February 25, 2008 - 1:31 AM
Small town living in Iowa may not be the most glamorous of living, but you simply can't beat it! We traveled an hour south of Iowa City to a little town called Donaldson, IA to bring a little spirit to confirmation students from around the area. We were warmly greeted for a morning mass at St. James Parish in St. Paul, IA. We felt more welcome there than in Iowa City! During the retreat following mass we had a great time encouraging the students to not just go through the motions of confirmation but to take this opprotunity to dive deeper into their personal faith lives. We had a few laughs, learned a few new things, and played a little music. This was the first time that Mike Linnenbrink, the area's youth coordinator, has organized a confirmation retreat for the students and he was very happy that we could make it a success. They hope to do something like it every year for the confirmation students. We pray that that becomes the case. I know one thing is for sure though. We would love to visit again next year!
February 13, 2008 - 9:35 AM
Even though Quantum Mechanics states that absolute zero cannot be achieved, this past Sunday could have argued a pretty good case. Braving the winter cold, we traveled up to Spring Brook, IA. We were invited to warm up the hearts of the parishioners of St. Peter and Paul’s to start off the chilly Sunday. Afterwards, we were privileged again to lead another confirmation retreat as kids from all over northeast Iowa congregated to the church.
The retreat was filled with humor, prayer, music, and faith affirmation. The kids did a particularly great job on the Seven Blessings skits. We closed the retreat with a little fun and music and as the kids were on their way back home…we were off to Bellevue, again. St. Joseph’s was kind enough to invite us back only a week after the first visit. There we held a concert to close out the weekend. A few of the girls from the retreat were even there; ladies, you’re awesome. After the last of the equipment was loaded, we were on our way back home.
We would like to thank the Decker Hotel and staff for their generous hospitality. Also thanks to all the youth ministers and chaperones of the youth retreat; your kids are great. Finally, a special thanks to Sister Linda and Deacon Cary Brock for all their assistance. Until the next time we cross paths,
Peace, Love, and God Bless,
LOF
~Alicia, Leigh, Chuck, Karl, and Stevie Ray
February 11, 2008 - 1:44 PM
We all love to go back home from time to time. Well none of us were able to do that, save Alicia. However this time she was accompanied by the entire band as we crashed the Dato household. After our Bellevue show, we were headed to the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque. We were invited back again to help with the music liturgy during the masses for the entire weekend. Rockin out is always fun but sometimes being reverent rejuvenates the soul more than a rush of adrenaline. We were able to do exactly that as we provided beautiful music for all the masses. We would like to thank all the families and parishioners of St. Raphaels for all their support. Also a special thanks goes out to Jim for all of his assistance. Finally, we would like to send our gratitude to the Dato family for their hospitality, generous love, and beautiful voices. Also its about time we gave a shout out to God. We hope to continue meeting wonderful new people and visit fresh places as we continue our ministry. Praise the Lord.
Peace, Love, and God Bless,
~LOF
February 11, 2008 - 1:41 PM
We love going to new places and meeting new people. Our group had the opportunity to accomplish both this past Friday. Bellevue, IA is the home of the Marquette Mohawks and some of the most enthusiastic kids in the state. We were invited to hold a concert for all the Marquette Catholic schools and it was a blast. Right from the start, the crowd was engaged and screaming, a welcoming sound for any musician. We played a set list ranging from moderate rock to soft ballads and after the finale, we gathered with all of the students to meet and greet. We would like to send a personal thank you to all of the Marquette School staff, especially Priscilla, who helped us coordinate the concert. Until next time.
~LOF
February 5, 2008 - 3:38 PM
Let's take the plunge! That is the entire opening weekend for LOF Ministries summed up in one sentence. We had the privilege of hosting a retreat at Sinsinawa Mounds, WI for high school students from across the state. The theme was "Take the plunge!". This was the first retreat organized and run by our group and although it wasn't run perfectly we were able to work through the difficulties and with a little help from up above, the retreat turned out to be quite a success. The students were able to bond with one another and with members of our retreat team right from the beginning. While music is the primary focus of our ministry, this retreat was complemented by testimonies and break outs from members of the group.
Within each break out session, students and adults alike were able to grow closer to each other as they discussed their walks in faith and life. After much discussion and laughter, we rocked it hard with an uplifting concert to send the kids off on a high note. We would personally like to thank the entire Sinsinawa staff and Sheila for accommodating us and all their support. Thanks again everyone for all your prayers. We hope to see you soon!
To view a Video from the retreat, click here ---> WATCH VIDEO
Peace, Love, and God Bless,
LOF
