From staff reports
The well-deserved summer break for members of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting, youth group included time spent participating in a mission trip to benefit low-income families – a program 13 years in the making and one that the youth look forward to each year, said youth ministry coordinator Lori Downing.
More than a dozen youth – along with Deacon Pete Downing, parish coordinator of religious education Debbie Milecki and several parents – joined Downing for an 8-hour day of service in Coatesville, Pa., where the team worked on three houses through the nonprofit Good Works Inc.
Tasks included installing windows, repairing a roof, installing molding, repairing holes and removing old porch siding.
The day began with a group prayer, and proved to be a valuable experience that prompted reflections and faith connections, Downing said.
“The Good Works team encouraged us to pray for the homeowner and bring them the Gospel in our demeanor,” said Downing. “This is such a valuable lesson – to reflect Christ to the world through service.”
The Aug. 4 service experience also involved meeting some of the residents the young men and women were helping.
“Interacting with the residents made an impression on the youth,” Downing added. “They reflected on how it helped them in their awareness of those less fortunate.”