“I tell you the truth, what you did for the one of the least of these brothers, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) This scripture sums up the service that the youth of St. Katharine Drexel Parish participated in this year. Once a month, our 7th-9th graders went to different facilities around town to help the less fortunate people of our community.
One of the places they served was at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home. It was amazing to see the compassion of the youth when they helped the residents play bingo. The interactions affected more than just the residents—many of the students were also touched by the stories they heard. On more than one occasion, the staff of Good Samaritan asked that the youth return because of the positive response of the residents. What an honor to be asked back! We were able to return on a few occasions and the results were touching.
In the fall, our 7th and 8th graders did a Red Bucket drive where they collected food and money for the less fortunate of our community. With the money they collected, the students went to Hy-Vee and purchased food to place in the buckets, so others could have a Thanksgiving meal. The students came back amazed at the price of food, and with the lesson that they shouldn’t take the food they get to eat during the holidays for granted.
During the Lenten season, many of our youth participated in the Living Stations of the Cross. These students put in many hours of practice. They had a lot of fun during the Sunday practices and were serious when it was needed. On Good Friday, they presented the Living Stations of the Cross for our parish. They touched the hearts of everyone there by bringing to life the Passion and Death of our Lord.
Another service project the students participated in was at Hope Haven International Ministry Center. There, the students made over 100 wheelchair cushions and cleaned wheelchair trays. The youth really enjoyed stuffing the cushions and filling the seats. Mark Richard, Director of Hope Haven, said, “Without the help of youth groups like this, we would not be able to provide a cushion with each wheelchair we give away.”
