Book Description
“My Dear Young Friends,” a collection of fifty-two weekly reflections on living in the Spirit, invites young people to read and act on Pope John Paul II’s inspiring addresses to young people gathered at annual World Youth Day celebrations. Each of the fifty-two weekly reflections in “My Dear Young Friends” contains the following sections:
* a Scripture passage related to the theme for the week
* a message from the pope
* “Think About That,” asking the reader to ponder the pope’s message
* “Take Action,” inviting the reader to act on the pope’s message
* “Say a Prayer,” inspiring the reader to keep the pope’s words fresh in his or her heart and mind
* “Did You Know?” a fact about the pope’s life Young people around the world adore Pope John Paul II. He has won their hearts and minds because he genuinely believes in their ability to change the world for the better. He cares about them. He respects them. Most important, he challenges them to a deep and profound love for Christ through his church. In a rapidly changing world, the pope’s unwavering message of life, love, and courage inspires and enlivens in their hearts a burning fire for the Good News of Jesus Christ!

From the Publisher
What are people saying about “My Dear Young Friends”? “Pope John Paul II has the reputation of being the ‘youth-friendly pope. ‘My Dear Young Friends’ is a wonderful collection of quotes from his statements directed towards young people. The weekly reflection format includes a scripture passage, points to ponder, and suggested actions. This resources is certainly a gift for young people, but it is valuable, as well, for those who minister to the young Church and for those who lead prayer and worship with youth.” Bob McCarty, executive director, National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry “ ‘My Dear Young Friends’ will touch the hearts and jog the memories of all those who wanted to attend a World Youth Day or actually had the opportunity. The book reminds readers of the message and challenges them to bring the Holy Father’s words into their lives. It offers the reader a spiritual journey throughout the year.” Most Rev. John G. Vlazny, Archbishop of Portland, OR “Through a series of reflections, challenges, and prayers, John Vitek, masterfully guides the reader toward a more intimate relationship with Pope John Paul II who in turn mystically draws the reader to a deeper relationship with God. ‘My Dear Young Friends’ is a delightful source of enlightenment and a magnificent tool for the young-or young at heart-wishing to discover the self in God. No one who has lived through the pontificate of John Paul II and claims to be Catholic in the twenty-first century can remain unmoved after reading this book.” Reverend James P. Steffes, STL, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona, MN “We believe that this work brings Pope John Paul to our living room, so our teenager at home can begin to touch our church leaders and the inspired writings of the Bible. It helps our family relate to the church teachings and helps us to put it to practical use in our daily lives. Awesome work!” Jesse and Jodi Manibusan, Catholic musicians, Two by Two Ministries, Grapevine, TX “I believe that the format of ‘My Dear Young Friend’s provides a unique manner in which young people can come to a practical knowledge and understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Sacred Scripture and a brief teaching from Pope John Paul’s writings gives to each student a concrete belief of our faith. Combine this catechesis with a faith reflection and action; students will live their faith in a practical manner for each day of the year. What a great way to present our Catholic faith to today’s young people. This makes the Gospel of Life a practical reality for today’s adolescents.” Bishop Bernard J. Harrington, Bishop of Winona, MN “This book is an invaluable resource for teens and those who work with them! The direct quotes of the pope are ones that will inspire, challenge, and comfort young people today. The “Think About That,” “Take Action,” and “Say a Prayer” activities that follow each quote move young people to reflection and faith sharing in a meaningful way. The “Did You Know?” feature introduces the life and ministry of Pope John Paul II in small “chunks” so that by the end of the book, students really will feel they know the pope in a new and different way. The book and activities throughout can serve as great discussion starters in a classroom or youth group setting!” Kathleen Hodapp, high school teacher, Mercy Academy, Louisville, KY

SYNOPSIS

My Dear Young Friends, a collection of fifty-two weekly reflections on living in the Spirit, invites young people to read and act on Pope John Paul II￯﾿ﾽs inspiring addresses to young people gathered at annual World Youth Day celebrations. Each of the fifty-two weekly reflections in ￯﾿ﾽMy Dear Young Friends￯﾿ﾽ contains the following sections:
a Scripture passage related to the theme for the week
a message from the pope
￯﾿ﾽThink About That,￯﾿ﾽ asking the reader to ponder the pope￯﾿ﾽs message
￯﾿ﾽTake Action,￯﾿ﾽ inviting the reader to act on the pope￯﾿ﾽs message
￯﾿ﾽSay a Prayer,￯﾿ﾽ inspiring the reader to keep the pope￯﾿ﾽs words fresh in his or her heart and mind
￯﾿ﾽDid You Know?￯﾿ﾽ a fact about the pope￯﾿ﾽs life
Young people around the world adore Pope John Paul II. He has won their hearts and minds because he genuinely believes in their ability to change the world for the better. He cares about them. He respects them. Most important, he challenges them to a deep and profound love for Christ through his church. In a rapidly changing world, the pope￯﾿ﾽs unwavering message of life, love, and courage inspires and enlivens in their hearts a burning fire for the Good News of Jesus Christ!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Bob McCarty

￯﾿ﾽPope John Paul II has the reputation of being the ￯﾿ﾽyouth-friendly pope. My Dear Young Friends is a wonderful collection of quotes from his statements directed towards young people. The weekly reflection format includes a scripture passage, points to ponder, and suggested actions. This resources is certainly a gift for young people, but it is valuable, as well, for those who minister to the young Church and for those who lead prayer and worship with youth.￯﾿ﾽ  — executive director, National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry

Rev. John G. Vlazny

My Dear Young Friends will touch the hearts and jog the memories of all those who wanted to attend a World Youth Day or actually had the opportunity. The book reminds readers of the message and challenges them to bring the Holy Father￯﾿ﾽs words into their lives. It offers the reader a spiritual journey throughout the year.￯﾿ﾽ — Archbishop of Portland, OR

Kathleen Hodapp