At the conclusion of our first ever eXaLT (XLT) event a few Sundays ago, I couldn’t help but reflect on what a tremendous success it turned out to be for our community. In case you weren’t able to make it, XLT was a family praise and worship night that was put together with the combined efforts of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and St. Nicholas Parish Youth Ministries. It was an evening designed to bond families together in hospitality, challenge our personal faith lives through a keynote speaker, and praise our amazing God in song and Adoration.
Well over two hundred youth and adults said "yes" to our invitation to attend this evening—with worship led by Josh Blakesley, keynote by Tricia Tembreull, and host Andrew Brown. In her special Advent message, Tricia challenged the assembly to place themselves into the Nativity story as one of the characters. She followed up with the point that, no matter which character we related to most, Christ draws us all into intimacy with Him— into His story. This powerful night concluded with intimate time with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist where many in the room could reconnect to their faith in prayer.
This night could not be successful with out the incredible efforts of the following people: The Battista family, Peltier family, Pama family, Mitiguy family, Snyder family, and Leonard family! Thank you to Chris Lundin, Deacon Daniel, and Father Matt for making this possible. We will see you for the next XLT on March 26th, 2017!