September 25, 2008

Guest: Angela Pometto: Assistant Coordinator of Youth Ministry of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Virginia
Buffalo Road Round Up: Miranda Taiber
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Elzear and Bl. Delphina

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Angela Pometto, Assistant Coordinator of Youth Ministry of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Virginia. Angela originated from Iowa and after attending Franciscan University she moved to DC. She worked with the Arlington Catholic Herald for a time as a staff writer and photographer before stepping into Youth Ministry.

As a Youth Minister she has participated in Work Camp. In Work Camp the youth are split into crews of people they've never met before. In these crews they not only learn how to make lasting friendships, but they offer their services to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it. They do anything from painting to maintenance for the house on their site. Angela has been privileged to play piano at the youth rallies for these events in the Music Ministries and on several occasions has played with Steve Angrisano. Angela has been involved in Music Ministry since she was in 5th Grade. The importance of music in the mass, and moreover, music that compliments the mass has been a daily discovery for Angela. She enjoys finding songs that coincide with the readings and the liturgical seasons of the Catholic Church.

Angela has also been attending the March For Life for many years. She started going with Franciscan University while in college and has continued to participate through her years in the DC area. While she worked for the Arlington Catholic Harold she would often cover the different events of the March for Life. Angela always enjoys joining the throngs of people who gather to share in and celebrate the values of Life in DC. Including a Youth Rally and Mass at the MCI Center that can house 20,000 people. Last March For Life Angela snuck into the mass with her group since they arrived late. With the help of an inside friend, they became honorary volunteers at the Mass. She is always impressed by the mass amounts of youth present at the March for Life. It bodes well for the future of America that so many youth hold true to the values of life.

Angela shared that the biggest thing that helped her become who she is today is praying the rosary daily. She grew up in a strong Catholic Family in Iowa and they prayed the rosary together daily. And while she skipped beads and sped the prayers along with the best of them, over time those times of family prayer are what has helped shaped her life. Her family also introduced her to the Steubenville Youth Conference where she experienced first hand the reality of Christ in the Eucharist. Once she discovered for herself that Jesus was truly present in the Eucharist and he desired a relationship with her, her faith took off and solidified. She encourages the youth of our age to truly take the time to discover Christ in the Eucharist and to allow Him to have the personal relationship He desires with you.

Buffalo Road Round Up:

Miranda Taiber hosted the Buffalo Road Round Up to tell us the exciting things going on with Dowling. Here are some of the things she shared with us:

-Dowling came in 5th in the Valley West Mall Cash Competition and received a $500.00 check. Dowling appreciates all its shoppers.

-There are three dowling students who received special commendation with the National Merit Scholars for their scores in the PSATs.

-The Art Club finished their Peace Pinwheels, a project that has been going on since 2005 as a non-political statement about peace.

-Dowling congratulates its Entreprenual Studies Class for its recycling efforts. They have recycled 100 tons of home improvement material that would have otherwise polluted the environment.

-Dowling's VIP Service Club is planning a Service Trip to Cedar Rapids September 27, 28, and 29.

-Dowling's 2008 Fall Project will take place on October 12, 2008.