Youth Summer Mission Week

As I write this, we are a little less than half way through our Youth Summer Mission week for 2017. This year has been beyond fantastic as our relationships with Benedictine College Youth Outreach and the Nashville Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia have continued, along with the addition of Fr. Simon and Brother Levin from St. Benedict's Abbey in Atchison, Kansas. All in all, our program served about 150 youth ages 0-18.

Preparing for Mass on Day Two

Sister Veronica Marie showing 3-6 year olds her 15 decade rosary. Both sisters are trained in the second level of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Fr. Simon (Dave and Linda Landwehr's nephew) is talking to the children at the end of Mass about this special chalice which was donated by the first priest who came from our parish (Fr. Reece: Christine Routson's uncle)

We had 6 men on the team. They gathered with the 1st-7th grade boys each day for some time to chat about guy stuff. They called it the "Man Cave"

We had over 20 adult helpers and 10+ teens volunteering each day to make things run smoothly. We couldn't have done it without them! 

Over and over, we keep pinching ourselves, watching the white flowing habits of the sisters walking in our halls, the energetic and faith-filled college kids leading song (varying from worship to silly songs about papayas), and the smallest among us (from our toddler environments) spending time with Jesus in the Church. Our teens even got a small taste of what worship was like for the early Christians who had to keep their faith practice hidden for fear of the Romans.

The team also felt overwhelmed with gratitude for the hospitality that they were shown. From the host families to the incredible food, snacks, treats, and smiles, they commented over and over how amazed they were at how much our parish came together for this incredible work. So many of you, even without children in the program, donated your time and yummy food to help out. It means so much to me, and to the sisters and team. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

But adults! Even though this was our Youth Summer Mission, we do have some great things in store for you! Don't forget to sign up for the Summer Bible Institute (which begins TUESDAY at 7pm!) You can go to www.actsclass.com to register, or just come on Tuesday a little before 7pm to get signed in! Married Couples: We also have our last Teams of Our Lady Informational meeting that night at 6pm! There's something for everyone this Summer!