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Life Teen Summer 2022 Mission Recap
A group of 17 teens and eight adult chaperones from SWNBC Life Teen went on a mission trip to Steubenville, OH in late June. This trip marked Life Teen's tenth mission trip with Catholic Heart Workcamp, an organization that plans weeks of service and retreat in cities all over the USA throughout the summer. While on this trip, the group had a large impact on the Steubenville community and was able to grow in their own faith.
While at the camp, our group of 25 were split into work groups with members of the 14 other parish groups that also came to Steubenville. After morning Mass each day, we were sent out to work around the city with a variety of residents, including elderly homeowners, a rescue mission, and more. With 350 volunteers from the camp, it was possible to brighten up many different areas of the city. 2022 Graduate Cy Barce from Sacred Heart parish had some difficult work to do throughout the week. He and his group did a lot of yard work digging up trees and bushes, and he spent an entire day moving rocks. When asked about his favorite part of the
week, Cy said he enjoyed talking and working for his resident, Mrs. Romano. Lily Etter, a rising Junior from St. Patrick parish helped Kimberly Hahn renovate a house that was donated to become a retreat-type place for priests and others needed a safe place to stay. Lily learned a lot from Kimberly, and was inspired when she shared her story about converting to Catholicism. On the last work day, many of the residents we had helped came to a program to share how they were impacted by the work done for them. Our teens were surprised and moved with compassion as each resident expressed their gratitude.
Each day in
addition to service work, the Catholic Heart Workcamp staff led retreat-type programs where we were able to grow in our faith. Each morning began with Mass led by the camp chaplain, Fr. Joey Kaump. Lexie Richey, a rising Senior from St. Patrick parish, said her favorite part of the week was having Mass each morning. It really got her going in the morning, and she really enjoyed the homilies by Fr. Joey. Each evening was filled with dancing, fun, and prayer. Elie Strasburger, a rising Senior from Sacred Heart parish, most enjoyed dancing and singing along with our camp musician, Jeremy Rodriguez during these evening programs. The two main prayer events during the week included a night of Adoration outside and a prayer service called "Four Corners." Aiden Jessie, a rising Sophomore from Sacred Heart parish, said he witnessed God’s love in the evening programs during Adoration, the Four Corners prayer service, and during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “I was able to fully see God during my thoughts and prayers which cleansed me especially during Reconciliation,” Aiden shared.
We are extremely grateful for all of the prayers and support from the Pastorate which made this trip possible. To learn more about our trip, please come to a presentation on Sunday, August 28. More details will be shared closer to the date. We are very excited to share our experiences with you!