Kenosis, year one

I'm always one for remembering the dates of random occurrences -- things that have happened in my life, saints' feast days, JPII encyclical anniversary days, etc. So, this week it occurred to me that I had arrived at one year since beginning my position at Ruah Woods. And goodness, has it been a busy year!

When Courtney Brown and I arrived to begin jobs that had never before existed, we were given the task of creating a new program or group or ministry for high school students. Through lots of prayer and through the ever surprising Holy Spirit, Kenosis: Teen Disciples for Love and Life was born.

What a year! When we had our closing meeting for the school year, one of the Kenosis teens, only a week or two from graduating high school, said with tears in her eyes, "I would kill to be a freshman right now." Her brief time in Kenosis had been such a gift to her that she wished she had been able to experience four years of its formation and community-building.

So, what exactly happened within the last year?

- Kenosis meetings were held twice a month, addressing a range of topics that incorporated Theology of the Body -- prayer, silence, suffering, the hook-up culture vs. dating with purpose and purity, etc. We were sure to emphasize the many ways in which TOB impacts our daily lives, moving beyond a sole emphasis on sexuality.

- Kenosis retreat, "Restore" was held in December to rave reviews from the teens, who enjoyed talks, small groups, silent reflection, the Sacraments, and an awesome talent show.

- Jason Evert spoke to 500 people at the Underground in November, captivating his audience with the compelling message of chastity.

- A small junior core team of Kenosis teens assisted with our TOB for Teens retreat in the spring. They were such a joyful witness to both the teens and the adult leaders.

- Kenosis teens gave their testimonies at an 8th grade Theology of the Body presentation this past winter. What a gift to watch them pass on the ways in which God has worked in their life.

- We watched multiple Kenosis/TOB for Teens students apply for college seminary!

And in the past year there have been countless conversations, times of prayer and brainstorming sessions with incredible high school students who are striving to live the message of Kenosis (self-emptying to Christ, leading to self-gift to God and others) in their daily lives.

So, praise the Lord for His many gifts during the past year! We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide the mission of Kenosis, and enable us to be His instruments in building a culture of life and a civilization of love.