Students participate in summer service at St. Francis |
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Sunday, 14 September 2008 01:00 |
TOLEDO—This summer, some of the students from St. Francis de Sales High School used part of their vacation time to serve others locally and around the world.
One group of 20 students spent a week in Appalachia near Hamlin, Va., under the supervision of teachers Stephen Gray, Carl Janke and Scott Secrest. As a part of Youth Works, a multi-denominational program, the young men helped with light construction and painting. They also volunteered with the children’s day care program planning activities that included games, crafts, reading Bible stories and teaching spiritual songs and prayers.
Another group of 20 students, with teachers James Mello, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Father John Extejt and William Toney traveled to Nashville to participate in Catholic Heart Work Camp. The group joined 300 other volunteers and slept in sleeping bags on the floors of classrooms. They were immersed into a different culture where there were no TVs, iPods, cell phones or computers. Mr. Mello explained the young men found this experience to be life altering and very meaningful.
The days were spent doing light construction, painting and repair work at the homes of underprivileged people. There was time set aside for daily Mass, prayer and reflection.
Honduras was another destination point for 20 seniors with Don Conry and Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Father Alan Zobler.
Traditionally, students plan far in advance for this service opportunity. The trip fills up on the day it is offered at school. It has become so popular with the boys that a second trip may be offered next summer. Many of the boys work to pay their traveling expenses.
Various shots and immunizations are required before the boys are ready to travel. They must also apply for a passport. The group stays at a mission site where there is a religious focus throughout the week. The young men are submersed into a new culture, new language and a level of poverty unknown to them.
They all share about their experiences and personal growth in a reflection paper when they return.
All of these service trips continue to strongly impact the lives of these young men and they feel enriched with a deeper faith and appreciation for life as a result.
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Last Updated on Monday, 01 December 2008 10:12 |
