Ryszard Koziel
Today, we offer a blog byRyszard Koziel , a junior at Sacred Heart Apostolic School.
When I was asked to help run the annual Easter Games at Sacred Heart this year, I wasn’t sure if I had been asked to employ my amazing capacities of motivating kids and organizing events, or of I needed to acquire abilities that I seriously lack. Probably something more like uncovering the hidden talents that God has given me and putting them at the service of his Kingdom.
About 50 boys from ages nine to 15 arrived this year, and I had little idea how much patience and effort it would take to organize the games of these hyper, fun-loving and often sleep deprived young men. Luckily I was not alone, but had a team of four others helping me out full time. This would come in handy especially when I lost my voice after the second day of the retreat. Besides just running the sports and fun activities, we also had the grace of giving Gospel reflections and help them deepen in the spiritual meaning of the Easter season. I was very surprised by the depth of some of these kids’ insights during the reflection.
In the end we all had an intense five days of total self-giving. All of our tiredness and fatigue was made worth it though when kids would tell us that they were seriously considering coming to the Summer Program and wanting to become an apostolic. The apostolics themselves, lastly, did a wonderful job at giving a testimony of joy and generosity. Helping run the retreat was a very rewarding experience and it was an excellent opportunity to put my selfish desires aside and offer myself to Christ. Hopefully the self giving of all the other apostolics, precandidates, fathers, and brothers pays off and wins graces for many souls!
Ryszard,
You and your parents should be very proud of the fine young man you are developing into. I am glad Carson went to SHAS and got to spend some time with you.
Mr. Montang