For my four years of high school, I was involved with my parish youth group. We did so many fun things together that made the experience that much more enjoyable. Here are signs you have been in a youth group.

1. Being Jesus in the Stations of the Cross

The soldiers took charge of him, forcing him to carry the cross. It was a pain in the neck for our Savior to bear a cross and resurrect himself. It felt like undergoing Tommy John surgery when after he died with his face down and having to hold on to the bars that had been set up. It was also embarrassing to shout across the church "My God" and the rest of the cast saying "MY GOD!" and then "Why have you forsaken me" (Psalm 22:1). Each station involved Jesus and with the tradition of the youth group I was in, it was a tall order to follow the same movements and motions that past Jesus portrayals had been. I was a freshman called to do a tall order of service to heal people.

2. Not Being Jesus in the Stations of the Cross

There's the pain of a lack of cooperation and it feels hopeless not to be Jesus to set an example to the other disciples 2000 years later. Ugh. It feels like the person's self-esteem is downgraded. It's a patchwork trying to get the rest of the group to shut their mouths. Goodness gracious. It was a hodgepodge trying to get everything done the Wednesday before Easter.

3. Basketball

Sure, basketball was invented as a keep the students occupied game by Mr. Naismith. But, where's the youth group without the balls? That was essentially (for me) a weekly workout because one may spend a lot of time doing homework, and doing other activities. Every Wednesday night, there was a half an hour dedicated to the men duking it out in hoops, while the rest of the people chill.

4. Thanksgiving

We feel special when we take part in a service. We gave out bread to everyone in the church, including the wonderful choir singing John Rutter's "For The Beauty Of The Eath" to the tune of giving thanks to all that God has given us.

5. Pizza and Prayer

We'd always start the year with a church service and then have pizza afterward. It is something very early in the year to look forward to. The priest would always sit down for his homily (he usually stands for it) and he helps us reflect upon recent issues and how we can grow together in a unified way growing in friendship with God and friendship with one another.

6. The Lock-Ins

We'd watch movies, play games, and do fun stuff and we couldn't go out. We had great times there.

7. Joining Hands

The Lord's Prayer is one of the essential rituals found in Christianity. My group leader would always have us join hands and pray the words that Jesus taught us.

As one can plainly see, my proximity to my Christian faith has been deeply embedded with my life. As you all reflect on this most somber week of the liturgical year, look at what you can do for the good of your community and for your own personal desires and happiness. The biggest thing about your life is being happy.

Speaking of happy, have a Happy Easter as well.