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By Fr. Jose Lucero , SDB
Breakfast with Salesians
Sunday Potluck Party
Road Trip Retreat Planning
Nick explains Vides.
“The first thing I thought when I came into Corpus Christi parish was how friendly and warm a welcome I
received. I didn’t know what to expect, for some reason a room full of hellos never came to mind. I was
submerged in a sea of smiling faces. I couldn’t help smiling myself when I saw it.” - Nick Leija
On Nick’s first day at Corpus Christi he was informed that he was going to direct a lock-in retreat
come Friday. He smiled at the idea and took to it. Nick Leija is a young volunteer from San Antonio,
Texas who arrived at Corpus Christi on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. From the beginning he jumped
right into the planning of events in one of the busiest times of the year, the festivities surrounding the feast
of Don Bosco. On Friday we began our festivities in Café Don Bosco where over 75 people gathered to
watch the life of Don Bosco with snacks, drinks and a very comfortable space to watch the amazing movie
on Don Bosco. After the movie, youth ministry put on their first lock-in retreat for over 50 youth
beginning at 11:00 p.m. We planned out and discussed everything the day before, and the very first lock-
in retreat was a great success. Forty-five teens, confirmation and youth ministry students attended the
retreat with the help of seven college students, all members of CC youth ministry. The night went on with
a series of games, exercises, activities, prayer and fun. At the end it was evident that the participants got
something deep out of it. The next event, the province Rock Out Youth Poverty, was held at Corpus
Christi and Nick was one of the MCs. He helped spark interest in the people that attended. The parish
continued its festivities with a dinner dance where many people had a great time and seemed to enjoy
themselves. Nick got to meet and interact with the people of the parish, some were friends that he’d
already made, some were friends yet to make. He says he wasn’t too keen on dancing, but he sure did do
it. We could tell that everyone at that dance was enjoying themselves. They all had a single thought on
their minds: Let’s party! And party we did. On Sunday several young people acted out a skit for the
masses followed by a Potluck Party in the hall. A raffle was held and prizes were given out. It was a great
time. Monday was Salesian Family day, during which we had a meeting in the hall to talk about the
different aspects of the Salesian family. Nick was among the 5 presenters who got to explain to people the
process of VIDES, the Salesian volunteer program that arranged for him to arrive here. The audience was
attentive and interested; he received many compliments on his brief speech. Tuesday a large breakfast was
provided for all the parishioners and we all had breakfast with the Salesians. Tuesday evening we had
dinner in the rectory. Youth and their families were invited and we were able to further bond with one
another and the priests. On Wednesday Nick attended his first youth night. He didn’t know what to expect,
so he decided to follow along so he could understand how it goes. We ended up blessing the entire church
with the youth and other members of the parish. The experience was both fun and healing for everyone.
Nick seems to be off to a great start, as do we all, considering that we spent 5 continuous days in
celebration of our founder and father, the great saint and friend to youth, St. John Bosco. I believe this not
only marks the beginning of a great time for Nick, starting his work and ministry here as a volunteer, but
also for us all as we have been renewed once again by the spirit and dynamism of our saint. Viva Don
Bosco!!!
Painting by Wilfredo,
Parishioner
Festive Dinner w Salesians for
Feast Day
Ms Lucero and Parish Ladies
enjoying a great time.
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