The God Squad: Bringing Teens Closer To God

Amarillo—As the annual Diocesan Youth Rally wraps up, a group of teens have been active throughout the rally, leading their peers into a deeper relationship with God during the three-day Rally.

Meet the God Squad.

“God Squad teens prepared for the Youth Rally to lead their peers into a deeper relationship with God at the Rally,” said Oscar Guzman, Youth Director for the Diocese of Amarillo.

Approximately 30 teens representing 12 parishes throughout the diocese applied to join the 2011 God Squad, according to Guzman.

“God Squad members also lead teens in Praise and Worship,” he said. “Other duties included assisted with Liturgy, Prayers, helping workshop leaders and other duties as assigned.”

Coordinating the God Squad is Sonia Higgins of St. Joseph’s Church, Amarillo.

The West Texas Catholic sought out members of the God Squad and asked why they wanted to be a part of this group:

“One of the main reasons I wanted to be in God Squad was because it seemed like the kids up there were having a lot of fun,” said Janet Guerrero of St. Peter’s Church, Booker. “Another reason was because I wanted to be able to dance around and sing. The thing I love about the Youth Rally is that it opens our minds and refreshes us to see things in a different way, taking new responsibilities in our lives.”

“The reason that I wanted to be in God Squad is to be there to help others with their relationship to grow with God while my relationship is growing also,” said Alex Jane Banda of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Dalhart. “I love going to the rallies because I love dancing and singing for God and I also like hearing stories from other people.”

“I wanted to be a part of God Squad so I can be a example to other teens at youth events,” said Lazarai Ortiz of St. Anthony’s Church, Hereford. “The youth rallies are fun and uplifiting, getting you movidated to get close to God and show how great He is.”

“I wanted to be a part of God Squad because I have always thought of them as leaders of the church and I wanted to take part in that,” said Morgan Monroe of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Amarillo. “What I really love about the Youth Rally is that so many people can connect with Christ.”

“I like being in God Squad because it’s fun and exciting,” said Kevin Ruiz of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Spearman. “I like animating the crowds to get more into the rally and get the most out of it. It’s fun making up movements that anyone can do, that way everyone has a great time while being there.”

“I wanted to be a part of God Squad because serving God is one of my hobbies,” said Jessica Couch of St. Joseph’s Church, Stratford. “Since I came to the 2009 Youth Rally, I wanted to be a part of this. I love being a part of God Squad.”

“One thing I like about the Youth Rally is watching everyone’s love for God,” said Alejandra Medrano of St. John the Evangelist Church, Borger. “I wanted to join God Squad because I want to be apart of God’s Hands.”

“Every year, the God Squad has caught my attention,” said Veronica Garcia of St. Peter’s Church, Booker. “It seemed like something fun and interesting. I’ve always been interested and now that I finally get a chance to do this, I’m thrilled. I love everything about the Youth Rally: meeting new people, the music, the speakers and the best part—Adoration.”

“I joined God Squad because I want to get everyone pumped up for God,” said Katy Huelster of St. Joseph’s Church, Amarillo. “The Youth Rally is a ton of Catholics my age who want to learn about their faith and be together in unity.”

“I wanted to be in God Squad to show unity through Christ with the youth and to help make a stronger bond with my Catholic faith among my peers,” said Ruby Marez of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Amarillo. “The thing I love about the Youth Rally is letting God work through me to show His love for us all.”

“I believe God Squad is a great opportunity to meet people who are as excited as I am to lead others into the path of God,” said Angelica Mendoza of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Dalhart. “The experience I gain from this Youth Rally and seeing how Catholics join together to learn and celebrate God are my favorite things about the Rally. It’s a blessing to be a part of this group again and I’m thankful I am.”

“The reason I chose to be in God Squad is because every time I go to the Youth Rally, I see all those young teens leading our youth to do things,” said Uriel Valenzuela of St. Peter’s Church, Booker. “My most favorite part of the Youth Rally is Adoration and the emotion in the room. Bringing many new people to the Youth Rally can bring us that much closer to God, and the closer we get to God the more love He will have for us.”

In other youth news, Youth Ministers Coordinators, Prospective Youth Minister Leaders, Directors of Religious Education, Youth Ministry Teams (Volunteers) and their Spouses are invited to attend a Youth Ministers Getaway/Retreat Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19 in Glorieta, NM, near Santa Fe.

Find out more by calling the Diocesan Youth Office at 383-2243, ext 118.