What is an Encounter?  (Haga clic aquí para ver estos Ecuentros en español.)

An Encounter is a new series of resources designed for families or small groups to safely learn about the Faith in a non-classroom environment. These can each be done during the pandemic at a time when young people are exhausted with virtual learning. Some of them require a short trip to a local Catholic site, while others can happen right in your own kitchen! Parents have the greatest impact on the faith lives of their children. Why not take a few minutes to skim through the various Encounters we have created and then make plans for your family to do one together this weekend?

Why did we call them Encounters?

An encounter is more than a chance meeting. It implies a back-and-forth between two people or two parties. Further, some or both people might be changed from the encounter. For example, consider this statement: “I encountered Sally at the park. We sat on the bench and had a deep conversation about her dying mother.” This is much different than: “I met Sally at the park. She showed me her new puppy.” An encounter implies a much more impactful moment or experience.

In the same way, God wants to encounter you. He doesn't just want to merely meet you. He wants to enter into your life. To get to know you - your likes and dislikes.  So interested is He in this encounter - that He chose to become one of us to show us the way to Himself. That's right - God the Son became man (Jesus) to show us the way to the Father - all in the power of the Holy Spirit.

This is what we call the Incarnation - God becoming man. The Incarnation of the Son can be likened to an encounter.  God encountering his people - changing them, affecting them - getting in the midst of them! This is the love of God that “while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) and elsewhere - “he (Jesus) did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).  God chooses to encounter us and make us new - in grace and in truth!

The OYCYAM has designed these encounters as not mere field trips, local sightseeing, or clever projects - but invitations to encounter. To encounter God, His Church, and His people! Or rather, to let God encounter you! It is our wish that you will grow in this Encounter - grow in your relationship with Christ and with others.

Click here to view these Encounters in Spanish. Haga clic aquí para ver estos Ecuentros en español.