BOURQUE: ‘Do whatever He tells you’

The month of May is dedicated to Mother Mary. She is the wife of St. Joseph and the mother of Jesus Christ. She is also the mother of Jesus’s Apostles and other disciples.

She is a mother to you. Mother Mary has always steered humanity to the path of her Son. During the Wedding Feast at Cana, she told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

That was her main message then, and it is still relevant today. She invites all people to Christianity with open arms. She invites you too. Youth ministry leaders across the Archdiocese continue to share this vital message with the young Church.

God allowed us to cross paths in middle school and led us to Holy Matrimony and to ministry in His Church. Renee learned early from her grandmothers that Mother Mary will stay close to all who allow her to, and she will lead them to Jesus Christ. Manny learned from his parents that Mother Mary must be important because they asked her to pray for us during our nightly family prayers.

We have included Mother Mary in our family, and we have never parted from her. The Rosary is a special prayer for young people to recite.

It can help them tackle the triumphs and trials of their difficult and challenging lives. When we were youth ministers, we taught young people that the Rosary can be a beautiful form of meditation.

It has been consistently recommended and encouraged by the Church and its saints of all ages. The Rosary transforms us by reflecting on the holy mysteries or the major events in the life of Jesus Christ. Reverently repeating and praying the Hail Marys serves as the quiet rhythm to keep us centered on each of the mysteries on which we are meditating.

Many teens find this method practical and easy because this is remarkably familiar to them. It’s like most teens who listen to background music while doing their homework or studying for a test. They do not pay much attention to the music.

We have learned at a very early age to include her throughout our lives of family, faith, and of course, our Catholic Youth Ministry journey. Include Mother Mary in your life’s journey. For the rest of the Easter Season, make Mother Mary a part of your family life.

Try to recite the Rosary daily or weekly. There is nothing to lose but all to gain. Remember, she will always lead us to Jesus Christ, for she tells us, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Renee and Manny Bourque have been involved in Edge & Life Teen Ministry for the Archdiocese for more than 20 years.