Tag Archives: joy

LifeTeen.com Blog

Got Joy?: The Story of the Joker Saint

By | June 6, 2012

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Philip Neri’s prayer life is what kept him so joyful. His entire life became a prayer. He only ate once a day and, even then, it was only bread and water. Though he had a bed, he usually opted to sleep on the floor, without a pillow. He had few possessions, endured great spiritual attacks, and daily, during his intense prayers that lasted hours, it was not uncommon for him to experience ecstasies and visions.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Pinterest and the Joy of an April Fool’s Day Joke

By | April 1, 2012

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On Saturday March 31st we launched our annual April Fool’s joke, albeit a day early. (More on why we did it a day early below.) Here’s what we said: The internet has changed so much since LifeTeen.com began over 10 years ago. But starting 4/10/2012, LifeTeen.com will be no more. As we try to serve teens and young adults better, we realize that social media is where you want to interact with us. That’s why we’re moving our entire web ministry to Pinterest. You can find the whole joke here. If Read more [...]

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LifeTeen.com Blog

The Path of Joy for Evangelization: Pope Benedict’s 2012 World Youth Day message

By | March 30, 2012

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Dear young friends, I am happy to address you once more on the occasion of the 27th World Youth Day. The memory of our meeting in Madrid last August remains close to my heart. It was a time of extraordinary grace when God showered his blessings on the young people gathered from all over the world. I give thanks to God for all the fruits which that event bore, fruits which will surely multiply for young people and their communities in the future. Now we are looking forward to our Read more [...]

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Waiting for Joy: Christmas With a Heavy Heart

By | December 22, 2011

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The bus exploded. The rim of the left, rear tire flew off while we were speeding down the highway. First I heard the pop. And then I smelled smoke. The bus driver pulled over. He didn’t know it was on fire, but he had felt something. We evacuated quickly, and everyone got off safely. We tried to put out the flames, but they grew too rapidly. A loud explosion ripped through the air, and sent most of us running farther down the highway. We watched at a distance as the flames consumed the Read more [...]

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Radiant Joy: Life Teen’s 2012 Theme

By | December 1, 2011

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Youth Ministry is tiring work, both physically and spiritually. Hours before the teens arrive for a Life Night, Core Teams have been setting up environments and practicing teachings. Long after the Edge kids are picked up, Core Members are sweeping up floors and taking out trash. And then there are the trips. The long bus rides to Camps and Conferences, the paper towel thin blankets and sheets, and, not to mention, the steady diet of pizza and coffee do very little for the middle-aged body. The Read more [...]

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LifeTeen.com Blog

My Encounter with John Paul II (World Youth Day 2011)

By | August 17, 2011

I vividly remember the first time I encountered John Paul II. I was at my first World Youth Day in 2002 in Toronto, Canada. I was 17 years old, about to be a senior in high school, and I was ready to explore the world. I wanted to visit Europe, travel the big cities of the world, have an adventure of a lifetime. I couldn’t wait to get out of town and go do something different.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

A Christmas Letter to the Teens of Life Teen

By | December 20, 2010

Hey teens! Life Teen President Randy Raus dropped by and gave us this Christmas letter for all of you. It’s okay, you can open this one early. – LifeTeen.com

What is the best gift you can give this Christmas? In one word, it is “Joy” – something others need to see. Not a false or manufactured type of joy, but the joy that comes from within, and cannot be dismissed as anything other than a joy that comes from having God dwell within us…

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Photos

Camp Tepeyac 2010, Week 10 (Edge), Day 3

By | July 15, 2010

It’s day 3 of EDGE Camp at Tepeyac! Today the teens kick it in to high gear both physically and spiritually. They endure a great paintball match and high ropes challenges— testing their nerves, strength, agility, and character. They also enter into a solid Catholic Bible Study, an awe-inspiring sunset Mass, and family dinner.

Photos are from Camp Tepeyac Summer Camp 2010, Week 10, for middle school (EDGE) youth. The camp theme is “Behold the Mystery.” Camp host is Beth Davis and the musician is Matt Franklin.

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