+MAX-'007+

The Archbishop of Toronto meets the MI

2007-05-30T15:34:57Z

Last week the Archbishop sent us an invitation to come by so he could meet the MI. Here's what happened:
Everyone wore their best. Notice the tucked in shirt....
We even got him to sign the cross! He was a super-nice man!And here we are!

Spare Time

2007-05-30T15:25:38Z

Fun times in Mark's car!B-bque with Mary's familyEncounters In Toronto

Over the weekend we....

2007-05-30T15:09:09Z

This Sunday Our Lady brought us to the White Fathers parish in the heart of Toronto where we met a group of families, young adults, and really fun little ones. They were such an example to us with their love, their spirit, and their stories. One of our favorite parts was watching Cow play tag with the little ones. hehehehehe......

What Have We Been Up To?

2007-05-30T14:48:41Z

       We've been taking Momma Mary everywhere in Toronto. Last week we were invited to a family prayer group where some of the teens from our first weekend retreat in Canada led the praise and worship for the evening. It was exciting to see them up there! The families were moved by the Torn Hearts skit and ended the evening with an Entrustment prayer to Our Lady! We got everyone in the room up and moving to some action songs too.
      From there we had our young adult retreat. Some seeds were planted, and I would venture to say that the future of the MI in Canada is going to be magnificent. Msgr. Nusca from the seminary where the gentlmen stayed gave some inspiring talks on vocations, discernments, and the MI. The day ended with adoration and consectation. Congratulations!! to the young adults.
     This last week has been particularly family oriented. It's a new territory for us young adults to witness to, and honestly, it's the families who have witnessed to our MI family the most. Peace and Prayers from Toronto.

"Where is the Toro?"

2007-05-24T17:05:21Z

We joined a whole bunch of Canadians on the lake front for Canada day, which is alot like our fourth of July. A few of us didn't really know what Canada Day was about, or why they celebrated it so Mark, Nella, and I compiled a few reasons to celebrate Canada day: (keep in mind, this is completely made up) 1) It is the day Canada broke from the US 2) It is when Mexico and Canada seperated 3) It is when Napoleon marched his troops out of Canada (and into the ocean), this is why Greenland is communist. (that is also made up, we're pretty sure, though not positive that the penguins have no political affiliation).

Canada Day, Queen Victoria's Birthday

2007-05-24T16:56:49Z

So, the craziest thing happened!

Graces In Canada

2007-05-24T16:16:57Z

Our Momma Mary never ceases to delite her little nomads in Canada!
Before we get into that, perhaps we should share a bit of "a day in the life": We began our journey staying with the Scalibrini sisters in Mississauga, just outside Toronto. There dwells, in a cozy brick house with a garden in the backyard, two super, holy nuns. One of them, sister Bertilla, was our host for a week. She was so good to us, and in return we did the "Torn Hearts" and "Turn Around" skit for her. She shared her chapel with us for our daily holy hours, morning prayer, and mass.
After that week, Our Lady gave a temporary home for us until we finally found a place to rest our heads and unpack a little. We are all staying with a team member's family now, and they are more than patient with our crazy schedule. They truly spoil us! it's great. So we typically wake up early, begin with morning prayer, attend daily mass and do a holy hour, where we remember you all in our intentions! At this point in the day, we get our fill of tea and coffee, and food, before visiting schools, prayer groups, youth groups, or putting on retreats.
It's such an amazing mission Our Lady has called us to. She has provided the grace for us to give up everything, to abandon the outcome, and to do her work with 150 percent of our effort. Plus, she has sent us you! and so many God-incidences of people praying for us. This ministry could not be happening with so much grace without the amazing intercession of our fellow Catholics, and especially our fellow MI family.
Here's a few stories of just this sort of thing happening:

Last week the gentlemen, Cow, Jun, and Mark, were staying at the Seminary. Over breakfast one morning, they met a young man who had been discerning his vocation for the past year, but discerned that God had other plans instead. He is also an MI member. He is preparing to move into the city of Toronto, but being from Halifax, he doesn't know anyone. He was praying for a support group, and then we all showed up to invite him to be a part of MI Canada. Isn't that cool! The Christian is never alone.

Another cool story happened just this past weekend at Max007's final youth retreat. We came into the weekend with this feeling that it would be amazing. While we were setting up, some mother's from the parish came in with food for the teens. One of the mothers told us how a group from the parish had prayed a forty day novena to Our Lady, specifically for a renewal of joyful faith in the parish. The last day of their novena, which totalled 78,000 memorare's, was the first day of our retreat. God-incidence! Too cool!

Currently, we are a well-oiled machine set up in the family room on lap-tops, phones, and files setting up MI Canada and preparing for more of the Immaculata's work. Jun and Nella are busy washing dishes, or rather, Jun is making Nella laugh hysterically while he washes dishes meticulously. Mark and Melinda are a total commedy show for Mary, Cow and I as they plan and prepare. Missy is writing and singing, and I can't believe how amazing this family is!
We keep you all in our prayers. Ciao for now, In Our Lady's Heart.

Pickering, Ontario, May 18-20, 2007

2007-05-23T03:54:16Z

Welcome to the family! 10 teens make their consecration to Our Lady at Holy Redeemer Parish. Hold on, because Our Lady will change your life in ways that you never thought possible, and all for the good. We'll be praying for you!

Check out the rest of the pics from Holy Redeemer here.

Spirits are high as the tour draws to a close. Everyone wants to finish strong and maintain the attitude of prayer that's developed on the road. We visit a couple of parish prayer groups this week, before a young adult program for the weekend.

Check in with you later,
The MAX-'007 team

Toronto, Ontario, May 12-13, 2007

2007-05-21T01:49:12Z

Hitting the streets of Toronto, praying a decade of the rosary in front of the statue of John Paul II near St. Casimir Parish. The late great Pope always said, "do not be afraid," and the teens were not afraid to be public witnesses to their Catholic faith to those walking the streets.

Check out the rest of the photos here!

Photos from the Pickering MAX-'007 retreat up soon!

Day off in Toronto

2007-05-17T19:38:39Z

Riding the subway in Toronto....Getting lunch in a park in the heart of the city. The food was so good!! Note the look of concentration as we unwrap the delectable food.... mmmmmm, good!

Radio Maria

2007-05-17T19:32:02Z

Praying the Rosary on Radio Maria
with our friend Jason...
Here's the whole crew!

miyouth @ 2007-05-16T22:39:00

2007-05-17T02:45:29Z

Mark and Mary hanging out at Radio Maria

Spending time on the air with Catholic radio 'Radio Maria' in Toronto Canada

2007-05-17T02:41:34Z

Cow and Jun on Radio Maria in Toronto
Being interviewed by Brian Mocchia with our new friend Jason!

Photo's From the First Max 2007 retreat in Toronto

2007-05-17T02:01:42Z

Nella and Missy's small group being crazy and creative with their me-bags in small group:

Hi Family!

Here is a photo tease from our latest retreat in Toronto, Canada. The rest of the photos will be on the web-site shortly. Enjoy!

Hellllo! Toronto!!

2007-05-16T04:03:16Z

Aloha Party Cousins,

    We have reached the far land of Toronto, Canada. We are adjusting to the Canadian's way of life by learning their complex method of throwing away garbage in three bags; compost, recycling, and regular ol' trash. We have figured out how to pour milk from a bag and learned that sometimes $2 of change comes in the form of coins. All in all, the Canadians really are alot like us, eh?
    It has been amazing to be in a country that is so new to the MI, to retreats, and to cultural immersion. There are so many stories to tell and pictures to share. Right now the gentlemen are staying at St.Augustine's Seminary which boasts of acquiring thee chair that Pope John Paul II sat in. The ladies are staying with a team member's family. They are amazing! Our Lady truly knows how to take care of us and you all.
She has been working miracles in Canada already, and her work has only just begun!
   We send you all our prayers. Please keep us in yours!
That's all for this evening from Canada, tune in tomorow for stories and pictures.
*Peace and Prayers*

Hilo, Hawaii, April 21-22, 2007

2007-04-26T10:21:24Z

Aloha, Hilo! What we thought would be sunshiny weather was replaced by a light, misty rain, but that didn't stop anyone from having a face to face with Our Lord, learning about Reconciliation, or taking a group photo. Check out Jun, in the lower right.

More photos from the Hilo retreat available at the MI Youth website!

We'll be in Waialua this coming week; be praying for us!

Hawaii, here we come

2007-04-20T04:01:06Z

Some thoughts from MAX-'007 member Mark:

It's been a little odd to be back at home after being on the road for so long. Over the course of 6 weeks on the road, I had changed so much that being in my room felt strange, as if the room felt like it belonged to someone else. I'd been sleeping on tables, carpets, floors, and cars so often that even having a bed was weird.

And what happened that made me change so much, people always ask. The experience of living in tight-knit, intentional community, for one. One of the Franciscan friars who had joined us on the road mentioned that it was very special what we were doing in living as a team on the road. He said at least Franciscans and other religious have the benefit of going through a novitiate and postulancy to get used to that sort of life, but we had kind of just thrown ourselves into it, and doing well with it. That only happens with the grace of God, because it it was just up to us, we'd fail, inevitably.

Another thing that changed me was the opportunity to enter, just briefly, into the lives of so many people and then see God work in their lives. Prayers answered. Hearts moved. Lives changed, in meaningful ways. I am so blessed with this unbelievable grace of having a front row seat to witness how God works. So often, we don't feel like God is around, because we pray, and the answer to those prayers may seem so far away and distant. But God, in His mercy, granted us the privilege to see how His will and purpose unfolded. Like we keep saying, hold onto Our Lady's mantle, because she's going to take you on the ride of your life. We, on the team, can certainly attest to that in the first leg of the tour.

And now, we jump on a plane to minister in Hawaii. What could people living in God's little piece of heaven on earth possibly need? Whatever it is, we'll be there to find out, and to help provide it.

Thanks for your support so far. Keep us in your prayers!

+mark

Newnan, GA, March 30-31, 2007

2007-04-07T02:23:09Z

"IMMACULATA!" A name that brings comfort and peace can also lead to rather vigorous and instantaneous action, as demonstrated by the St. George's Parish Confirmandi. Remember to keep in contact with your partner and to leave a foot on the tape! More pictures from Newnan are at the MI Youth website.

The MAX-'007 team is on break for Easter. Have a very Holy Triduum as we ponder anew the Resurrection of Our Lord.

We'll be back on the road later this month as we visit the islands of Hawaii and then venture into Toronto, Canada. See you there or back here on the blog. In the Two Hearts,

The MAX-'007 Team

Ponchatoula, LA, March 16-18, 2007

2007-03-22T19:23:51Z

The MAX-'007 team got to experience some legendary Southern hospitality down in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, adding "y'all" to our vocabulary and crawfish to our diet, while bringing the message of love and entrustment to Our Lady down to the bayou.

More pictures posted at the MI Youth website!

Rialto, CA March 7 - Chino Hills, CA March 8

2007-03-12T08:07:33Z

Teens from Blessed John XXIII parish in Rialto, CA, line up to receive the Miraculous Medal from the MAX 2007 team after praying an entrustment prayer to the Blessed Mother.

Youth from St. Paul the Apostle parish in Chino Hills, CA, kneel at the foot of the cross at the end of a drama presented by the MAX 2007 team.

More pictures from both the Rialto and Chino Hills presentations now posted at the MI Youth website!

Donate now to help keep our retreat ministry on the road!

reflections on corvallis

2007-03-12T07:56:48Z

From MAX 2007 team member Melinda:

“Love one another as I have loved you…” (John 13:34)

This theme, given to us by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, couldn’t have been more fitting in the Corvallis, OR youth retreat. There’s something extremely special and unique about the youth of Oregon. They have a contagious spirit and an uplifting energy about them, which allowed me to see Jesus in a different light. Beginning with Friday, I was amazed at the number of youth that showed up. I was particularly impressed by those who drove from especially far distances simply to attend the MI retreat.

That determination and sacrifice humbled me in a very powerful way. The ability for everyone to live simply for an entire weekend (with no beds, showers, or luxuries) would have made St. Maximillian Kolbe and St. Francis of Assisi proud! I felt that in many ways they were teaching us that in the midst of us being spiritually stripped of comforts, we are able to see the love of Christ overflowing around us! When I was in small group, I saw love expressed between all my girls in how they helped each other and enjoyed each other’s company. When we were in the main room, I saw love in the interaction, comfort, and openness of every individual present (especially the local leaders who really jumped right in and got involved). When we did any sort of action song or drama, there was a beautiful respect and an abundance of joy that was manifested in every smile and every laugh. When people were writing Me-bag letters to their friends, it brought a smile to my face imagining the joy that they might have felt when they read their note. And to top it all off, the day after everyone went to Confession and spent a holy hour with Jesus in the Chapel, the dynamic changed! For me, it completely affirmed the fact that GOD IS REAL. His love is real! He HAS to be real!

I loved how Fr. Ephrem eased many of our anxieties when we went to Confession and the fact that a priest willingly shared about his vocation to the priesthood. I loved the fact that we were given the ability to witness to people walking on the streets of Oregon with a cross praying a rosary! I know that the fraternity guys in the surrounding Oregon State University campus that saw us HAD to have thought about God for even one moment. It just was impossible to ignore!

God brought each person on that retreat for a very specific reason. Some of us might not know it yet, but I know He definitely brought me there to show me that to love one another, we must know who it is that we are loving first. Those who were touched by Sarah’s talk about the Christian never being alone must know that God takes people away from us sometimes so that we can experience that ONE moment where we can think just for even ONE second, “God, how can I live my life where I can affect people in a positive way, allow people to see your love through me, even when I’m not physically there?” It was clear to me that our late brother in Christ, Matthew Covey, did that for many of us in Oregon that weekend. To witness how one person’s life can change and inspire others is a sure sign that if we were to love like Christ wants us to love, we can surely set the world ablaze with His love!

Thank you for sharing in this experience with me. You all inspire me. Hope to see you all again!

Melinda Huynh

Corvallis, March 2-4, 2007

2007-03-11T20:28:37Z

Fr. Ephrem leading teens in prayer in front of our Lord in the tabernacle at St. Mary's Parish.

Giving witness with a rosary procession through the streets of Corvallis, on the way to the Newman Center.

G-Love (boys' small group) shows the love by teaching the teens about obedience.

More pictures from Corvallis posted at the MI Youth website!

thoughts from seattle

2007-03-11T16:15:49Z

Some reflections on the MAX-'007 program in Seattle, from a local MI leader:

Since the retreat was only a weekend long, it ended up being a great time to go over the most important things in our Catholic Faith, especially Marian consecration. The night when the teens "took over" where *they* led the retreat was really cool, especially since it showed what they can do when given the opportunity. All that they accomplished that night, from teamwork to planning, speaking to acting, was put to good use evangelizing their fellow teens and leading them closer to God. Isn't that what the MI and, on a larger scale, Catholicism is all about? It was a like a mini evangelization boot camp where they learned to use their God-given talents to lead others to Christ.

The MAX-'007 Team was phenomenal in all that they did. We were treated to inspiring speeches, moving dramas, and thought-provoking videos that went a long way in teaching us, among other things, that God is real, that Jesus died for each of our individual sins, and that Mary, through the Miraculous Medal, can reach everyone, even souls who feel like dying, who have run away from home, or who seem to not care about their Faith at all.

This weekend

2007-03-03T20:41:33Z

This weekend the MAX-'007 Team is at St. Mary's Parish in Corvallis, Oregon! Keep them in your prayers and stay tuned for photos and updates.

Wanna meet the MAX-'007 Team?

Seattle, February 24-25 2007

2007-02-28T04:28:37Z

Washington MI teens get fired up at the beginning of the retreat with the motions to the song "Who Put the Hope."

The Super Flying Airstrike Attack Ninjas of Love (also known as the oldest boys' small group) show the love by tackling dish duty at mealtime.

Waiting for Confession doesn't have to be all that bad, really, as the Love Bugs demonstrate. Smile big!

More pictures posted now on the updated MI Youth website!

Keep us in your prayers, as we pray for you!

Love,
The MAX 2007 Team