Marist Youth Encounter Christ

This evening in Esopus, New York, close to 40 students from our Marist schools throughout the Province of the United States of America will gather to begin a retreat experience commonly referred to as the Encounter. This program is an offshoot of the Cursillo Movement which was adapted in the late sixties for high school students. The Marist Brothers jumped on this new opportunity "to make Jesus known and loved" and held the first Encounters in Esopus in 1968. They were so powerful and successful that schools which couldn't afford to travel to Esopus began to run their own Marist Encounters locally. Central Catholic just held one last week, and tonight I and five of our students will attend this Marist-wide Encounter.
The goal of the Encounter is for the participants to experience the love of God through their peers. A series of talks and discussions gradually helps unfold the reality that each person is good and loveable (many come to the Encounter lacking confidence in themselves, limping with low self-esteem, or hiding their true selves behind a mask), and that certainly God loves them unconditionally. They are re-introduced to Jesus and the Friend and Brother par excellence who is "there for them" in any circumstance. By the end of the Encounter, "miraculous" changes are visible in the faces of the students, and in many cases, lasting friendships are made, and a new relationship with Jesus has been established. That the Encounter remains so effective more than 40 years after its inception is surely sign that this tool is effective and has the blessing of St. Marcellin, whose passion was "to make young people realize how much Jesus loves them." The most powerful graces come from the prayers and sacrifices of those behind the scenes, such as you. Please keep us in your prayers today through Sunday...perhaps "give up" something you like as a sacrifice to help allow the grace of God penetrate deeply and effectively in the hearts of all of us making the Encounter. Thank you.
I will not be able to post a slice of Daily Bread until Monday. Will be praying for all of you as well.
Bro. Rene