Almost two dozen teens and their youth ministers gathered July 10 in Brick for the first of four Mission: Jersey days of service sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
The day began with ice breakers and a prayer service where the youth were introduced to one another and learned of the day’s service projects that benefit the local community and surrounding areas.
PHOTO GALLERY: Mission Jersey Day 1- Visitation Parish, Brick
Benefitting Seeds of Service, the teens assisted in weeding and digging trenches to create a community garden to grow vegetables that will later be distributed in the food pantry. They also assisted in assembling Rosary beads and prepared the property for the upcoming construction of a grotto for a statue of Mary that stands on grounds of the adjacent Visitation Parish. Seeds of Service is an outreach organization that assists and advocates for the sick and those struggling financially.
Hygiene kits and school supplies packs were assembled during the annual day-long event. The kits contained often requested materials from school guidance counselors needed for local students and will be distributed via Visitation Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society.
“I love helping my community and doing this with my Church fulfills me more. God gave me all of these gifts that I can us to help my community and I love the thought of that. This is my first year at Mission: Jersey and I’ve connected with so many people. I really love it,” Sophia, a teen from St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, said as she took a break from digging the garden.
Aiden a parishioner from Visitation Parish, also wanted to help those in need while living out his faith.
“I enjoyed the experience- having fun and helping the community at Seeds of Service. I came here to help out Mission: Jersey and spread God’s love.”
This was the first of four Mission: Jersey service opportunities offered for teens in grades eight through 12 in the Diocese who desire to serve their local community through the lens of their Catholic faith. The remaining Mission: Jersey days are: July 16, Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park; July 22, Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, and Aug. 6, Mother of Mercy Parish.
Additional opportunities are available for parish youth to participate in Mission: Jersey and those interested should visit dioceseoftrenton.org/missionjersey for more information and to register.