Who Knew? College Kids Seeking God.

It was my first time speaking specifically to college age students. I had done high school youth groups and adults - but this particular demographic had eluded me. So there I was, at the Portland State University Newman Center talking about how to embrace and live the hard teachings of Christ. The focus was on getting these young adults to become true followers - meaning living the Gospel passage: "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, pick up his cross and follow me."

Not an easy topic, but oh so necessary.

When doing a talk like this, you can easily tell whether a group is interested in what you have to say. It's in their eyes. In most middle school and high school youth groups, there is an almost complete lack of connection. They're just not at that place of caring. Not everyone, mind you, but a majority.

God bless these PSU students. Not once did I feel I had lost them, or that they didn't care.

They listened intently. Asked questions. And even thanked me afterwards.

This is the lost generation? These are the young Americans from a liberal college, and located in one of the most liberal areas of the country who don't care about their faith?

Thanks be to God!

Let us continue to lift up our young adults in prayer. Especially those who are attending our colleges and universities - the "hot-beds" of morally relative indoctrination. Reach out a hand. Invite them to Mass. Bring them to a church event. Don't wait for them to come to you - it may never happen.

Take that first step. A step in faith. There are souls depending on you.