On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Pax Christi Retreat Center, I was privileged to be part of a talented panel of artists, musicians, writer, and behind the scenes minister, to briefly share our vocation and ministry in serving God through our talents, to 60+ High School students on a Leadership Retreat that they voluntarily signed up for. It was followed by a question and answer session which was alot of fun. The youth asked very good and important questions and some was just fun.
I brought along 2 of my paintings, the Annunciation and Praying by Candlelight, to share visually the message of answering the call from the Lord. First answer Yes to the call, then fully surrender, pray and discern, listen and obey. Finally just go and share their talent and unique message to the world with joy.
The beautiful energy in the room was palpable and I enjoyed listening, answering and watching their reactions to all that was said from the panel. There were many budding artist in the audience – one was sketching and I can sense his excitement as he listened to us speak especially about art. So many talented people to make it all happen especially the Diocese Youth Director, Sr. Caritas Sparke, who is also a good friend of mine. Thank you for asking me to be part of it. I was also very thrilled to see the 3 banners I created for her awhile ago as the backdrop of the session.
A fun highlight was a table of boys had gifted me a sketch they made and it was of a cat (see below). I am a cat mom and truly appreciated the gift so I asked them to sign it and now it is part of my permanent collection.
I am praying for the students who were there and all the youth because they are the future and will replace us all. May God bless them in their journey.
