Description: 'We sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith... (1 Thessalonians 3.2) Paul's fi rst letter to the church at Thessalonica is perhaps his earliest letter in existence. It is a letter full of enthusiasm and encouragement for the young Christian community in that city. Patrick Jurd shares that enthusiasm for the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a parent, teacher and educator, he knows well the importance of the ministry of encouragement. His series of brief refl ections is written for parents, teachers, clergy and other educators who want to draw out the best in young people so that they may truly live the gospel. The themes of his refl ections are inspired by the Lasallian and Franciscan charisms and cover a variety of topics - discipleship, liturgy, the church's year, education, prayer, formation, spirituality, integrity, life choices, building relationships - in ways that are thoughtful, caring, gentle, inspiring, and above all, concerned 'to strengthen and encourage' young people in faith.