The youth mission trips were another great success this year and so we want to say thank you to all the parishioners, family and friends who supported us so generously both financially and with their prayers. We worked hard during our weeks, but we also had the chance to pray together and play together, becoming a true community during our time together. As a special thank you, we would like to invite you to a slide show of some of this year’s pictures on September 13 after the 10:30 AM Mass at St. Peter’s. We will also be showing our pictures during the Smorgasbord dinner at St. Mary’s on October 18.

On the way home from the mission trip, we ask all the participants to reflect upon what they did during the week, how they saw God and how the trip changed them. Below are some excerpts from the Lexington, KY mission trip reflections that we would like to share with you: “I saw God in how He helped me put myself out there and have the drive to help people… It made me realize God really is with you everywhere, and a lot of different people are believers and not afraid to express it… God was present in all the people I met at camp, at our work site and in our leaders… This trip helped me grow in spirit and faith...At camp I was able to feel God’s presence and know that this is real stuff (real life). It was an eye opener in many ways…God was present at all times. You could tell He was there especially at Four Corners (a prayer experience), working at the site and in all the new friendly people I met…This experience humbled me…My faith is deepened…God was present in how well our group worked together…I realized I can’t forget my faith when it gets hard to believe…God’s presence really shone through when times were tough and I was really exhausted…I want to do more in my faith and listen to what God has to say more…”

Stay tuned for more information on our slide show, reflections from the Texas mission trip as well as information on next year’s trips! God Bless all of you again for all of your support of this important ministry to and by our youth!