Take me out to the ball game

As the Corpus Christi Hooks players warmed up on the green Whataburger Field before their game on Aug. 31, the sound of praise and worship music could be heard coming from first base area.

The Heath Garcia Band, the same band that played at the Youth Spectacular 2011, played music for several youth groups from the Diocese of Corpus Christi for a “Night Out with the Hooks.” Some 80 young people attended the pre-game free concert.
 
Youth groups from St. Gertrude in Kingsville, Corpus Christi Cathedral, Nuestra Señora de San Juan, Sacred Heart in Rockport and Our Lady of Victory Church in Beeville brought 167 members to the game. Part of the proceeds from game ticket sales went to assist the Mother Teresa Shelter.

“It is important and wonderful to bring the youth together in fellowship,” Jaime Reyna, Director for Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, said. “Many of the youth that attended the game came with t-shirts from their parish or t-shirts that had a Christian message. This is one form of evangelizing just by their shirts as well as their example of fellowship.”

  The youth, many of who are graduating this year and entering college, met Adam Koll, Director for Young Adults and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, and Isaac Nolte, President of Del Mar College Newman Center in Corpus Christi. These campus ministers will be able to assist them with their continued formation after high school, Reyna said.

  “We want to remind you that we haven’t forgotten about you after you graduate from high school, we will be here for you,” Nolte said.
 
  Before the last song was played at the concert, Reyna led the youth groups in a prayer for rain. Prayer cards were given with the intent that the youth continue to pray for much-needed rain.
 
  As the youth settled down in their seats to watch the game, Eva Smith, a member of the youth from the Corpus Christi Cathedral youth chorale, sang the national anthem before the Hooks fans.

  “Eva did a great job in singing the national anthem and I am very proud of her,” Nellie Serna, Corpus Christi Cathedral Youth Director, said.
 
  “I really enjoyed my time here with my friends, no matter what the score was. I also like that I was able to support the Mother Teresa Shelter too and have fun,” Javier Martinez, Nuestra Senora de San Juan youth member, said.

  Linda McKamie, Director for the Mother Teresa Shelter, thanked the youth groups and their leaders for selecting the shelter as the beneficiary of the ticket sales for the game.
 
  “What a glorious ministry. Your light shines so brightly. Thank you for supporting the work of the Mother Teresa Shelter, Inc., in caring for our homeless family,” McKamie wrote in an email to the youth.

  Reyna said more diocesan youth events would be planned with youth directors at the next youth directors’ quarterly meeting. For more information, please contact the Office of Youth Ministry at (361) 882-6191.