My name is Karim Khouzam and I did my Challenge in September of 2006 and I sat at the bottom of the food chain table; the last shall be first. Even if already five years past since my retreat weekend, I feel like it was not so long ago when I first joined the Challenge community. I started as a candidate who enjoyed the company of other young adults seeking to deepen their Faith in a welcoming catholic environment. Later on, I decided to stay involved to nourish my thirst to live by the Christian ideals and to devote as much time as I can to an unconditionally loving God. Being part of the Service team of Challenge and being Co-Lay Director of the movement for the past two years has been a blessed experience that I was able to share with a dedicated team of young individuals who were always willing to participate and showcase their talent in all the projects that we would suggest to them over the year.
We would to take the opportunity to thank the 2010-2011 Service Team who served this past year. We are grateful for all of their hard work and service to lead other young adults to Christ. They are:
Fr Stephen Otvos, Spiritual Director
Patricia Dumberry and Eric Pawlusiak, Outreach Coordinators
Christina Durocher and Elie Dagher, Social Coordinators
Jessica Perreira-Pawlusiak, Ultreya Coordinator
Mary-Jane Blais and Terrel Joseph, Special Events Coordinators
Susanna Cere and Magdala Porter, Pre Challenge Coordinators
Kelsey Moore and Leon Mwotia, Social Justice Coordinators
Liz Vicente and Cristina Marin-Aponte, Newsletter Editors
Skyler Veazey and Troy Cunningham, Music Coordinators
Aaron Warnongbri, Secretary/Treasurer
Jacqueline Casey, Palanca Coordinator
To the Service Team of 2010-2011: Thank you all so very much because over the years, friendships formed brightening this journey with laughter and spiritual growth. Our sincerest gratitude goes as well to each service team members over the years, veteran challengers and our spiritual director who inspired us, through actions and advices. There is still much to learn to strengthen this movement but everything is possible with God by our side. The true foundation of the movement in Montreal is all thanks to the effort, time and dedication of each one of you!
Life is an open road and although we may sometimes feel like we don’t know where it might take us, our involvement in Challenge has helped us realize that we were never left without a roadmap. We are proud to announce that two new Co-Lays accepted the challenge to steer behind the wheel and continue to direct this movement in its ultimate direction which is to bring young adults into communion with Christ and His Church.
The new Co-Lay directors for 2011-2012 are: Skyler and Aaron! Congratulations! Please pray for them over the next year and as they start to form their new service team. We have no doubt that it will be a great year for Challenge!
Most importantly, we want to thank our almighty Father, the beginning and the end of all things. We served this movement with great joy because He called us to further His Kingdom here on earth through our ministry. Thank you Lord, for all the blessings and the opportunities you give to each and everyone of us everyday. All glory is offered back in Your name.
Finally, through friends, retreats but most importantly ultreyas, Challenge became a home for us and will remain a lighthouse. As we both complete our service as Co-Lays for the 2010-2011 year, we can proudly and humbly say that it has been and always will be an honour to serve this movement and be part of this family.
De Colores,
Karim Khouzam and Marianne Casey
2010-2011 Co-Lay Directors of the Montreal Catholic Challenge Movement
