Happy Birthday JC!

Happy birthday JC! That's right I'm talking about Christmas, this year Jesus turns 2008 years old (or there abouts) and doesn't he look fantastic for his age! We are aware what the true meaning of Christmas is, it is a time for Jesus Christ to be born again in our hearts and our souls. We take this time of year to celebrate with loved ones and remember the good times that we've had over the past year. Many of you may be thinking, "is he just going to ramble on about things we already know?" Let me get to the point, if you are like me you wonder where traditions came from and how things got started. Why do we go around putting pine trees in our living rooms (seemingly a place where pine trees do not belong), whats up with the candy cane, why do we hang pieces of a pine tree on our doors and call it a wreath, and why oh why do we go nuts, jack up our electrical bills, and decorate our houses in so many lights you could see it from space. Hopefully I can attempt to answer some of these questions.

Whats up with the fir tree in the living room?

The origin of the "Christmas Tree" is highly debated. There is a legend that our protestant brother Martin Luther brought the first Christmas tree into his home. However its just a legend, there really isn't enough evidence to support the story. However, the people that we can credit with setting up the first Christmas tree are the Germans. The earliest record of a fir tree being used as decoration for Christmas is 1521. The German tradition grew in popularity over the years into what we have today. So what is the fir tree supposed to symbolize? Here are some answers that I found:

1. The Christmas tree is triangular shaped symbolizing the trinity
2. The Christmas tree points up to heaven reminding us of our focus for the season
3. The color of the Christmas tree is green symbolizing life
4. The needles on the tree grow upward like hands praising God
5. The lights on the tree symbolize Heaven, and the gifts we place under the tree symbolize charity and love

What's up with the wreath?

The origin of the Christmas wreath is unknown, however there is evidence of pagan religions using wreathes of holly for magical protective powers. Us Christians like to look at the wreath from a symbolic stance, Christmas wreaths are typically made of evergreen which is green symbolizing life, its circular shape represents the idea of eternity, or the unending circle of life. When holly is used in a Christmas wreath it has some meaning as well. Holly has thorns, representing the crown of thorns Christ wore during his crusifixtion, they are also red representing the blood he shed for us.

What's the story behind the candy cane?

There are many legends behind the meaning of the candy cane. One of the most popular is that the candy cane was created by a candy maker in Indiana, the shape of the candy cane was to represent a shepherds staff (Jesus is our shepherd) or to represent the letter "J" for Jesus. The red on the candy cane was to represent the blood Christ shed for us. This is one of the many legends that are out there about the candy cane, and one that I like. Truth is that again there really isn't much evidence out there as to the true meaning of the candy cane, one thing is for certain - the idea that a candy maker in Indiana created the candy cane is indeed false, as historians have found references to the candy cane long before there was an Indiana. As a symbol the candy cane is open to interpretation, I would like to think there is some Christian meaning behind it.

Why do people "Griswold" (put an abundance of Christmas lights on their house) their homes for the holidays?

The "Griswold" reference refers to Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation movie ... I digress, let's go back to Germany where we saw our first Christmas tree. When they first started decorating Christmas trees they would place candles on the tree to illuminate it (doesn't that seem like a fire waiting to happen) . Fast-forward to 1882 and we see Edward Johnson inventing the first string of Christmas lights (Mr. Johnson worked under Thomas Edison, the inventor of the lightbulb) and decorating a tree in New York with them. In 1900, large department stores started decorating their store fronts with strands of Christmas lights to attract customers. With the realization that candles and open flame probably weren't the best idea for decorations people began the switch to electric Christmas lights.

And then there was this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD4g0gmQSLk ... show off

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a joyous new year ... see you all next year at B.A.S.I.C.

This Weekend @ B.A.S.I.C.

Greetings All! I hope that everyone is having a fantastic Monday morning. This weekend was a busy one with the B.A.S.I.C. crew. We had several great activities that went on. On Friday night we had another installment in our Coffee House series. Our speaker was Fr. John from St Mary's of Orchard Lake. Our discussion focused on what is the meaning of advent. We covered topics ranging from the history of advent, the history of the advent wreath, and why do we have the pink candle (or dusty rose as Fr. Mark likes to say). If you were unable to make the coffee house and are curious as to the answers to these questions, just ask!

Our Saturday started bright and early with the service project at St. Jude's. It was a truly phenomenal experience. We sorted clothes and food for those that are less fortunate then us and of course we had fun in the process. St. Jude's appreciated our help and appreciated us being there so much that they have extended an open invitation for us to come back and help out anytime. Once we were done at St. Jude's we came back to the church for the December Lunch 'n Learn, this months topic was Social Justice and Charity. We had great discussion and amazing soup and chili. A special thanks to Barney and Marianne for organizing the service project, and a huge special thank you to all the moms that put the "lunch" in Lunch 'n Learn by providing the chicken noodle soup and chili.

We ended our weekend on a good note with the B.A.S.I.C. night on Sunday. The night was titled "Schedule This" and we focused on practical ways that we can included God into our every day lives. We had some really great discussion on this topic and had a great time.

Some things to keep in mind that are coming up really quick:

TONIGHT is the Monday Night Praise and Worship
This THURSDAY is the Sounds of Christmas Concert
There is still time to sign up for the ski trip, slips are due WEDNESDAY
Bible Study hosted by JT and Barney is going to be starting over Christmas break, check the B.A.S.I.C. board for more information
Rainbow Registration packets are now available, pick them up on the B.A.S.I.C. board or get them from Dave ... Rainbow is a great time I encourage you all to think about going

Sunday December 21 is the B.A.S.I.C. Christmas Party!! Bring your friends, all of them, this is a Pajama Party so wear your most festive Christmas pajamas, or your fanciest footy pajamas, polk-a-dots, stripes, cowboys and indians, and pajamas of all colors are welcome as well.

I hope everyone has a great week, and hope to see you all real soon!

ADVENT: Why the Pink candle?

Friday, Dec. 12 @ 7:00p
at Cafe Zuzu

Fr. John Kiselica from Orchard Lake St. Mary will be leading an open discussion on the history of Advent, is relevance to us today and why we celebrate this season.

Come join us for an open mic, a great discussion, lots of friends and great food and drinks provided by Cafe Zuzu.

[Cafe Zuzu is located on the Northwest corner of the Rochester Rd and Long Lake intersection]

SERVICE PROJECT and LUNCH 'n Learn
Saturday, December 13, 2008
7:30a - 2:00p

We are traveling down to St. Jude's Food Pantry and Outreach Center on the East Side of Detroit to put in some service hours and offer the gift of our time and labor to help St. Jude's reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.

After we work down at St. Jude's we will return to St. Anastasia for Lunch and a discussion on Social Justice (or ways to change/fix the many injustices we see in our world!

You must have a permission slip to participate in this event. You can print one off by clicking on the link provided on the column on the right side of this blog [look under "downloadable forms"]

Holy Day of Obligation

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
THIS Monday, December 8th

Mass offered at 9:30a and 7:00p

This is the day we recognize Mary's conception without sin. This is why we say "Full of Grace" in the Hail Mary because Mary was conceived without sin. So we celebrate her Immaculate Conception as the day salvation is a possibility for us once again.

This is the last chance to sign up for the Ski Trip. Registration packets are due Wednesday, December 3rd 2008 by 5:00p.
To download the registration packet click here!

Cost = $175
includes: transportation, hotel, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, lift ticket for weekend (w/ complimentary shuttle between Shanty Creek to Schuss Mountain)

December Birthdays

Happy Birthday!

Chris Discenna
Amanda Sliney
Erin Skotzke
Amber Dalian
&
Brett Kast

Looking Back: Fall Camp 2008

What was Fall Camp all about?
Let's ask those who went...

"Fall Camp was everything I wanted it to be, everything I needed it to be and everything I expected it to be. The retreat was an amazing experience in the fact that I was challenged. It really gave me a nice dose of reality and it put my life into perspective. I also was informed on the real meaning of leadership; as the retreat changed my previous views on what leadership is. Leadership isn't just taking control to achieve a common goal, because sometimes it's taking a step back and working as a team. I also had a few personal revelations. First, my football team this year did not win a game and I wanted a win. I was down in the dumps about it and the school even started off a little rough. during Fall Camp I finally got it through my thick skull that real happiness is found through our Lord. Fall Camp allowed me to let go of a lot of foolish pride. I also realized that I need to be more appreciative of others, because there are people out there who look towards me to be a leader. As a leader, it is my duty to bring out the leadership qualities in others."

~ Dan Rochon (Utica H.S. '09) ~

"Fall Camp was a very good wake up call to my surroundings. It helped me take a step back and look at my surroundings. I got a chance to evaluate myself and find our really just how much my actions effect other people. Fall Camp also was a ton of fun and I would definitely go again"

~ Lisa Lavelanet (Athens H.S. '12) ~

"When I signed up to go to Fall Camp, I thought it was just an opportunity to get to hang out with my friends. But it ended up being so much more than that. The main point was leadership. Participating in the activities made everyone step up and become a leader, especially during the high and low ropes courses. My group was extremely good at the low ropes. We worked really well together and had a lot of fun. The high ropes course was very fun too. Although it was independent everyone still supported each other. After that long day of activities, we had Adoration. Adoration was amazing because it was my chance to get to have my own conversations with God. The whole Fall Camp experience was definitely a weekend I will remember"

~ Lindsay Garascia (Athens H.S. '11) ~

"My experience at Fall Camp was great. My favorite thing was the high ropes; they were challenging but fun. I also really enjoyed Adoration and Benediction, they were relaxing and quiet which was nice. Lastly I learned about leadership and how you don't have to be the on in charge to be a leader you can just be someone who follows and supports your team to be a good leader. Fall Camp was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I will come back next year."

~ D.J. Pinneo (Troy H.S. '12) ~

"Thanksgiving without Turkey?"

Friday, November 21 @ 7:00p

Join BASIC for the Coffee House at Cafe Zuzu (corner of Long Lake and Rochester Rd.). Brother Al Mascia, OFM, from St. Aloysius in Detroit will be joining us. He has lots of energy and passion and will bring his talent of singing/songwriting to our open discussion about the Thanksgiving season, poverty and homelessness and ways that we can help!

Available for purchase at Cafe Zuzu:
Coffee Bar, Smoothies, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches & Assorted Desserts
All fresh and delicious!!

Coffee House

Faith: Why Not?
Friday, November 14 @ 7:00p

Join BASIC for our first Coffee House of the year at Cafe Zuzu (corner of Long Lake and Rochester Rd.). Brittany Burgess (THS) and Scott Clancey (AHS) will be discussing why their faith matters to them.

Available for purchase at Cafe Zuzu:
Coffee Bar
Smoothies
Soups
Salads
Sandwiches
& Assorted Desserts

All fresh and delicious!!

Radical Respect

A SPECIAL INVITATION FOR ALL YOUNG WOMEN

Friday, November 21, 2008
Grosse Pointe South High School (Wicking Library)
@ 6:00p


Respect your bodies, minds and hearts by being physically and spiritually strong.

for more information click here


If you'd like to attend a need a ride, please contact David Graves (Youth Minister) at dgraves.youthmin@gmail.com

November Birthdays

Happy Birthday!

Lauren Penkala
Maddie Knapp
Rebecca Russell
Andrew Iles
Sandy Mouch
Natalie Stagner

November 1st, 2008

Come THIS Saturday for FREE lunch and our conversation about Moral Decision Making. During an election year there are many issues and topics discussed between candidates. Come discuss these with others while enjoying Pumpkin Pie!!!

Lunch n' Learn is from 12pm - 2pm in PC 117/119. Please look for signs at the entrance. We'll see you there!!!!!!!!!!

Lunch n' Learn is once a month on Saturdays.

SAFE Retreat

Time for the SAFE Retreat!!!
December 5 - 6
Cost = $50
please do not let cost stop you from participating - call or talk to Regina Simony 248-689-8380

This retreat is open to all Confirmed teens who would like to lead the Confirmation Candidates on their Cross-Training Confirmation Retreat (February 6 - 8, 2009). You MUST attend this retreat to facilitate the Cross-Training Confirmation Retreat in February. On the SAFE Retreat you will learn how to facilitate the Confirmation Retreat in addition to having an AMAZING time!!!

If you would like to attend the SAFE Retreat - please download the permission slip (click here), fill it out and turn it and $50 into Regina Simony on or before November 12, 2008.

October Teen Spotlight

Carol Monis
Sophomore, Athens H.S.

Birth Date: August 6, 1993
Place of Birth: Mumbai, India
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Extracurricular Activities: AHS Chemistry Club, Dance and B.A.S.I.C.
Favorite Music: I like all sorts of music, but my favorite bands would definitely be Hedley and Coldplay.
Favorite College Team: Michigan all the way!!! "Sorry Fr. JJ"
Favorite School Subject: Drama
When I grow up: I want to be a doctor because I love to help people and contribute to the community.
Why I come to B.A.S.I.C.: I come to B.A.S.I.C. because the community is really great. B.A.S.I.C. feels like a second family to me because everyone comes together for meaningful discussion and fun times! I'm really glad I joined B.A.S.I.C. because I've made a lot of friends and I feel like I'm giving back to God.
Me in 3 words: Fun, Ambitious and Out-going

Called to Serve Workshop

November 8, 2008 @ 10:00a
St. Hugo of the Hills
(lunch provided)

This is for any of you who are Teen Catechists for Cross-Training, who would like to lead the Confirmation Retreat, who are on Teen Council: anyone who volunteers assisting and adult or in a direct service role involving younger children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Download the flyer "Called to Serve" from downloadable forms -->>

Called to Serve is an exciting, interactive, skill-building workshop designed to enhance your skills for volunteer ministry. The workshop will help you improve communication skills with peers and adults, recognize and respond to various behaviors, learn how to work with and be a role model for younger children, and learn about safe and healthy boundaries in your interactions with others. At the end of the workshop you will be commissioned to go forth more competent in your volunteer roles.

Haunted Convent Halloween Party

Next Sunday, October 26, 2008, B.A.S.I.C. will be teaming up with St. Andrew's Youth Group for a night of hauntedness, fun and friends. We will meet at 6:30p in the Davidson Center. We will be traveling by 15 passenger van to St. Andrew Catholic Church in downtown Rochester. You must have a permission slip to attend. This is a costume party (but a costume is not required). If you have any questions please contact me - my information is listed at the bottom of the webpage. See you Sunday!!!

Download the permission slip ASAP!

Cost = 1 can of tuna

Faith Night

Last night at B.A.S.I.C. there were 40 fellow teens! It was a great night of fun. We started out with a game called "Drop the Blankie" - we'll play it again at some point! Then we had an obstacle course set-up... BUT you had to go through it blind-folded. Teens were guided through by teen council members who were providing both correct and incorrect directions. It was up to you to listen to the voice telling you the truth.

After the obstacle course we went into small group and and discussions about faith. About what faith is and what it means. Then we started to talk about things that our Catholic faith holds: the Trinity, the Virgin Mary, the Sacraments, Transubstantiation, Heaven and Hell, Angels and our Profession of Faith. It was a topic that stirred much discussion in small groups and many questions...

We will be having another B.A.S.I.C. night to continue this discussion around our faith. But in the meantime there were many questions and comments about faith and Catholicism. I'd like to continue this discussion on faith through the blog. At the bottom of this post you can make comments - I invite you all to make comments about the night, faith, or ask questions. Fr. JJ, Fr. Mark or myself will do our best to respond to these questions. I'll look for your questions!!!

Happy Blogging!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to all October Birthday's!!!

Jessica Gilbert
Joe Colo
Seth Bucholz
David Pierzynski
Ed Schneider
Sam Ward
Susan Blake
Michelle Sullivan
Matt Fitzpatrick
Anne Weil
Mallary Schnuphase

Monday Night Prayer

A 30 minute prayer service for YOU to have some extra time with God during the week. MNP will offer you many different styles and traditions of prayer; so every Monday night will be a unique experience. There are so many forms of prayer and by experiencing them you'll find out how you best communicate with God and how you best listen to God.

Please join us every Monday night at 8:30pm in the Divine Mercy Chapel!

B.A.S.I.C. Fall Camp 2008

FALL CAMP IS FULL!
sorry but there are no more spaces available for fall camp. Be sure to sign up for other events with B.A.S.I.C. There will be plenty more!

A unique retreat experience where you will not only learn about leadership but experience it first hand... You will be challenged physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually through this experience. It is a great opportunity to learn about yourself and your faith. The retreat is Friday, November 7th to Sunday, November 9th!

Monday, October 20th @ 7:00 pm

APeX Ministries proudly presents an evening of Christian Vaudeville...

Please join us for a night of fun and laughter as Gene and Brad of APeX Ministries spread the Word of God through storytelling, faith sharing, comedy, drama, music, death defying juggling, and prayer. WE WANT YOU THERE! Bring your friends-no questions asked.

For more information on APeX Ministries, visit: http://www.apexministries.com