Andrew Johnson is like most teenagers. He likes to hang out with friends and have a good time. In coming months, though, he'll take a path less traveled.
In August, the 19-year-old Snell Isle resident will leave St. Petersburg for a nine-month evangelization mission to Catholic youth around the United States. He'll also use the time to think and pray about becoming a Franciscan brother, a life-changing decision that would require giving up marriage, career and material possessions.
"It's definitely a time for discernment and to see where I am with God," he said.
[snip]
"I have always thought that Andrew would end up finding someone he loved very much and fathering a family," Caryle Johnson said. "He loves children. He's playful. He's got a great sense of humor. It never occurred to me that he would forgo the pleasure of a family."
Her son, who will take a year off from St. Petersburg College, will be one of 90 young people - ages 18 to 30 - participating in the West St Paul, Minnesota-based National Evangelization Teams or NET Ministries program.
His life for the next few months will be relatively Spartan. He will be allowed one backpack, a suitcase, a sleeping bag and a pillow and will travel in a 14-passenger van. He will get a stipend of $100 a month and must raise $3,400 to help pay for expenses such as health insurance and gas. With several weeks to go, the YMCA lifeguard and security guard is still short $500.
Angela Pasyk, a spokeswoman for Net Ministries, described the application for the program as "fairly intimidating." "The main thing is that you look for someone who is mature enough, who has a strong faith and someone who is good with people. Those are the three main characteristics," she said. [snip] St Petersburg Times
No comments:
Post a Comment