Forty-four people from the Diocese of Youngstown recently traveled to the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford, near Cincinnati, for Ignite Youth Ministry’s annual service trip. Ignite Youth Ministry, out of Divine Mercy Parish in Massillon, organizes the group and invites others to attend.
This year, the group included 29 students from Ignite Youth Ministry, youth ministry at St. Michael the Archangel Parish and Canton Central Catholic High School; eight young adult college students from Divine Mercy Parish; and eight chaperones who volunteered their time to drive and accompany them during their four-day experience.
The small groups each visited four different work sites from June 7 to 10. At the sites, some students hung drywall, painted and decorated for Vacation Bible School, some sorted food and clothing and helped patrons shop, some mulched and did outdoor gardening work. Other activities included Adoration and Reconciliation, Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, talks and sharing around the theme “Spirit, Lead Us”, a corn hole tournament, bonfire and more.
Below are reflections from two of the students who attended the service trip.
A reflection from Allie Rohr
Day one was full of love, service, smiles and JESUS! Each group went to a work site to practice service to others. Today our group worked at Matthew 25, sorting through supplies to help victims of natural disasters throughout the world. As I reflect on the day we had, I am filled with so much gratitude. It showed me how the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit can bring so much joy to so many! The bond of the group just on the first day has already amazed me. We all are so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people brought to us by our amazing God.
Jesus was so present throughout day two. Many wonderful works were done today. We were lucky to serve for an organization called HONK, Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky, to help remodel a home for a family in need. Although the exhaustion is already starting to kick in, we are still so eager and willing to help others. We sat in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament tonight and is was such an impactful moment for so many. It is so cool to see how present everyone has been during this trip. Being in the moment is such an important thing and this trip has showed that. Thank you, God, for another wonderful day!
God’s presence was in every little moment of day three. There was a huge sense of gratitude throughout this entire day by both the mission trip group as well as those we were serving. So many stories and laughter were shared among the people we became close with. Our itinerary included spending time with those in a nursing home. We were welcomed with warm smiles and open arms. We ended day three with a fun corn hole tournament. This game expressed all of the amazing bonds we were able to make during the trip.
The final day of our mission trip was full of mixed emotions. There were so many moments of prayer throughout the entire trip which allowed for deep spiritual encounters. We were able to enjoy a journey of service and strengthen our faith. So much good came from the Holy Spirit’s presence during this fun filled weekend and I am extremely thankful for the opportunity!
Allie is a parishioner at SS Philip and James Parish in Canal Fulton. She is a junior at Northwest High School.
A reflection from Kylie McIntire
My first site on Saturday was The Healing Center. Right in the beginning we met Chad, who was the warehouse manager. He spoke to us about the path he had traveled, volunteering at the center and now, just a few months ago, was hired! He had a speaker in the back where we went to work playing great Christian music so that was wonderful to have while we worked. Some of our group made goodie bags for the people coming to the center, some hung clothes and organized the racks for people to shop through, and others bagged up a TON of potatoes! After the next site where we were spreading mulch at a children’s playground, we had a talk on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how we can look at which ones we may need to pray more about. This led us to Adoration which was … BEAUTIFUL! We had the opportunity to go to the sacrament of Reconciliation which was amazing. So many took advantage of this opportunity and it was great to witness. It was amazing to see so many surrendering their burdens and listening to Jesus.
On Sunday, we went to Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Kentucky. The homily was all about the Holy Spirit and someone spoke after Mass about the St. Vincent De Paul Society and how they need help. Our theme this weekend was “Spirit, Lead Us.” We certainly heard the Holy Spirit speaking in small ways the entire trip! We went to the park and had our lunch in a beautiful pavilion and then had lots of free time to bond with our friends before a pizza party, corn hole tournament and bonfire! The tournament lasted for a few hours and was a ton of fun! Jada and I ended up making it to the final game, about to win our 3rd year in a row, and then the ninjas, Luke and Spencer, came out of nowhere and beat us 21-18. We will be back next year though!
Monday we headed out to our last service site before going home. Our group went to Matthew 25 Ministries, my personal favorite. We sorted clothes and took a tour to learn about how what we were doing impacted so many. I met a man there who I had great conversation with and I am sure was sent by the Lord to meet me! I am so blessed that we all were able to be the hands and feet of Jesus on this trip. this was an incredible experience and one that we will never forget!
Kylie is a student at Walsh University and was one of the young adults who came on the trip this year. She has been active in Ignite Youth Ministry since seventh grade and still helps out whenever she can.
Visit the Divine Mercy Parish website to learn more about Ignite Youth Ministry.
