Dear youth in Christ,
As I am writing this the snow is falling.  I love this time of year.  We all feel this wonder and anticipation as our hearts are filled with joy.  We move throughout the whole month of December with a different way of being as we wait for, rejoice in, and rest in all the month brings.  Today you are invited to join us as we gather to make this a special time for you, the youth of our parishes through fun, worship, songs, decorations, laughter and more. 
We begin the month with worshipping our Lord at Adoration on Dec. 2^nd at St. Mary’s at 10:00 p.m.  Please join me in an hour of prayer during this holy season.  It is a great way to slow down and remember the importance of Advent and preparing for our Savior. 
On Dec. 4^th the Confirmation youth will meet at 10:00 a.m. for class at St. Mary’s Church.  Your Bibles have arrived, if you have not paid for your Bible, please bring your money to class. Thank you! 
On Dec. 5^th the High School youth will meet at St. Mary’s Church to write Christmas cards for our college youth.  Parents if I haven’t contacted you for an address for your college youth, please text me their address by Monday, Dec. 5^th so we can get them a card.  I appreciate your help!  I have 200 poinsettia’s arriving between Dec.5^thand Dec. 9^th.  I need help transporting them from Cottonwood Foods to the Church, if you are interested in helping me, please call or text me at 208-553-5837.
Our Jesus and Coffee group will meet at 3:30 on Dec. 7^th at the Habit.  On Dec. 9^th I hope to have the poinsettias at St. Mary’s Church ready for pick up by 1:00 p.m.  I will be at the Church until 6:30 p.m.  Thank you everyone for supporting the Jamaica team and our fundraising endeavors.  (If we do not sell all our poinsettias, they will be available for sell after the 8:30 Mass on Sunday, Dec. 11^th.) 
The Jr. High and High School youth are invited to help decorate our youth ministry float for the light parade at the Cottonwood, city shed at 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 10^th   Pizza and drinks will be provided. 
On Dec. 11^th the youth are asked to arrive at Debbie’s office to get dressed for the light parade at 3:45 p.m.  We will be riding the float in the Light parade starting at 4:30 p.m.  I am asking for help in clean up after the parade at the city shed.  All help is greatly appreciated! 
On Dec. 12^th Saint John Bosco is hosting a candlelight Mass.  I am encouraging and inviting all youth and families to attend this special night of Liturgy beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel at St. John Bosco.  If you need a ride, please contact me!
On Dec. 14^th the Jr. High and High school youth are invited to meet at St. Mary’s at 5:45 p.m.  We will begin caroling at 6:00 and will meet back at the Church for food and a wrapped white elephant gift exchange. 
On Dec. 18^th I will be at St. Anthony’s Church in Greencreek asking all youth ranging from 3 to 20 to hang an ornament on the Christmas tree.  This tree is a reminder of how important your presence is in our faith community!  We are so blessed by you and appreciate all you do to build up our Church family! 
We will not have any youth events during the Christmas break except for our College and High School gathering at the Habit on December 27^th at 7:00 p.m.  Our High School and College youth will gather for a night of conversation and fun as we come together to catch up and reignite friendships.  I hope to see you there and can’t wait to see how college life is going! 
Happy Advent/Merry Christmas everyone! I pray that you are able to slow down during this busy season and remember the blessing in each and every day.  Our Savior, our Lord is the gift we have been given, let us remember and rejoice each day of this sacred month!
In Christ’s Peace,
Debbie