I believe Pre-con was a very defining moment not only for myself but for many if not all of us here on the east coast. To be able to witness the growth and passion in so many of the brothers and sisters I grew up with as well as with those who have just joined, not only brought me to the realization of just how much God has been working within each of us, but more so just how much God believes in us. These past several years I know that our region has undergone many trials and struggles, whether personal, family based, community based, or in school. Yet, even at this moment I can see how all of that has ultimately led to molding the heart of this region, a region that is now more willing than ever to hold fast to our Covenant. The events that transpired on the day of Precon has transformed my hope into a knowledge of God's ever-working hands in the depths of each and every one of us and that we are the ones capable of carrying out the mission He's left for us.

I wasn't quite sure that I was going to attend Live Pure's "The Banquet" until my sister insisted that "This is not one to miss!" Two months prior, God had separated me from a long-term relationship and I was broken. The months that followed left me searching for my identity that I had lost after years of identifying myself in worldly things, but during this time, God was calling me back to Him. I decided to attend and found His message there waiting for me.

I could hear God speak to me through the testimonies. They showed me that I, too, was made for a greater purpose, that I am beautiful, and that I need to identify myself in and with Christ who made me. When there was time to reflect in the church, I was praying the rosary and all I could do was look at the crucifix. It is in Christ's sacrifice that I saw the true posture of love; the love that my heart had been looking for the entire time. God is the one who fills the holes in my heart and it only makes sense that I should surrender my relationships to Him. This has led me to dedicate a season of my life to singleness so that I can seek God wholeheartedly. Love leaves us no choice but Himself.

The Northwest's Precon was truly a test of courage for everyone. There were many opportunities for members to step out of their comfort zone and take courage in serving, from a mission-ready worship to sharing what it means to truly be courageous.

Like always, Precon had its fun moments, from the various games and competitions, as well as fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters. Everyone was in a competition, with everyone encouraging each other to participate. We've had some good competition this year, so look out!

Our entire lives seem to be a journey of self-discovery. I, for one, am constantly seeking the fundamental truths that will allow me to store my treasures in Heaven and not in this world where all things are temporary. The weekend of the Live Pure retreat brought my focus back on God Himself through His physical and divine presence in the Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharist.

In realizing that the Blessed Sacrament, as St. Therese of Lisieux said it, is both the anticipation and the promise of heaven where the Christ will be seen face to face in the heavenly home where He is awaiting us. This is the feast that we are all awaiting and experiencing at the same time. It isn't that God wants us to "give up" anything. He wants us to believe in this banquet He has prepared for us. He shows that He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. He shows us the option, and he blesses us when we choose to allow Him to bless our lives. The Eucharist contains the very profound yet simple truth that He loves us. He loves us. We can constantly ask what our purpose is in this world, but we can only begin to discover the unveiling of our journeys when we can trust God to transform the lives we offer to Him as He transforms the bread and wine into Himself.

"In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."



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I brought a typical mindset to the LP Weekend as I do with several retreats - an open mind and an open heart. I was anticipating sessions, worships, group discussions (the usual) filled with enlightening content dealing with "living pure" and what not, but I wasn't so prepared to be so touched. I didn't expect Session 1 to hit so deeply. The phrases "He wants you to be at that banquet" or "He is inviting you" stood out to me and I knew right off the bat that this weekend was about the Eucharist. Moreover, it became a personal matter as I pondered what made me stop totally yearning for God.

What had prevented me from seeking God to the fullest has been the desire of finding a companion/being in a relationship. Being influenced by lots of college friends who have hooked up with each other and a dear friend moving on with her life had made me discontent with being single. Fortunately, this weekend took a lot of that non-sense in my head away. I had been distracted for such a long time that I failed to focus my attention on the more important things in my life - family, school, and God.

The Banquet was a very warm and intimate weekend where I was enabled to appreciate Holy Communion deeper not only for the time-being, but for the rest of my life. Extreme joy and oneness with God is felt as I partake in the Eucharist. And as a living tabernacle of Christ, I strive to be wholesome, pure, selfless, and loving. Conclusively, the Live Pure Weekend was a spectacular and beautiful experience for me.