BÍ TÍCH GIẢI TỘI

THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

Các em thiếu nhi Thánh Thể thân mến, đây là bài tâm tình của anh Xuân Thôn rất tình với Thầy Chí Thánh, Đấng đã không ngại nhận chúng ta là bạn thân của Ngài, nên Ngài muốn các em đến dự tiệc với Ngài; ngày xưa trong bữa tiệc Thánh Thể Chúa đã rửa chân cho các Tông đồ, giờ đây Ngài cũng muốn “tắm rửa sạch sẽ, và mặc bộ y phục xứng đáng” cho các em để đón nhận Chúa Giêsu Thanh Thể vào lòng các em.

Đêm nay ngồi một mình, đối diện với lương tâm, tôi giật mình vì thấy mình đã lâu rồi không đi xưng tội.

Thời gian qua, mỗi lần tôi có ý định đến với Bí tích Giải tội, là mỗi lần tôi cứ ngần ngại, cứ lưỡng lự và thoái thác, cứ khất lần với nhiều lý do khác nhau, để rồi thời gian qua đi, đi mãi cho đến hôm nay, nhìn lại thấy mình đã không đi xưng tội trong một thời gian dài.

Chúa ơi! Con biết mỗi lần con không đến được với Bí tích Giải tội, là mỗi lần “thần dữ” vui mừng nhẩy múa nhe răng cười khoái chí. Con cũng biết mỗi khi “thần dữ” cười thì Chúa khóc. Và con cũng biết con không thể đến với Bí tích Giải tội bằng sức lực của riêng con. Con không thể đến lãnh nhận ơn tha thứ mà không có sự thôi thúc dẫn dắt của Chúa. Chúa biết con yếu đuối và dễ phạm tội biết bao! Khi phạm tội, con bị đui mù, không nhìn thấy Ơn Chúa luôn bao bọc che chở cho con. Khi phạm tội, lòng con khô cứng và khép kín,Ơn Chúa không thể đi vào để thúc dục dẫn dắt con bước đi. Tình thương và ân sủng Chúa luôn tuôn đổ trên con, luôn có đó cho con hưởng nhờ, nhưng khi phạm tội, tay con bị què cụt, con không thể đưa tay ra mà lãnh nhận. Tội trói buộc và giam hãm con, không cho con đứng dậy để đến gần bên Chúa, nó ngăn cản không cho con đến để lãnh nhận tình thương và ân sủng Chúa hằng trao ban.

Chúa ơi! Xin cứu chữa con khỏi mọi tội lỗi. Xin giải thoát con khỏi mọi giam hãm trói buộc của “thần dữ”.

Tội làm ta xa Chúa. Tội ngăn cản ta đến gần bên Chúa. Tội phá hủy công trình cứu chuộc của Thiên Chúa. Chắc chắn Chúa chán ghét tội lỗi, nhưng Ngài luôn yêu thương tha thứ cho tội nhân. Chắc chắn Chúa luôn kết án tội lỗi, nhưng Ngài không bao giờ kết án tội nhân. Tội là đầu mối của mọi sự dữ. Tội là hậu quả của hận thù ghen ghét. Nhưng may mắn thay: Ở đâu có tội lỗi thì ở đó có tình yêu thương tha thứ và ân sủng Chúa hằng luôn tuôn đổ. Ở đâu có thần dữ níu kéo mời gọi, thì ở đó có Ơn Chúa trao ban dư đầy. “Ơn của Thầy đã đủ cho con “ (2Cr.12:9)

Ơn Chúa là tình thương, là sức mạnh và là quà tặng như không Chúa hằng trao ban cho con mỗi ngày trong cuộc sống. Ơn Ngài ban là hơi thở. Tình yêu Ngài hiến tặng là sức sống. Ân sủng Ngài tuôn đổ thì bao la vô tận, làm sao con kín múc cho hết!

Chúa ơi! Phải chăng công việc của Chúa là yêu thương và tha thứ? Và phải chăng, khi mang thân phận yếu hèn của kiếp người, công việc của con là phạm tội để được Chúa thứ tha? Tội của con càng nhiều, thì sự tha thứ của Chúa càng lớn. Tội của con càng lớn, thì tình yêu và ân sủng của Chúa tuôn đổ trên con càng bao la vô tận.

Ước mong mỗi lần con đến với Bí tích Giải tội, xin cho con luôn cảm nếm được tình thương yêu tha thứ của Chúa, để rồi con cũng biết thứ tha cho anh chị em của con, như Chúa đã tha thứ cho con.

Tội là rác rưởi, là thối tha, là xú uế… Đi xưng tội, không chỉ đơn thuần như là người đi đổ rác, đi vứt bỏ rác rưởi thối tha, đi làm sạch mùi hôi thối xú uế, nhưng còn ngàn lần hơn thế nữa. Đi xưng tội còn là lãnh nhận ơn Chúa, vì lãnh nhận bí tích là lãnh nhận ơn Chúa, và quan trọng hơn cả là: một khi có ơn Chúa, ta có sức mạnh để

Ý LỰC CỦA THÁNGTHEME OF THE MONTH

- Nguyện xin Đức Trinh Nữ Maria cầu bầu cho các em cảm nghiệm được tình yêu thương của Thiên Chúa, để chúng ta siêng năng đến tâm tình với Chúa Giêsu Thánh Thể mật thiết hơn.- May the Virgin Mary intercede for the youths to experience the love of God, so we can diligently come to converse with Eucharistic Jesus more intimately.

L.M Giusse Cao Xuân CảnhTU Đoàn TNTT CHĐ & NVHB

Ý CẦU NGUYỆNPLEASE PRAY FOR

- Cầu cho những linh hồn nạn nhân mới bị sát hại tại Tiểu Bang Colorado, xin Chúa thương đón những linh hồn ấy về hưởng nhan thánh Chúa.- Xin Chúa Thánh Thể ban cho Miền Đông Bắc chúng con có được những ngày Trại Miền được bình an, lành mạnh, thời tiết tốt đẹp, cho các em Thiếu Nhi được thêm tinh thần vui tươi, các Huynh Trưởng làm việc trong tinh thần hiệp nhất. Đặc biệt, xin Chúa ban muôn ơn lành trên quý Phụ Huynh, Trợ Tá đến giúp chúng con tổ chức những ngày trại này.Please send prayers to tntt.mdb@gmail.com

TIN TRONG MIỀNREGIONAL NEWS

Trại Miền - Sa Mạc Hừng Đông 6 August 3 - 5, 2012 Pachaug State Forest Park 219 Ekonk Hill Road, Voluntown, CT 06384

Sa Mạc HL HT Cấp I & II - Giudea IV & V August 16 - 19, 2012 Camp Samac 1711 Simcoe Street N Oshawa, ON L1G 4Y1

Đại Lễ Lòng Chúa Thương Xót August 25, 2012 National Shrine of The Divine Mercy 74 Pine Street, Stockbridge, MA 01262

Hành Hương Fatima September 2, 2012 National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima 1023 Swann Road, Youngstown, NY 14174

tiếp theo...

TNTT NEWSLETTER VOL 29

PHONG TRÀO THIẾU NHI THÁNH THỂ VIỆT NAM MIỀN ĐÔNG BẮC HOA KỲ

AUGUST 2012

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TNTT NEWSLETTER VOL 29

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AUGUST 2012

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Xứ Đoàn Trưởng & BCH Miền Annual Meeting October 5 - 6, 2012 YMCA Camp Harrington 320 Sewall Street Boylston, MA 01505

TIN CÁC ĐOÀNLOCAL CHAPTER NEWS Trại Nguồn Sống - Thánh Thể X - GTD August 17 - 19, 2012 Pachaug State Forest Park 219 Ekonk Hill Road, Voluntown, CT 06384Please submit news to tntt.mdb@gmail.com

HOAN HÔSHOUT OUT

Hoan hô các Hiệp Sĩ và Huynh Trưởng của các đoàn trong Miền Đông Bắc đã đem lại sự vui tươi và hăng say thi đua củng như hiệp nhất và kết thân với tất cả các miền khác tại Đại Hội Hiệp Sĩ I vừa qua. YOU GUYS ROCK!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!! ĐÔNG WHAT? ĐÔNG BẮCCC !!!Please send shout out to tntt.mdb@gmail.com

THI ĐUA HÀNG THÁNGMONTHLY TRIVIA- Hãy nêu ra ba Sùng Tâm của người Hiệp Sĩ?- Name the three Devotions of the Knights of EucharistPlease send your answer to tntt.mdb@gmail.com.

GIẢI ĐÁP THÁNG TRƯỚCLAST MONTH ANSWER

- Trong phong trào Thiếu Nhi Thánh Thể, Khung Cảnh Thánh Kinh của Sa Mạc Huấn Luyện Huấn Luyện Viên Trung Cấp là gì?- In the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Society of America, what’s the Biblical Scene for Training Camp of Mid-Level Youth Leader Trainer? Answer: Giáo Hội Tiên Khởi. Chúa Thánh Thần, Đấng Bảo Trợ và Hướng Dẫn.

Chúc mừng Trưởng Trâm Lê, LBT, CT đã trả lời đúng câu hỏi tháng Bảy. Congratulation to Tram Le, LBT, CT answered correctly July’s Trivia.

quyết liệt chống trả với “thần dữ”; quyết liệt nói “không” với tất cả níu kéo mời gọi của tội lỗi; quyết liệt đứng vững mà không vấp ngã phạm tội nữa. “Về đi…về đi, và đừng phạm tội nữa” (Ga.8:11). Đó là lời Chúa nói với người đàn bà phạm tội ngoại tình năm xưa, và đó cũng là lời nhắn nhủ mời gọi mà Chúa trao cho ta, mỗi khi ta đến với Bí tích Giải tội. Đó cũng chính là qùa tặng, là sức mạnh của tình thương và ân sủng Chúa trao ban cho ta để làm hành trang lên đường.

Chúa ơi! Mỗi khi con phạm tội, con biết Chúa buồn. Mỗi khi con xa Chúa, con biết Chúa không vui. Khi con đi hoang, trông ngóng một tình yêu mới, con biết Chúa đau. Khi con yêu người hơn yêu Chúa; yêu đời quên tình Chúa… Con thấy Chúa im lặng, Ngài nhìn con không nói. Lúc đó con biết Chúa đang khóc.

Nguyện xin cho dòng nước mắt ấy tuôn đổ trên cuộc đời con, thanh tẩy con, và giúp con trở nên giống Chúa mỗi ngày mỗi hơn.

Đêm nay ngồi bên Chúa, con cất tiếng hỏi:- Con biết Chúa thương con, nhưng Chúa thương nhiều hay thương ít?Con nghe tiếng Chúa âu yếm trả lời: “Thương nhiều”- Chúa thương con nhiều, nhưng nhiều bao nhiêu hả Chúa?Chúa im lặng… Nhìn lên thập giá, con thấy Chúa giang rộng đôi tay như thầm

nói với con: “ Nhiều bây nhiêu”, rồi gục đầu tắt thở.Nguyện xin Đức Trinh Nữ Maria cầu bầu cho các em cảm nghiệm được tình yêu

thương của Thiên Chúa để chúng ta siêng năng đến tâm tình với Chúa Giêsu Thánh Thể mật thiết hơn, Đấng đã yêu thương chúng ta đến chết nhục nhã trên cây Thập gíá, và hiến mạng Ngài làm của nuôi các em trên đường trần gian về với nhà Cha trên trời.

Tu sỹ hèn mọn của Đức Mẹ,Giuse Maria Cao xuân Cảnh, CMC.

TU Đoàn TNTT CHĐ & NVHB

ĐẠI HỘI HIỆP SĨ TOÀN QUỐC KNIGHT OF EUCHARIST CONVENTION

Carlinville, IL - Đại Hội Hiệp Sĩ Toàn Quốc được

tổ chức từ ngày 5 đến ngày 8 tháng 7 năm 2012 tại thành phố Carlinville, IL, cách thành phố St. Louis, MO, 70 dặm về hướng Bắc.

Sáng thứ Năm ngày 5 tháng 7 không khí vùng Lake Williamson Christian Center hình như vui hẳn lên để chào đón quý khách tham dự Đại Hội Hiệp Sĩ dưới ánh nắng ban mai của mùa hè nóng bức. Các chiếc xe bus lần lượt tiến vào vùng Đại Hội chở theo đoàn người Hiệp Sĩ trẻ đến từ 8 miền của nước Hoa Kỳ và Canada. Có hơn 700 em Hiệp Sĩ và hơn 300 thành phần tham dự khác gồm các Cha Tuyên Úy, Trợ Úy, Trợ Tá, và các Huynh Trưởng về tham dự Đại Hội Hiệp Sĩ lần đầu tiên do Ban Chấp Hành Trung Ương của trong Phong Trào Thiếu Nhi Thánh Thể Việt Nam tại Hoa Kỳ tổ chức.

Sau một năm nao nức chuẩn bị và đợi chờ, các Hiệp Sĩ ồ ạt bước xuống xe bus tung tăng tay bắt mặt mừng và trao cho nhau những tiếng hoan hô chào mừng làm náo động một vùng Đại Hội. Đến giờ khởi hành các đoàn giăng cao biểu ngữ đoàn và những tiếng reo hò náo động biểu lộ tinh thần hiệp nhất và yêu thương. Với tiếng trống thúc giục và những ngọn nến lung linh thắp sáng đã đưa đoàn người vào bên trong hội trường để khai mạc. Trong bộ đồng phục thật chỉnh tề và trong tiếng nhạc thật uy nghiêm và linh thiêng Đại Hội được khai mạc với nghi thức chào cờ thật trang trọng. Cha Tuyên Úy Đại Hội, Giuse Nguyễn Quốc Hưng, dòng Phanxicô, nói lên lời chào mừng quan khách và Đại Hội.

AUGUST 2012

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TNTT NEWSLETTER VOL 29

PHONG TRÀO THIẾU NHI THÁNH THỂ VIỆT NAM MIỀN ĐÔNG BẮC HOA KỲ

AUGUST 2012

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Chủ đề của Đại Hội là “Ra Đi Thắp Sáng Ngọn Lửa Trên Toàn Thế Giới”. Chủ đề này là lời mời gọi các em Hiệp Sĩ dấn thân bước vào đời với ngọn lửa trong tim để loan báo Tin Mừng. Mỗi ngày của Đại Hội mang một ý lực sâu sa. Ngày thứ nhất sống với ý lực Huynh Đệ. Ngày thứ hai sống với ý lực Hiệp Nhất. Ngày thứ ba sống với ý lực Bác Ái. Và sau cùng là ý lực Phục Vụ. Các sinh hoạt của mỗi ngày được diễn ra theo các ý lực trên. Bốn ý lực này giúp tạo cho các em phương cách để thắp sáng ngọn lửa trong tim.

Đại Hội rất hân hoan chào đón sự hiện diện của Cha Tuyên Úy Đại Hội Giuse Nguyễn Quốc Hưng, OFM, Cha Tổng Tuyên Úy Phanxicô Xaviê Trần Quốc Tuấn, Cha Phó Tổng Tuyên Úy Quản Trị Phanxicô Xaviê Nguyễn Thanh Bình, SVD, Cha Phó Tổng Tuyên Úy Nghiên Huấn Martinô Nguyễn Bá Thông, Cha Tuyên Úy Miền Trung Giuse Phạm Ngọc Thi, SCJ, Cha Giuse Nguyễn Châu, SVD, Cha Phêrô Đặng Ngọc Quý, SVD, và Cha Danh, SDB. Bên cạnh các Cha còn nhận thấy có Sơ Maria Nguyễn Ngọc Hồng, dòng Biển Đức, Sơ Nguyễn Mỹ, dòng Nữ Tử Bác Ái, nhiều Sơ dòng Mến Thánh Giá Phát Diệm, ba Sơ dòng Dòng Trinh Vương, và hai Sơ Dòng Mến Thánh Giá Los Angeles.

Sự hiện diện của quý Cha, quý Trợ Úy, Trợ Tá, Quý Tu Sĩ nam nữ và một lực lượng hùng mạnh với hơn 300 huynh trưởng tạo một khí thế hào hùng khởi sắc cho bốn ngày Đại Hội với chủ đề nóng bỏng “Ra Đi Thắp Sáng Ngọn Lửa Trên Toàn Thế Giới.”

Sr Nguyễn Mỹ, DCTrợ Úy Miền Đông Bắc, Đoàn Thánh St. Bernadette

CẢM NGHĨ ĐẠI HỘI HIỆP SĨKNIGHT OF EUCHARIST CONVENTION’S REFLECTIONS

Despite the lack of sleep, scorching hot weather, and long bus rides, DHHS was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

In the past, I was afraid of large crowds of people and could never be comfortable in them. I was anxious about spending a weekend with over a thousand strangers. Yet somehow, God gave me a connection with all of these people. I joined with people from areas all over Amer-ica and Canada, each person different. But right when we slipped into our TNTT uniform, none of our differences mattered. From cheering loudly for Miền Đông Bắc and Canada, to eating ice cream in order to avoid the heat, to listening to speakers who motivated me in life, and to singing songs with them during break time – each moment was valuable. These strangers turned into family. In those moments, we united as one body, connecting through one purpose from our one creator – God.

I’ve always felt so alone in being a Vietnamese Catholic. After DHHS, I realized that there will always be people walking beside me with God. I found myself and discovered that I could achieve so much more with this precious life. Tony Malendez made me realize that I have the arms to give and life itself is a miracle. Even the little things, like throwing a frisbee or drinking a bottle of water, prove that my existence is worth so much more than I believe it is. I learned that I am living a gift and must put it into use.

Those four days passed by so quickly, yet so many different emo-tions ran through my mind. I smiled from the welcoming hearts of the new friends I made, cried during the speeches that changed my out-look on life, laughed with the nuns as they taught me kung fu, and felt hopeful from the new light ahead in my future. I learned that I can live a life with God. My mission is to spread his love to others and prove that God and happiness can tie into one. Now that I am back in society, I know that it won’t be easy. But I also know that I am not alone and I am ready to set the world on fire.

HS. Anna Do, Đoàn Andrê Phú Yên, Syracuse, NY

After hearing the news that I was going to DHHS, I thanked god I became a Hiep Si in time, hahaha. Anyways, when I heard “we’re going to DHHS !” the only thing that popped into my mind was “YES ! I get to meet new friends”. But after 4 days of cheering, singing, dancing, mass, lectures, I came to my senses that meeting new friends wasn’t the only thing I gained from DHHS, I gained so much more. Like my love and belief in God grew so much stronger, and I also learned how great Mien Dong Bac is ;D Through the 4 speakers that took their time in, so inform us, I learned that I should be so blessed. Because I have everything a kid need or want. Warm home, great food, awesome friends and family, and so much more. I should be blessed I have to hands that can shake people hands, write, type this letter, and many more. This retreat has opened my eyes to many things, things I haven’t even thought of before. I thank God everyday for the things I have, the little miracles that I get through out my life, and especially DHHS happening.

Sincerely,HS Hoa Nguyễn, Đoàn Tôma Thiện, NY(The girl in the middle with so much MDB pride, and love for God.)

I lost faith after a series of events that lead me to think that “how could I trust someone that I can’t even see?” and things started to go downhill from there. I went my own way and inevitably, I was told to go to this Dai Hoi in Illinois. It was like waking up from a nightmare; not everything in my life was perfect but I have a feeling that it’s go-ing to start to clear up because of how I made friends from across the nation and how long the services were. Despite the boredom and the time-consuming liturgies, it gave me time to think about my future and how I’ll end up. My heart started to lighten when I met the guy

with no hands and how he made his spiritual recovery. Looking back, every single event that took place within the four long, yet short, days of this convention, I realized that everything I accomplished or left undone had a purpose one way or another. I lost my first love, I lost my pride, I lost my identity, but I did not completely lose my faith in our Father.

HS Long Nguyễn, Đoàn Tôma Thiện, NY

For months, Hiep Si across the United States have been waiting for Đại Hội Hiệp Sĩ Toàn Quốc I and all of the surprises and experiences that the convention promised, and now that the convention has come and gone, everyone who attended now wishes that they could go back to that very memorable weekend. Life-long friendships were made, re-gional unity and spirit was built, and faith grew stronger. For me, this Đại Hội was very life changing and I would love to go back if given the chance. At this convention, I gained so many personal things that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. In my opinion, there are too many memories from Đại Hiệp Sĩ to count. My favorite highlights in-clude when the two buses meet for dinner in Buffalo, MDB spirit crew “Whatever” dance, MDB taking home first and second place in the tal-ent show and taking third place in both video contests, and most of all, meeting people from other mien and building such great friendships with the people from “The beasts from the east”! Đại Hội Hiệp Sĩ was also a spiritual journey. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our faith came alive and it was evident that everyone’s faith grew stronger. Thank you to all of the Huynh Truong who made our trip and this convention so successful because of their hard work and dedication. We really could not have done any of this without your guidance and support. You are all true examples of “setting the world on fire”!

HS Jonny Nguyễn, Đoàn Tôma Thiện, NY

Đại Hội Hiệp Sĩ, was for sure a great experience. From meeting new people to being reunited with old friends it was a pleasure to be a part of. I got to meet people that I haven’t seen in years and be able to finally meet people I met online! The preparations for DHHS were grueling and tough but it was all worth it in the end. This was also something worth reliving if I could, I thought DHHS way better than DHNS III was 4 years back. Our doan hosted dinner for all of the other doans in our mien going with us on the bus at our church. It was great to see everyone gathered there playing volleyball, soccer,

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chilling and then eating PHO! Then our long journey began, and for others continued. The bus ride is also a memo-rable experience, from raiding the rest stops, finding a comfortable position to sleep in, to annoying everyone with my theories… We finally got there at 7 am, and we were hours early. Our adventures of ping pong, hacky sack, and running around getting ready for the opening ceremony, it was amazing meeting people before everything all started. Throughout the 3-4 days we were there, I don’t think I’ve been that happy in a while. It just felt like family and I never wanted it to end. MIEN DONG BAC!

HS Thomas Võ, Đoàn Tôma Thiện, NY

Dai Hoi Hiep Si was my last event as a Hiep Si before I am to become a Huynh Truong and I am glad that it was my last. It was four days filled with so much love, spirit, joy, and friendship. I was able to reconnect with some of the friends I have made over the years along with make a ton of new ones. There were so many memories that were made and I am glad that a Dai Hoi was established for the Hiep Si in TNTT. We are all at a very sociable stage and having a Dai Hoi is a great way to positively harness that sociability. I felt so empowered by the end of those four days to go out and set the world on fire. After spending eight years in Thieu Nhi, it still amazes me the amount of spirit there is in all of us. We are one of the oldest groups in Phong Trao but I have found out after attending Dai Hoi that we are also the most powerful. I am proud to say that we as Hiep Si can go forth and set the world on fire.

HS Maria Tạ, Đoàn Tôma Thiện, NY

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GIỮ NHỮNG NGỌN LỬA ẤY BỪNG CHÁYKEEP THOSE FLAMES GOING!

I’m a big believer of “everything happens for a reason.” When I first moved to random New Hampshire from the vivacious South, I thought I was going to be TNTT-deprived for the next two years. And once again, God does remarkable miracles. He sent me an amazing Doan Truong and Duc Me Man Coi to ignite my TNTT heart. Trust me, when I first saw the whole doan of 25 kids, I was in shock; my first grade classes in Georgia, 1A & 1B, had 25 kids each. However, as I spent more time with DMMC, I realize it’s about

quality not quantity. I originally signed up for DHHS before receiving my summer

schedule. Nevertheless, I backed out after having nightmares of 3 ex-ams & 3 projects taunting me that week. I told my Doan Truong that as much as I love TNTT, graduate school is my top priority right now. WRONG! One week prior to the trip, I experienced this random desire of wanting to go to DHHS so I said to myself, “Forget this! DHHS is once in a lifetime opportunity, a B isn’t going to hurt me!” And it was one of the best decisions of my life! My Doan Truong rearranged everything, including our traveling & transportation schedule, just be-cause I chose to go last minute.

Despite having lower back pain, uncomfortable sleep, constant whining, sneaky uncute sleeping pictures, stressX100 etc., our 24hr road trip was one of my favorite parts of DHHS. Being the only female HT, I was pretty spoiled. The boys did all the driving while I chilled with my Hiep Sy girls in the backseat (when we weren’t snoozing). I never talked/worked with HSs before and being stuck (literally) with

them for 24 hours made a huge difference. I forgot how difficult it is to be a teenager in our current society, especially when it comes to balancing TNTT with school, peer pressure, etc. Even their playlists seemed peculiar to me, but I was jamming to their songs by the end of the trip. I became their “friend” instead of this random HT who is probably going to leave soon. When they told me that they’re going to miss me, I felt love and a sense of belonging. They’re now my second family. If I could go back and change one thing about DHHS, I wish more of our HSs joined us. Everything was worth it.

Our first DHHS rally was a reality check for me. The loud com-petitive chanting of 1200+ participants in TNTT uniforms uplifted my spirit, and I definitely sensed God’s presence with us. I felt this warmth and bliss sparking throughout my whole body. My brain & heart were actually freed of worries and at peace for once. It was something different, like I was destined to be there so I could revive the fading flames in my heart. Sadly but true, this “strange” feeling was a reflection of my negligence. School, friends, family, etc. bom-barded me, and I put my TNTT/HT responsibilities in the backburner. I went to TNTT when I didn’t have to study or when I had some extra time to spare. It became a habit.

In last Sunday’s reading, Jesus took the disciplines away from the crowd and gave this message of “balancing” one’s social and spiritual life. He understands that life gets busy and overwhelming, thus al-lowing us to “walk away” when it gets too hectic. He waits patiently for our return. He doesn’t expect us to always be 100% spiritual and obedient; He did grant us the democratic power of choices. Through-out my numerous hiatuses from life, I discovered that when you walk too far, you tend to get comfortable and forget (out of sight, out of mind). You have to constantly keep the flames going because if you let it dwindle to a certain level, it is going to be arduous to awaken it. It is the same with life, family, friends, school, TNTT, etc. DHHS re-minded me of what I was missing out on and inspired me to sign up for Cap 2 training next month. Don’t let the burnout go too far. For those who didn’t attend DHHS this year, come next time!

In Christ,Teresa Vũ Nguyên

P.S. Believe in that quote “Once a HT, forever a HT”. Remember that you’re never alone because the TNTT network is everywhere.

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HOAN HÔ ĐHHS BAN Y TẾCHEERS TO 2012 NATIONAL KNIGHTS OF EUCHARIST’S

MEDICAL TEAM: DAI HOI HIEP SY BAN Y TE!

Sunday July 9, 2012, 1:00am. The aroma of crisp baked bread with warm melting moz-

zarella cheese and rich tomato sauce surrounded the BYT room. Cur-few was set, and the medical team members were ready to tear the pizzas apart. This was our first meal & last night together. As each of us took our first bite, we heard “co mot em bi chay mau [some-one’s bleeding]” over the walkie-talkie. Within one second, 3 male HTs dropped their pizzas, grabbed their medic bags, and zoomed out the room. The girls stayed behind, cleared the paper, and prepared for the incoming patient. By the time we were done with our last patient, it was already 2:00am. Due to exhaustion and preparation for the next morning departure, everyone said their final goodbyes and went to bed. Typical day for BYT …

Since I had minimal healthcare background, I was fortunate enough to be the bystander/observer of BYT. I saw and felt the love that the medical team had for TNTT. As cheesy as this may sound, I actually “fell in love” with the medical team; my heart melt every time I saw my HT brothers & sisters in action. While the female patients became dazzled by our sturdy, macho medical guys, the male patients were enjoying the free medical care from our cute, gentle nurses. =p Dr. Tri Nguyen, our EMT leader Jimmy, Head Nurse Trizzie, Pharma-cist Bao, and numerous selfless team members sacrificed their whole DHHS weekend to serve over 1,200 participants. Despite having little sleep and missing most of the fun events, no one complained. They each wore their medical armband with pride and fulfilled their duties beyond expectations. Dr. Nguyen closed his office earlier and drove all the way from Tennessee to be our head doctor. He slept in the office and was on call 24/7 for the whole event. EMT Jimmy spent weeks organizing, preparing, and recruiting volunteers. Nurse Trizzie made

the schedule and took care of everything. All the other team members were on duty and scattered throughout the campsite. When I asked some of them what inspired them to join BYT, they replied: “GOD & TNTT.” Through God and his blessings, BYT made sure everyone arrived home safe and healthy.

Aside from BYT, I saw selfless love and dedication in everyone. For instance, even at the odd hours of 4am, the security team was roaming around in their golf cart, ensuring that everyone is safe and sound. The band, the choir, the liturgy team, etc., all worked together to make DHHS a successful/memorable event. It was amazing! With-out these volunteers, DHHS wouldn’t have taken place. I thank God for bringing us together. Next time you see our awesome HTs who put their hearts & souls into DHHS, give them a big hug! =]

In Christ,Teresa Vũ Nguyên

Keep our healthcare providers in your prayers. “O merciful Fa-ther, who have wonderfully fashioned man in your own image, and have made his body to be a temple of the Holy Spirit, sanctify, we pray you, our doctors and nurses and all those whom you have called to study and practice the art of healing the sick and the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them in body and soul, and bless their work, that they may give comfort to those for whose salvation your Son became Man, lived on this earth, healed the sick, and suffered and died on the Cross. Amen.”

CẢM NGHĨ TRẠI TIN YÊU VTHOUGHTS ON CAMP TIN YEU V

“There are people that think planning a wedding is perhaps the most stressful event in your lifetime. Well those people obviously aren’t part of the Thieu Nhi Thanh The and have never been Sa Mac Truong, responsible for an entire camp. You are responsible choos-ing the right people to help you. You are responsible for 3 days worth of exciting events. Most importantly, you are responsible for all your highly energetic campers ready for the highlight of their summer. It was stressful and nerve-racking. I suffered serious sleep deprivation and yet, I can say it was one of the most rewarding and best learning experience of my life. From brainstorming to planning to execution,

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every detail was important. This position allows you to oversee the entire camp and with great power comes great responsibilities. Some-times you are forced to work with all types of people. Some may be on top of their game and have everything planned out to the last detail, while others have just planned to wing it. In this exasperating situa-tion it is your duty to step up and display the leadership potential that you hold. Though this made me annoyed, it made me realize there are all types of people in the world who operate differently than you and you must learn to work with everyone no matter what. Camp did not run smoothly under my supervision but all the chaos made it all the more exciting and pushed huynh truongs to do things outside of their comfort zone. I did not volunteer for this position but I am glad I had the support system to push me to follow through because it was a fan-tastic experience that I will use to handle future leadership position. I recommend that any huynh truong’s wanting to be involved take up this job and see what you are capable of.”

Tr. Thảo Lê, Đoàn Phaolô Lê Bảo Tịnh, CT

Being assigned the position as Tong Truc for the first time was very nerve-racking. I had little experience with the responsibility of this position because it was my first time being apart of running a camp. Le Bao Tinh’s camp was something I looked forward to every summer. However, I never knew of the hard work that was put into planning such an event. Our main purpose was to make sure the thieu nhi kids had as much as fun as we once did. Through out this experience, I real-ized the importance of being organized, knowing time management,

working as a team with my fellow huynh truongs, and overcoming mini obstacles that we faced. I have also felt myself grow a bit as a huynh truong and realized the meaning of being a leader. I was there to serve them, which is one of our duties. I wanted to give back to the kids, making sure they would have a memorable camp that they would not forget. To me, a successful camp is one in which all the kids had lots of enthusiasm and fun. Seeing everyone laugh and joking around with each other at camp brought a satisfying feeling inside of me. This was such a gratifying opportunity that I would love to be given another chance so I could be a better, experienced Tong Truc.

Tr. Trinh Đậu, Đoàn Phaolô Lê Bảo Tịnh, CT

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LÀM VIỆC BÁC ÁI BÊN CAMPUCHIACHARITY WORKS IN CAMBODIA

When I’m with them, everything that doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter any-more. And everything real and true becomes my duty, becomes my only option. When I’m with them, I become the most real me I’ve ever been.

One thing that I am still learning is how to be the real me everywhere that I am. Although God felt so thick and tangible when I served in Cambodia, His presence is just as infinite here in the United States as it is there. My only challenge is being aware of that in the midst of my daily life that’s filled with

none other than distractions upon more distractions. I think that’s the biggest lesson I am taking home from Cambodia--to be in union with God in even the most chaotic circumstances. What’s so impressive about getting away from chaos to be with God? I need to learn how to believe that God is there, real, and active even when it’s hard to feel it, see it, or believe it.

I remember so clearly being upset one day. I went down to the school where the kids were always playing and just listened to them. I loved that there was a language barrier. The fact that I couldn’t under-stand what they were saying or yelling set my mind at ease, allowed my brain to rest from processing information. Pannich, our 14 year old student, motioned for me to rest my head on his lap and I did. As I just let myself cry, he stroked my hair and simply consoled me, say-ing, “Smile! Smile!” Why is it that I, who came to serve, am being served? How is it that so many instances aside from this performed by such beautiful children were the exact image of Jesus serving us? It blew my mind how much Christ lived in them. It also blew my mind how Christ was active in me so much that they recognized this Godly love to accept it and respond to it.

One month in Po Thum, Cambodia is difficult to press and con-tain into small paragraphs because most of my experiences transcend words and articulated thought. There is so much to say but I have to

restrain from giving all the goods away! People have to come and experience it for themselves. By witnessing children with nothing, being happier than people with everything is by far, extremely refresh-ing and humbling. What’s breathtaking though is the love that they breathe into the village without expecting any in return. It didn’t mat-ter how many times I yelled at them out of frustration in class, or how many times I gave them a time out for misbehaving--they returned with this new love that forgot all I’ve ever done.

I didn’t get it and I still don’t. But that’s the thing about God; He’s too big for us to understand. The way these children played, learned, thought, and loved was so Christ-like to the point where I didn’t un-derstand. And it’s so incredibly beautiful to be able to be in their lives.

I remember the morning Uyen and I were leaving. I remember the tears and the uncertainty of when we would ever see these children ever again. I remember talking to Uyen about how we want to watch these kids grow...that they’ve allowed us to become so intimately con-nected to their personal life that it’s too hard to not care about them and love them. And I also remember asking God to bring us back to them when He so pleases to, because friends do come and go but we became a family. As cheesy as it sounds, we became a family through Christ and His love that really did connect us all.

Kim Nguyễn, Đoàn Têrêsa Hài Đồng Giêsu, CT

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LÀM VIỆC BÁC ÁI BÊN CAMPUCHIACHARITY WORKS IN CAMBODIA

“I love you, you love me. We are one big family,” the kids sang loudly in class in exchange for stickers. It was a simple tune from the Barney Theme song that we taught to the children in Cambodia. After departing Cambodia I realized how perfectly this simple tune describes our little missionary family. Over the course of one month staying in Po Thum, Cambodia, we have cre-ated a family including five frères, six teachers, 150 kids, and four Khmer-born Vietnamese boys.

After seven treacherous hours sit-ting on a bus hearing the driver honk every minute, Kim and I arrived in Phnom Penh where Frere Phong and Anh picked us up on a tuk-tuk, an auto rickshaw pulled by a motorbike. I remember asking Frere Phong how long it would take us to get into the village. He giggled and answered, “Half an hour, one hour, two hours, three hours, we don’t know! And you might have to push the tuktuk!” That was when I real-ized this mission trip would be one crazy adventure. Frere Phong with his welcoming giggles began explaining our tasks at the school in the village Po Thum. Our day schedule was: Wake up at 5am, pray at 5:30, breakfast around 6:30, free time until 11 to plan our class lesson, pray the rosary at 11:30, lunch afterward, class from 2pm till 4pm, pray one last time at 5:00, dinner at 5:30, and night class from 6 to 8pm. I was not sure if the description made me excited or nervous at that moment. “Time to pull the tuktuk into the ferry!” Frere said. Excited and full of energy, the three of us jumped off and pulled the tuktuk from the slippery mud. Every single moment of this mission trip revealed to me me how beautiful the simplest things in life are.

Kim and I were greeted with hugs, and smiles our first time meet-ing the children. Just like that, they welcomed and accepted us. What the children lacked in food, clothes, and shelter they are abundant in love and joy. It was astonishing to see how eager the children were to learn. They are not force to come to our school to learn, but they

come everyday prepared to learn with what little food in their stomach and clothes on their back. For me and for most of the other kids in the states, this would have been too horrifying to even imagine. We complain at every moment of hunger, boredom, and circumstance. We are spoiled to the utmost, yet we feel unsatisfied. We are granted with a great education, yet we complain and are not thankful enough for the opportunities given. And here I am witnessing children without parents, without food for days, and without homes coming through the gate of the LaSan school two hours prior to class just to play and sweep the classroom floor. Of course the children were not angels when it comes to sitting down to study. We had our moments of frustrations while teaching, but that’s only because they are children. It was easy to please the children because they would laugh at every joke we make. I was surprised to witness kids so free spirited and pure like how chil-dren were supposed to be.

There was a sense of perfection in the simplicity of our lives and their lives in the village. We showered in the rain, played in the mud, and lived a humble community life. We did not need a lot to make us happy, and that is how our lives should truly be. It was in Cambodia that I truly understood that God has a plan for everyone. He gave the children little in substance and in return gave them plenty in love, and joy.

“I love you, you love me. We are one big family.” It was in Cam-bodia that I felt the most blessed and loved. It was also in Cambodia that I reconnected with my faith and witnessed God’s loving grace. I learned to love the children as my own children and siblings. We did not have much to offer to them but they offered us all the love that they have. Under the humble roof of the LaSallian School, I witnessed myself and the others act in accordance to the words of the Lord to service to others wholeheartedly without wanting anything in return. We loved the children with the Jesus in us. In return, they loved us with the Jesus in them.

Tr. Uyên Huỳnh, Đoàn Têrêsa Hài Đồng Giêsu, CT

HÌNH ẢNH MDB ĐÓ ĐÂYPICTURES HERE AND THERE

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DHHS I - Chầu Thánh Thể

DHHS I - Chầu Thánh Thể

DHHS I - Praise and Worship

DHHS I - PacMan Đông Bắc

DHHS I - MDB

DHHS I - MDB won 1st & 2nd in the Talent Show

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HÌNH ẢNH MDB ĐÓ ĐÂYPICTURES HERE AND THERE

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LBT Camp - Mighty Moses

LBT Camp - Savio & Teresa visitors :)

LBT gone WILD

LBT Camp - Newest campers

LBT Camp - Visitors gathering :)

LBT Camp - Iron Dũng Lạc

HÌNH ẢNH MDB ĐÓ ĐÂYPICTURES HERE AND THERE

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Đoàn Thánh Bernadette Dâng Hoa

Đoàn Thánh Bernadette Dâng Hoa

DHHS again?

Sinh Hoạt tại Hành Hương LaSalette

TNTT MDB Rước Kiệu Mẹ

Cha Tổng rally tại Hành Hương LaSalette