I gave all my energy into all the activities (I don’t normally do that).
Grace, Teen Leader
This morning, I didn’t want to get out of bed. The sun was shining brilliantly. I’d slept well. I felt well. What was my problem?
Well, it was Monday morning, with a long, busy week ahead. Maybe the bed’s snuggliness just lured me in for a while longer.
Later, sitting at the window by bird feeders and a huge maple tree, I wondered if the maple felt the same way. After a long winter’s nap, was it ready for the work of another season? Sprouting buds and leaves? Withstanding spring and summer storms? Changing again to autumn colors?
The Minnesota change of seasons occurs both meteorologically and liturgically. Soon, we will celebrate Palm Sunday and the beautiful rituals of Holy Week and Triduum. From the I-just-want-to-lie-in-bed perspective, it all seems too much. The time of spring gardening entails sore muscles and dirt under the fingernails. This holy season, along with much grace, brings long liturgies and late nights.
You, dear reader, may suggest that I am complaining. Ah, sincerely, I am not. But add this to the regular mix of a busy daily life…well, does the tree want to spend energy to shoot forth its buds? YES!
I loved being a leader and getting to use my leadership skills to touch the students’ lives. It’s good to challenge myself to serve.”
Monica, Teen Leader
Change is in the air…. Introducing our fourth step of the LEAD Youth Program: LEAD Immersion. In September 2025, we will begin our inaugural immersion, also known as the Dunrovin Servant Leaders Team. Dunrovin brought on Mr. Chris Vance in January 2025, tasking him with expanding the LEAD Youth Program. More growth!
Chris works hard to develop this on-site community of five young adults, ages 18-24. Their purpose is two-fold: 1) to work as a ministry team for our growing school year and summer retreat schedule, and 2) to receive professional and personal development. These days, many young people no longer automatically attend college after high school. Are kids getting smarter? No college debt, at least not until they are more mature and more aware of their direction in life.
We are excited about mission expansion, and our hearts expand, too. But it feels like a tree budding new leaves. Growth demands energy.
Please pray for this new Servant Leaders team. Unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers build in vain (Psalm 127:1). Look at our wish list or consider setting aside a monthly donation to support the Dunrovin LEAD program.
I grew in faith because it touched me to see and come to realize that all of these [students] are sons and daughters of God wanting to be heard, seen, and loved.”
Josh, Teen Leader
I wonder if Jesus had a cozy bed to stay in on the morning of Holy Thursday. Scripture tells us of His agony, His choice to follow the Father’s will of suffering even against His own human will. Sister Mary Joanne, O.C.D. writes in the inspiring book In His Heart: 365 Days with the Carmelite Sisters, “In His humility and love, His service and meekness, He is about to embark on a painful journey into hell itself to release all from the sting of death.”
Jesus is our Champion and our Model of Obedience. For the joy that lay before Him, Jesus endured the cross and its shame (Hebrews 12:2). We are His joy. Our LEAD students are His joy. You are His joy.
