COVE CREST REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!!!

Ok here's the deal Cove Crest registration opened Sunday at Life Night and plenty of forms went out and I've already gotten back 6 which means I now have 14 spots remaining. I would suggest gettin it done ASAP, Retreat this weekend It's gonna be great, it's still not too late to get registered, call at at 235-7839 and we'll get you in.

Core Hard at Work:

All for One!

AWESOME LIFE NIGHT TONIGHT!! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT! 


SEE EVERYONE IN THE BLUE ROOM AT 6:00!!

Windy with a Chance of F-I-R-E

St. Marys Life Night kick off was an Awesome success. Thank you to the most unbelievable Core Team I've ever seen. You teens were amazing...This fall the focus will be on the Catholic Church, Sunday we were blessed to sit in on a press conference and watched as the reporters fired off questions to the presenter Marcus Guidry, to gain more knowledge of the history of the Catholic Church, although we had a minor interuption, the security guards handled it just fine.

Next week, Sept 18th we will explore the Holy Spirits role in the church, and its that same Holy Spirit that continues to inspire the members of the church today, to proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Remember Holy Mass at 5PM sit in the front pews on the right side, (near the organ) and join us for Life Night from 6-7:45, it's gonna be the best year EVER!!!

Also, don't forget Tuesday Couch Room, from 7-8:30
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES...
Life Nights
Sunday, September 25th
Sunday, October 2nd
Sunday, October 9th
Sunday, October 23rd Family Fun Fest at St. Mary Oaks
Accross the street (No Life Night)
Sunday, October 30th

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW
Fall Retreat, November 18-19-20th
Registration forms comming out soon!

In Christ, Art Garrett

HERE WE GO!!!!

This new year started off great, with our parent/teen orientation, Sunday the 21st. We gave alot of information out, but it needed to be.

Our year officially began last night, but the really good stuff starts next Sunday:

Freshman First, Sunday August 28th is a great day to be a Freshman, starting at 1:30 ending with the Reds Pool party at 9:00pm All Freshman are required to attend.

ALL other Life Teen be at Red's at 6:45-9:00 for our annual back to school swim, fun, food and water....ahhh

Labor day Weekend-OFF but something might come up, keep your ears open.
Sunday, Sept. 11th First Life Night of the new year.
Sunday, Sept 18th Life Night
Sunday, Sept 25th Life Night and Confirmation Night

That wraps out September, REMEMBER, Couch room EVERY Tuesday evening from 7-8:30, I cannot stress this enough, make every life night, the best way for you to encounter Christ is to be faithful to the process, so invite friends and I'll see you soon,

"Veni Sancte Spiritus"

I know, School is right around the corner....But!!!!

With the beginning of the school years also means the beginning of a NEW LifeTeen year as well, so strap yourself in and get ready for the BEST year EVER!!! With that being said, make sure you keep your eyes open for our returning Core from Summer staff at Cove Crest, Emily Broussard, Brandon Veret and Alex Vidos. A warm welcome home to all of ya'll, I get my Daughter Erin back as well. A few things you need to be aware of so put it on your calendars NOW.

First This Monday the New Iberia youth group has invited us to the "Berry" to Mr. Songy's house for hangin out and bible study, heres the address:

513 Kirk Street
New Iberia, LA 70563
Easiest way to get there is this:
1. Hop on Hwy. 90 and stay on until the LEWIS ST. EXIT
2. Exit, turn left and stay on Lewis St. for about 3.7 miles. You will cross railroad tracks, go over a big bridge and after the bridge, you will see a Regions Bank. Right after the regions turn left on TROTTER ST.
3. Stay on Trotter for about 0.5 miles. You will pass a baseball field on your right and then start looking for KIRK STREET on your left. Turn left on KIRK STREET.
4. My house is the second house on the right.
Bible Study is from 7-9 but if you're a little late, you won't miss it because 7-8 is more social time.

AND as always, Couch Room Tuesday 7-8:30PM there might be some grub.

Saturday August 13 STM has their BIG TENT revival, we are going we will meet at St. Marys at 5:15 in the couch room and car pool over. I went last year it's a great time I promise! You'll need a little cash for snacks 5-10 bucks is enough.

August 21st is our parent/teen orientation at 6PM after 5Pm mass.

August 28 REDS POOL back to school bash!!!!

These will get you started a calendar will be mailed to your house. BUT always check here for up-dates to anything happening with Life Teen!

PLease keep, Jenn, Annie and Robin in your prayers as they leave for World Youth Day in Spain. You know their going to have some awesome stories when they return.

See you at Mass, and remember the challenge. Find the Quiet<><

Camp Video

Click on the link below to see our week at camp.

http://vimeo.com/26463935

We Are Back

WOW What a week,

The best part of going there is coming home...Although there might be a few teens that disagree with that statement. We went to Cove Crest to get soaked into God's Love, to get thrown into His Grace, to get drenched in His forgiveness, is that enough analogy for you. From the Mud pit, to the High and Low ropes course, to the White water rafting and oh how can we forget the Gauntlet. We had a blast, and with no major injuries I might ad.

God showed up in all those in attendance, from the 3 guy/girl sessions, to daily mass, (I'll talk about that a little later) Adoration in front of the blessed sacrament, a rosary walk, outdoor stations of the cross in the woods, Awesome musicians, who by the way are from Abbeville, and of course the presenter that delivered an EPIC talk all week long. The group was introduced to a man that goes by the name of "Happy" and talked to the group about the need to go through life looking at the BLESSINGs life offers and not spend alot of time on the negatives, ending his presentation with his motto of "UBI" U are the best, Be Happy, and I Love You! The teens were challenged spiritually to go beyond the norm, be better than the world wants them to be, treat others with the same respect they would have for themselves.

On a personal note: The teens from St. Mary's were great, they were respectful of each other and of others, yea there were a little shananagans in the guys cabin, but it was IN the cabin not out! I am honored to say that was our youth group when asked "Who is that?" The camp staff made comments to me about that. So be proud of yourselves as parents and teens you represented well.

I spoke above about the fact that we attended daily mass, I want to say a few words about that, Your teens loved it sure it was difficult at first but by the 3rd day they were fine with it some actually looked forward to it. I expressed my desire and prayer for them is to attend mass every Sunday, and make missing mass a rarity, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states 3 reasons we are excused from mass on Sundays, our sickness, care of elderly or small children and if there simply is not a church where we are, but that is rarely the case here in the US. As parents we are obligated to getting our families to Church on Sundays and Holy days.

I expressed the way we can live out Cove Crest in our lives every day, is to focus on 4 things,

First is The Sacraments, Sunday mass is a sacrament, Reception of Communion is the best way we can physically receive Christ, as he commands us in the Gospels.

Secondly, Prayer, in praying we are communication with the VERY same God that created those mountains we climbed, the Chattogga river we rafted down.

Third: Community, being with those that are striving after the same spiritual goals you are looking for, That is why I cannot stress enough the need to get your teens to Life Teen events, that means Life Nights, Couch Room on Tuesdays, and checking this blog is the best way we can inform you.

Lastly, Service, in serving other we are serving Him, and this will happen this up coming year.

I know this is alot to digest but we had a week to unfold to you, and reminders for your teens as well. Thanks again for loaning your teens to us, we will see them Sunday evening at mass at 5PM and Life Night at 6, till 7:30 or so. God Bless you all

Art<><

Hello from Cove Crest

As I said when you dropped off your teens I would update the blog with whats happening, well dare I say alot, there's an old saying no news is good news, and I do have good news, we went white water rafting today and although a number of us got wet, no one got hurt, PRAISE GOD! Your teens are amazing, it did not take them long to jump into camp head on. Your teens are not having a problem fitting in.

I feel I need to let you know what's going on as far as what they are hearing. The theme of the week is EPIC ADVENTURE it's set with a mid-evil theme the camp decor looks great. Along with this EPIC theme the week started out with your teens hearing about the EPIC Love of God the Father, and how much God loves them where they are, and the fact that it is no accident that they are here. This epic love is for all of them like the love their own father has for them, never ending and unconditional.

Day 2 the theme was EPIC RESCUE, this rescue was how God can rescue them from their sin through the sacrament of reconciliation. All of your teens went to the sacrament some of them for the first time in a very long time. I don't have to tell you how things really began to change at that point. The freedom that comes with the sacrament of confession simply cannot be measured.

Day 3 (Today) EPIC SPIRIT The power of the Holy Spirit was given permission to take over the lives of your teens. This saving power moved through them and some remarkable things took place in them, surrender to God's grace through His Holy Spirit was shown tonight.

Please continue to pray for your kids God's not finished with them yet, as we continue with the

EPIC ADVENTURE, on the ropes course Wednesday. This is much safer than Rafting I promise.

If you are wondering what you can do, please continue to pray for YOUR teen, and know that they are in GREAT hands.

May our loving Father bless all of you back home, I am your servant in Christ

Art Garrett, <><

Let's All Take a Few Minutes....

....and reflect on our delightful friend Emily Broussard's journey thus far through her summer as a Covecrest summer missionary. We'll have an opportunity to visit with her and her fellow workers in 3 short days(!!!!!:):):):)), but for now, let's continue to prepare our hearts for this amazing week by praying with and reflecting on Emily's inspired insights into how God uses our weaknesses for his Glory--oh how He loves us!!

Thanks for sharing this with us Em!!  Click on the Link below to read her post:


this is real life.: a few things I've learned since I've been here...: "So, I figured that since we're about halfway through my time here at Covecrest, it would be great to blog about a few things that I've learn..."

Ahhhhh Short Week

OK so this week is one of those weeks that before you know it, it's Saturday! And when I woke up this morning, got out of bed dragged the comb across my head...went down stairs and had a cup, looking up I noticed I was late...oops sorry The Beatles in me took over. But yea we leave in just 2 very short days I know those of you that are not coming with us must be getting tired of these post, but I want to make you a promise, for these 22 teens that are going to camp, this will ignite youth ministry, "ignite" 4th of July haha, but yes when we return there will be a fire in their gut that will be infectious. And this will transfer into others, So please pray for these teens and leaders that are traveling to Tiger, GA on Saturday, pray that God's Holy Spirit will light the fire within each one of them, that they can change their world and yours.

REMINDERS----MASS Saturday evening 4:30PM St. Mary's

Check in starts at 9:00 BE ON TIME

All Meds need to be in a zip-lock bag with your name on it

Bus Leaves at 9:30PM Sharp

QUESTIONS plez ask!!!!

MOVIE NIGHT and Stuff

June 2011 "GONE" already, man If I did'nt know any better I'd think we were leaving for camp in 10 days, Oh yea WE ARE!!! I got an e-mail from our host for the week and he is pumped that we are bringing so many from the Lafayette area. The Red's pool party was awesome sorry for those of you that did not make it. It was great to see some of our incoming freshman there I know they had a blast.

OK Friday night July 1st "MOVIE NIGHT" in the couch room 7PM you've been to movie nights before you know its a great time, so this one will be no different. We still have Ice Cream left from couch room, and we forgot the sprinkles so we have that to look forward to. So bring a friend Friday Night we'll be there by 6:45 or so come early if you like. See you then.

Have a great rest of the week, and remember It's the Spirit not the flesh!

Art<><

Oh My Goodness, we leave in 2 weeks!

I can't believe its almost here, your core team is so excited about spending a week at camp with you amazing young people. I was just checking e-mails and figured some of you would like to know where some of your fellow campers are driving/flying in from, so in addition to the 27 From St. Mary's, the 50 from St. Pius and the 24 from Sacred Heart in New Iberia, there will be a group from Hoover Alabama, Indialantic, Florida, (Google it), 2 other groups from Florida, Langley Virginia and San Antonio, Texas. So Yea you will get to meet teens from all over the country. Make friends with these people you may find that some of them could be coming to school here for college one day.

I cannot try and convince you enough to come to the RED'S pool party the more you hang out with each other the more you will grow as a family and what I always say I stand on, 3 things are important to a walk with Christ, Sacraments, Prayer and Fellowship these my friends are paramount in a relationship with Christ. Brothers and Sisters in Christ all after the same goal, spending eternity with Jesus in Heaven. So see you Sunday evening at RED'S 6:30ish bring a friend, EVANGELIZE!!!!!

I'll see you BEYOND THE BLUE ROOM....

Summer Reminders

FIRST, this Sunday is Fathers Day honor your dad, do something special for him, Fathers Day dates back to 1909, as an answer to a woman named Sonora Dodd who wanted to honor her dad, and her dads birthday was on June 19, 1910, In 1913, a bill in accordance with making the day official was introduced. The idea was approved by US President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Later, in 1924, the idea gained further momentum as it was supported by President Calvin Coolidge. In 1926, a National Father's Day Committee was formed in New York City. However, it was thirty years later that a Joint Resolution of Congress gave recognition to Father's Day. Another 16 years passed before President Richard Nixon established the third Sunday of June, as a permanent national observance day of Father's Day in 1972.

I don't know why I did this you might need it on Jeopardy one day!

SECONDLY Sunday June 26th is out LIFETEEN pool party at REDS it begins at 7:00 last till 9 i think, I'm sure someone will write a correction. Bring a friend it is always fun.

THIRD: In just 3 short weeks 22 awesome teens and 5, no no scratch that 6 core team members will be traveling to TIGER, GA for the most amazing weeks of their lives. Cove Crest here we come, man I hope their ready for us. (They do so love it when we come to camp) So the 6Th core member in case you're wondering is, Alan Arabie, we would like to welcome Alan back to core, he is super excited about diving back into ministry this summer and into next year, welcome aboard Alan.

OK so that's it for now, I'll see you Beyond the Blue room, (I know it's kinda corny but it's still fun to say)

Lafayette Goes to Cove Crest

HEY COVE CRESTERS!!

 

Don't forget about the BBQ at Art's Tonight @ 6:30!!!

 

We'll hangout, eat some grub, talk t-shirts, and have a bit of fun before we leave for Georgia in a few short weeks!!

 

SEE Y'ALL TONIGHT!!!

Couch Room Tonight 6/14/2011

If you have noot seen the Couch room update 2.0 you need to come tonight. Andrew got his lamps in place, the TV's been raised to new heights and we have a coy space to call our own. bring a friend, see ya'll tonight!

Couch Room 2.0

Teens join us June 11th from noon till for couch room 2.0, last summer we painted the couch room put in 2 new couches and stuff. Well just like all new programs there needs to be an up-date, so we will install version 2.0, Saturday. This is your space and we want you to feel part of it, there will be BBQ burgers on the pit, at 1:00 so come hungry. Bring frends! EVANGELIZE, its your job as baptized Catholics.

Last night the men got together to watch the Dallas Mavs beat some Heat tails, sending it back to Miami for game 6, notice I did not say game 6 and 7 because it's all over at game 6, with Dallas taking it all. I'm sure Myles will disagree big time. We do have plans to watch game 6 in the couch room as well, Sunday 7:00pm couch room.

Couple of reminders,
Reds Pool party coming up Sunday June 26.
Cove Crest BBQ my house Wednesday, June 15th, 6:30

And remember, Always find that quiet time in your day to hear the voice of God!

Bonfire Pics!!



Horses!



Chasing Chickens

Huge Swing!!

This is just a reminder that we'll be meeting at couch room today at 7:00 like usual. The kickball tournament has been postponed.

Cove Crest List is Set

It took alot of Work but here is the list of teens that will be attending Cove Crest this summer, I promise you this will be a week that you will not forget! I'm leaving out the last names because this is a public blog.
Jenee B.
Bailey B.
Stephanie C.
Tori C.
Allie L.
Lillian L.
Alyssa M.
Brooke M.
Jillian R.
Kate R.
Sally R.
Rebecca T.
Scott M.
Jack M.
Tim T.
Danielle C.
Aaron C.
Steven L.
Jordan K.
Don R.
Monica B.
There is still 1 more I'm waiting on, which means I'll need to get 1 more spot, Your core team that will be traveling with you are, Myself, your humble servant, Art Garrett, Matt Manuel, Jennifer Sibille, Robin Roy and Carolina Germain.


Gang this is going to be an amazing experience for all of us, check this blog from time to time for more updates, and I'll see you at Camp!!!

Not a Fire but a Pit!

Mucho thanks to Andrew and Janenne and the Fournets for an awesome event Sunday! OK so all those that thought a Bon Fire memorial day weekend was NOT a good idea, you were right so we had a fire pit, for the dogs and s'mores but hey it was good.

Seems that the Ultimate Frisbee was a mega hit and those that never played before I think just found a new love. Oh and a special thank you goes out to Stephanie Courville that walked the horse into the playing field and you know what happened next, yep he deceided to leave a little momento of his presence right there actually a trail of sorts, that turned into a hazard for the players. Myles was a beast as usual and the Family Manuel all on one team I don't know about that one. Bailey Broussard scored 2 goals as a rookie, and a few other standouts as well.

WHAT about that swing, never before did I see such an attraction, 4 teens at a time could participate and is was kinda scarey to see how when left alone how people could come up with ways to do everything but swing on the swing.

OK so I'm no pro but this is one AWESOME youth group, and those that brought friends, that's called evangelization, you did'nt even know that did you? Way to go gang. Keep on inviting and keep on comming because these friends will not leave you, talk to Emily, Annie, Andrew, Brandon those on core that have friends for life through youth ministry.

Remember couch room Tuesady 7-8:30 bring a friend and I'll see you Beyond the Blue Room, till then I am your servant in Christ, Art<><

"But how can I have s'more of nothing...?"

Hey! Don't forget about the End of School Bonfire this SUNDAY @ 7:00-9:30!!!

Hot Dogs! S'Mores! Watermellon! Bring your School Notes to Burn!

Here's the facebook event link:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=173995632653853

Directions:

The Home of Brian and Gay Fournet

1901 Prairie Highway

Lafayette, LA

Directions from St. Mary Church:

Turn right onto Doucet Rd. and head toward Johnston St.
Turn Right onto Johnston St. and drive 3.8 miles.
Turn right onto LA-94/Breaux Bridge Rd./ Carmel Ave and drive 1.5 miles.
Turn right onto Lake Martin Rd. and drive 2.1 miles EXACTLY
Turn right onto the gravel road right after the cell tower.

Once you turn in you’ll see a “dead end” sign on the gate. The house is ¼ mile back on the left.

OR Art and I are happy to give ya a ride if you need one! Meet us @ St Mary's in out front of the Blue Room @ 6:00!

COVE CREST SUMMER 2011!!

Okay, so here's the deal.  TIME IS RUNNING OUT and SPOTS ARE DISAPPEARING FAST!!

Call or Facebook Art ASAP and let him know you want to spend an AMAZING week with an INCREDIBLE God and FANTASTIC people doing AWESOME stuff!!!

I absolutely cannot wait to go for my first time! I'm getting myself totally psyched up by reading Emily Broussard's blog about her summer of Cove Crest adventures:
this is real life.

If you've been to Cove Crest before, comment on this post and tell everyone why they should go to! If you've never been, but you signed up already, comment and let us know why you're super excited!

See y'all July 10th-16th in Georgia!!!

I'm Not stranded in London England

For those that care and it seems that there is alot that do, My Facebook page was hacked, and ALL my FB friends were sent an e-mail asking for you to send me your faithful servant, $1850.00 to help get me back to the states. I must say the phone calls I received kind of brought a warm fuzy feeling to my soul, I heard from people that I havn't talked to in years. For those of you that know Saul Hernandez, he went as far as responding to the would be hacker, asking for him/her/it to answer 3 questions that only I would know the answer to, Saul has yet to get a response. Within 30 min. I received 12-15 phone calls and about a dozen text messages, all letting me know that my FB was hacked. I'm in pretty good company, Fr. Kennan Brown was hacked the same way, and Ms. Sue Sonnier at STM as well. The real kicker to all this is I can't get into my FB account for 24 hours because of this BOZO.

Well I just wanted to rant a little, Thanks for the concerns and if you sent $1850.00 I'm sorry your out the cash, cuz I did'nt get it and your not getting it back.

Talk to you again, Love and prayers from London, En.....uhhhh Lafayette, LA.

See you at Mass, Art<><

End of the Year Slideshow!!!

Every End is a New Beginning!

YOUTH GROUP SUMMER SCHEDULE 2011

Sunday, May 29 - End of School Year Bonfire  - 7:00-9:30pm
Tuesday, June 7 - Kickball Tournament vs. St. Pius Youth
Saturday, June 11 - Couch Room Makeover Day & BBQ - 11:00am
June 17-19 - STEUBENVILLE ON THE BAYOU- SIGN UP TODAY!!!
Sunday, June 26- Red's Pool Party - 6:30pm
Friday, July 1st - Movie Night
July 10-16 - COVE CREST SUMMER CAMP - SIGN UP TODAY!!!
Sunday, July 17 - Cove Crest Recap Night - 6:00pm
Sunday, July 24 - Youth Group Night

**Every Tuesday - Couch Room - 7:00-8:30pm

Tonight was a great closing to an even greater semester of St. Mary Life Teen! We had a delicious pasta dinner while Mrs. Janenne recapped this semester's comings and goings, and invited parents to get involved. 

Then we got to see a great slideshow Andrew made of Life Teen highlights (to be posted on this site soon...)  Check back soon try to catch a glimpse of you and your friends having a blast!

Then Art reminded us of the awesome opportunities for Summer trips: Steubenville on the Bayou & Cove Crest Camp!!!  Spots are still available!! Email, Facebook, or Call Art TODAY and SIGN UP!

Finally, Art talked to us about all the other in-town Summer activities we have planned for the coming break.  The summer schedule as it stands now is above....join us for some or all of it - this is for you!!  Comment here if you can think of other stuff you want to do this summer...we love ideas!!!

CONGRATS TO OUR GRADS!!! WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU!

Um...Hair Flip

Welcome to St. Mary Life Teen's brand-spankin' new blog! We don't mean to brag or anything, but we think it's gunna be pretty great! We call it "Beyond the Blue Room" 'cause we don't want youth group to end when we leave Bouman's Hall...let's break free of these chains that bind us and spread this fire in our hearts to all we meet!  We think our blog is a good start!

Check back soon and often for Updates, Announcements, Calendar Changes, Life Night Info, Awesome Links, News-Worthy Stories, and who knows what else!  Have an announcement, achievement, or something interesting to share? Let us know, and we'll post it here for all to see!

Tell us what you want this blog to be...We hope this becomes a site you visit every time you sit down to your computer! Feel free to share your ideas with us via comments or email...this is YOUR blog!

Don't forget to become a follower so you get all the latest updates...add your email below!