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Chapter 13:
A Celebration of Friendship After a month of intensive practice with his grandpa, Rodrigo became better everyday at playing the guitar. Grandpa Ortiz was so proud of Rodrigo. He asked Rodrigo to play with the music group during Mass at their parish. The Explorers were also very proud of their friend, Rodrigo. He had worked through the difficulties of his accident by focusing on a positive use of his time. Ellie told the group during a meeting, “Rodrigo is going to play the guitar at his parish during Mass!” Manuel then said, “If anyone of us can make it, we should be there for Rodrigo.”
Rodrigo arrived early at church with Grandpa Ortiz. Behind them were three young men with their instruments: a bass fiddle, a violin, and a guitar. The music group settled into the church where the choir normally sits. They all practiced. Grandpa Ortiz noticed that Rodrigo was nervous. So he told Rodrigo, “Grandson, you will do fine. Page 2 of 6 © RCL Benziger
Just relax, play as you normally do, and play for the Lord. I am so proud of you, and so is everyone else.” Rodrigo smiled and said “Thank you, grandpa.” Then Rodrigo paused and said a short prayer, thanking God for this moment.
Outside many people gathered and entered into the church. Some of the Explorers and their parents entered into the church too. Benjie looked around for Rodrigo. He nodded to Tobi to indicate where Rodrigo was. Tobi whispered, “Cool, there’s Rodrigo.”
Ellie and Marissa looked around too and noticed the others sitting with Rodrigo and Grandpa Ortiz. Both girls were puzzled. Ellie quietly said, “They are dressed kind of like priests, but they seem much too young.” Marissa nodded in agreement, and whispered, “Yeah, they are way too cute to be priests.” Ellie smiled. The music for the Mass began, everyone stood up as Father Mark processed in wearing his Lenten purple vestments. Everyone joyfully sang while Rodrigo and the music group played. Page 3 of 6 © RCL Benziger
Jake stood by Benjie and the others. He thought that this Mass seemed extra special because Rodrigo had brought the group together in a special way with his music.
After Mass the Explorers went over to Rodrigo and the music group. Manuel told the group, “That was awesome, Rodrigo!” Rodrigo said, “Thank you. Let me introduce you all. These three people are seminarians: Todd, Michael, and Juan.” The three young men smiled and greeted the Explorers. The Explorers helped the group pack up their instruments and walked over to the parish hall. On the way to the parish hall, Ellie asked, “I’m sorry, you’re what?” Todd said, “We are seminarians. We are studying to become priests.” Juan then chimed in, “We are here to learn about your parish and to help Father Timothy move into the rectory.” Michael explained further, “Father Timothy just celebrated being a priest for fifty years, and is moving here to help Father Mark.”
Just then, an older man walked up carrying a box of books. Michael took the box from him and said, “Father Timothy, we told you we would Page 4 of 6 © RCL Benziger
do the heavy lifting.” Grandpa Ortiz then said, “Everyone! This is my old friend, Father Timothy O’Brien.” The Explorers all smiled. Rodrigo then explained, “Father Timothy, these are my friends. We are the Highland Ridge Explorers.” After the introductions, the Explorers helped the seminarians move Father Timothy into the rectory. As they moved the last box, Benjie told Jake, “I’m glad we were here to help.” Jake responded, “That is what it means to be an Explorer. We answer the call to help others who need us, just like a disciple should.” As Jake watched the three young seminarians, he thought to himself, “They seem so happy, even excited about becoming priests. I wonder if I could be a priest someday?”
Then Father Timothy announced that he had ordered pizza for everyone. So the Explorers and their parents all walked back into the parish hall where the pizza and drinks were ready. Father Timothy said, “This is my way of saying thank you for all your hard work. You are real examples of disciples!” They joined hands and said a blessing over the food. Page 5 of 6 © RCL Benziger
As the group sat around the tables enjoying their meal, the seminarians answered the Explorers’ questions about their decisions to become priests. “I always wanted to be a priest. My Uncle Norm is a priest, and I never met a happier man,” said Todd. “After college, I was restless. I knew there was something more God wanted of me,” Juan told them. “It was different for me,” said Michael, “I went to World Youth Day in high school and knew then that God wanted me to serve him as a priest.” Jake was impressed by the seminarians and turned around to tell Benjie something when he realized that Benjie was not there. “Where is Benjie?” Jake questioned. Tobi replied, “I do not know. He was just here eating pizza.” Manuel then said, “Oh, he’ll turn up.” Marissa then jumped in and said, “We’d better tell his parents that he ran off.” Tobi quickly said, “No, we can’t get Benjie in trouble.” Jake was puzzled at the disappearance of his brother, Benjie. --------------TIME TO VOTE Exit out of this page turner. Then scroll to the bottom of the web page to place your vote. Page 6 of 6 © RCL Benziger