TO MY SAINT ROSE FAMILY

My St. Rose Family


Hello All,
Jaime's concert last night was a huge success. If you missed it, you missed more than just a little Christmas music. There were over 300 people there and it was a great night of music and fellowship with our St. Rose Family. Jaime was wonderful (as always). We also showed her new music video (which drew tears from more than one person). In addition to those things, Jaime's Producer Roger Ryan (who is also an amazing pianist) performed a spectacular piano number. Also joining us was the very talented Kaleb Collins. He is a friend from Idaho who moved to Nashville 4 years ago. He is an amazing singer/songwriter who has written several songs for Jaime. He performed two of his songs last night including his own rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" done "james Bond" style. Yes, you read that right. He sang "God rest ye merry Gentlemen" to the tune of the James Bond theme. I think one of the highlights of the night was when I got onstage in my "Reindeer Pants" that I borrowed from Kevin Wilcox. If you are wondering how crazy that was, just think for a moment about who I borrowed them from (Kevin Wilcox).

We had alot of youth and adult volunteers to help with set up and tear down and the Ladies guild provided refreshments. Fr. Mark said the opening prayer and Deacon Pete said the closing prayer. It was a wonderful night.

Jaime and were talking when we got home about how lucky we are to have such a great St. Rose Family. At other parishes I have been at, I was lucky if I could get 10 adults to help with youth programs. Here at St. Rose we have nearly 50. At previous parishes when Jaime would do a Christmas concert we were lucky if 100 showed up. Last night we had over 300. I love the people everywhere I have been, but I have to admit that St. Rose has blown me away.

I know I can be pretty INTENSE when it comes to youth ministry. In the midst of my "instensity" I often forget to sit back and relax, spend time with people and let them know how much I love them and appreciate them. So I guess the point of this email is to do just that.

Thank you so much for being who you are and for the support you give Jaime and I. And a BIG THANK YOU to those of you who help with or support our youth ministry programs. It is the most important ministry in the church.

Finally, to the youth who are reading this,

I LOVE you!

Finally,

If you missed the concert this year, make sure that you come next year. I have a feeling it is going to become a pretty strong traditon at St. Rose.

Merry Christmas!

J.P. "Pete" Espil