Natalie from LEAD is a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Cape Girardeau, MO which is in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. This fall she will be a senior at Notre Dame High School.

Today she shared with us how God changed her life through friendship.

She grew up Catholic with very involved parents.

And yet, as she entered high school, she wanted to fit in and took on a negative attitude – and a big part of this was that she began gossiping about other people. This left her feeling empty and unloved.

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This morning as we gathered for Mass, Fr. Chris Martin shared with us times in his life where he did not feel like he belonged. Many of his stories took place outside of the country. Being 6’4 he often stands out, but one story in particular was when he traveled to Calcutta, India to teach with the Missionaries of Charity. Fr. Martin likened the Sisters to the Marine Corp. of the Catholic Church. Every morning, the Sisters would go to the trash dump down the street and pick up the children that had been thrown away and would bring them back to their house to care for them. He was amazed by their amount of charity and love and he did not feel as if he belonged.

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Rob Williams is a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Wentzville, MO where he plays bass guitar for the parish’s Life Teen Mass.

He has been volunteering at our conferences since 2012 and has always helped with production either as a stage hand, running spotlight, or as an audio technician. He has also spent the last 6 years at a week long scout camp leading up to Steubenville, so he really appreciates the air-conditioned arena!

Rob works as a communications technician for AT&T and for fun he enjoys sand volleyball and other recreational sports. His favorite part of every conference is Eucharistic Adoration.

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How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

1. The way you encouraged your youth to attend Steubenville conference this summer – from the charming pleas to your parish after Mass to nagging your students in person during Open Office – you did it, you made it happen. Thank you.
2. The way you figured out the hassle of finances, fundraisers, transportation, chaperones, rooming lists, compliance requirements, and registration – you did it. Thank you.
3. The way you gave into wearing matching shirts with your teenagers – you did it, and you look great. Thank you.
4. The way you pray with and for these teens through their highs and lows of life. You are Christ’s hands and feet – you are doing it with such love and grace; you are such a gift to them. Thank you.
5. The way you eat pizza for 50% of your meals with a smile – you’re doing the Lord’s work, my friend. Thank you.

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