Support Our Youth!

June 04, 2011


My nephew, Colby Joshua Desbiens (CJ) is a 16 year old teenager that is trying to make a difference in today’s world for the future generations.

CJ and his Youth Group are working very hard to raise money to attend World Youth Day. Madrid, Spain will host World Youth Day from August 15-21, 2011. For Catholics, it is one of the world’s most exciting events. As CJ wants to obtain a religious studies degree, this trip will especially be a once in a lifetime experience for him.

I would very much appreciate if you could take a moment to read the below letter from CJ. CJ would be very grateful for any help you can give but in these trying economic times, he understands if you are not able to donate towards his trip. However, he would be especially grateful if you could please pass this email along to any person, group or organization that you know of that might be able to donate. All donations are tax deductible.

Below is a brief explanation of World Youth Day. An itinerary of the trip can be sent to you by request. Thank you for your consideration. We really appreciate it!!


Thanks!

Proud Aunty – Tina Christianson (tinachristianson@gmail.com or 775-530-1352)


World Youth Day, WYD, is a yearly youth celebration that was started by Pope John Paul II as a way to inspire the youth and encourage them in living the teachings of Christ.

Young people, from many countries and nations around the globe, come together showing the universality of, and diversity within, the Catholic Church. It is a time for the youth to share their faith and be rejuvenated to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in their homelands. It is also a way to come to understand other cultures and spread peace and understanding throughout the world. As they wave their countries' and region's flags with pride, the youth unite as one in their walk of faith.

During the week leading up to the final mass at World Youth Day, the youth gather in catechesis to learn the teachings of the faith and celebrate in other festivities. The graces flow and the fruits are abundant because it is truly a pilgrimage in which self-sacrifice is an intricate part. Some save and prepare for years to attend.
Others sacrifice by traveling a great distance. All are joyful as they move through the crowds of people in uncomfortable climate conditions, by giving up the food, lodging, electronics, cleanliness, etc... that they are familiar with, and by thinking of others through it all.

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Dear friend, family member, mentor, encourager and supporter in my life,
I am C.J. Desbiens and God is working miracles in my life! I am involved with a group of very passionate, motivated teens and young adults committed to growing our Catholic faith in our own community, in our schools and in our families. And we are being called to participate in a life-changing spiritual pilgrimage this summer. We as a team are organizing ourselves, setting out on a mission to take what we received in our formation (a love for Christ and this church, incredible fellowship), to serve others out in the bigger church, or for that matter to whomever is put in our path. We are establishing ourselves to do ministry in the local church before our trip, during our trip, and after we return.
God willing, I am aspiring to go on a spiritual pilgrimage and missionary trip this August. It will consist of a pilgrimage through Portugal for one week followed by active participation in World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain. I have included a copy of our itinerary in case you would like to read more about our spiritual pilgrimage.

We will have the opportunity to participate in daily Mass and adoration, devotionals at some of the holiest Catholic sites in the world found in Lisbon, Fatima, Porto, Santiago de Compostela, Zaragoza, Madrid and Barcelona. And while in Madrid for the World Youth Day activities, we are hoping to lead a Catechetical Site where over a thousand people will gather each day. At this site, we will host all the skits, talks, music, and prepare for Mass with Bishops from around the world. We will be fulfilling the commands of the gospel to go to all the nations and to share the good news!

We also are answering the call in our local church. I am actively serving in my Parish by teaching Confirmation, helping with Children’s Liturgy of the Word, ushering at mass, working in the kitchen and helping with hospitality at Parish functions. I am also serving my surrounding community by giving talks on retreats, leading workshops, evangelizing at our schools, mentoring younger students, working in shelters throughout Orange County and living out the corporal works of mercy in an effort to prepare spiritually for this pilgrimage. All of these efforts are aimed at my growth as an individual and as a vibrant member of St. Norbert and the surrounding community. And as I am doing this work, God is working on me! I am growing deeper in my faith and my commitment to leadership in my church and community.
And of course, I need your support and your prayers! Please keep our mission in your daily prayers. God will bless us through you! And through your prayer, if you are in a position to support us financially, we would be incredibly appreciative. Please know that myself, as well as all the teens and young adults going on this pilgrimage are working tirelessly to raise funds to be able to support our trip. Any financial contribution will be put to great use and will go towards bringing the glory of God to our community and to all whom we encounter.


I am counting on the support of my family, friends and community to help make this life-changing pilgrimage a reality for me! Please know that your generous gift, no matter how small, means more to me than words can express. Additionally, if you know of an organization or business that may be able to make a donation to my trip, I would be very grateful if you could pass a copy of this letter on to them or email me at cjdesbiens@yahoo.com and I would be glad to contact them personally.
Please keep us in your prayers. Thank you so much for your generous consideration!

God Bless you!

C.J. Desbiens







If you would like to make a financial contribution to my pilgrimage,

please fill out the following form and send it to:

St. Norbert Catholic Church

Attn: Kirsten King, Youth Ministry Program

300 E. Taft Ave. Orange, CA 92865



A self-addressed stamped envelope is available upon request.



Please make checks payable to: St. Norbert Catholic Church

All contributions are tax-deductible under the 501(c)3 code of the Internal Revenue Service.



SUPPORT FORM

My name is: __________________________________________________ and I would like to sponsor


C.J. Desbiens in the amount of: $__________________

As a:   [ ] One-time sponsorship  or  [ ] A Monthly Contribution for ______ months

OR

I am interested in sponsoring for CJ Desbiens:

[ ] a plane ticket to World Youth Day ($1,500)

[ ] the entire trip to World Youth Day ($4,500)

May 24, 2011