqD_PjuUL8VTGrHg6MIs8nTfTGklrIZ08knHIRmRLhFAWtp6DeckMj3cPZUxZsH6gOAHOv3brLQRSVodcz24p2YVYH8nD218Io/s1600-h/IMGP7224.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ffpzv-8wVHZlaqXQM1j_7WmmzEUMaZYvOqvgYSQ5DBqD_PjuUL8VTGrHg6MIs8nTfTGklrIZ08knHIRmRLhFAWtp6DeckMj3cPZUxZsH6gOAHOv3brLQRSVodcz24p2YVYH8nD218Io/s320/IMGP7224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353223628451113538" border="0" /></a>St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244088917667572815.post-77437048674659006592009-06-30T13:32:00.000-07:002009-06-30T13:34:20.517-07:00Back to Blogging!Hi Everyone,<br />It's been a busy year for me personally and so I let this blog slip through the cracks. Our youth group was as strong as ever but my updates disappeared and for that, I apologize.<br /><br />For this upcoming youth group year I will be sure to give this blog more attention to provide you all with updates about our group.<br /><br />FYI - if there is every a meeting cancellation, you can find out about it here.<br /><br />Hope you're all having a great summer. I'll see you in the Fall!<br /><br />-KarenSt. Thomas of Villanova Youth Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225129230601644911noreply@blogger.com0