St. Elizabeth Seton Parish Presentation, 1/21/2008

Journal, Monday January 21, 2008 - BTC at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish - Confirmation Group Presentation, 7:00 - 8:15 pm

Last evening, John Ryan, Johnnie F., Charlie, Kelly, Pam, and Jeanette presented to 35 Confirmation young adults at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Rocky Hill. It was a very cold evening as we arrived at the parish, It was even colder when we left. Temperatures that I for sure would not be wanting to be sleeping in a cardboard box outside. We talked about that some with the kids and among ourselves last night. We are so very lucky we just had to endure the cold in the car and were going home to a warm house.

These kids were rewarded with candy when they responded correctly or appropriately to our questions. It seems the candy does "excite" them and encourage participation. Although Charlie wasn't too excited about us rewarding them with sweets.

The Three Questions we present upfront again went over quite well and Johnnie F really got them involved. We again got many different answers so we at least know some of them "got it" or were attentive enough to come up with the right answers.

We had intended to have them compose a letter to Governor Rell about the State EITC but ran out of time. We left the material with Ann Marie Shattuck to work with them at a later time.
St. Elizabeth Seton is a very social justice involved parish so there were many things we were able to point these kids towards as far as Taking Action. Johnnie F actually assigned one of the participants, Stephen or Michael or Michael Stephen, to do some research about how does a child die from the causes of poverty every 53 minutes. I would have to say that this particular number stood out among this group more than any other.

The presentation lasted for about 75 minutes which was a little too long. I guess we were a little more wordy last night. Although in my earlier discussions with Ann Marie she indicated that we could take up as much time as needed and she requested we end by 8:15, which we did. Regardless, we have to continue to focus differently when speaking to a youth group or confirmation class.

We also had a new member to our team, Mark Chmielecki, visit with us last night to get a first hand peek at what we do. He is going to offer his comments and suggestions from a completely new eyes point of view. Thanks Mark and welcome aboard.

All in all it was a satisfying night. I have requested feedback form Ann Marie. I will share with you when I receive it.

Peace,

Lou Terzo