Teens volunteer at Archdiocese sites for new summer service program
Dozens of young Archdiocese of Newark parishioners volunteered some of their vacation time this summer to assist with maintenance projects at sites throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Their efforts were part of “Days in the Diocese,” a new program presented by the Archdiocese’s Office for Youth & Young Adult Ministry that offered one-day service immersion experiences to teens enrolled in a parish youth group or Confirmation program.
The participating high school students washed windows, mopped floors, moved furniture, and completed a variety of other cleaning and landscaping work at locations in each of the four counties the Archdiocese serves: Our Lady of Sorrows/Christ the King Church in Jersey City, Sacred Heart Church in Bloomfield, Immaculate Conception Church in Elizabeth, and the future Hackensack location of The Mercy House.
For their efforts, the teenagers received a blessing from the Archdiocese’s auxiliary bishops — who were present at their county’s site — in addition to the reward of knowing they have made a positive impact.
“I’m sure a lot of people have the idea that many teens are obsessed with social media and video games, but ‘Days in the Diocese’ proved today’s young Church really cares about helping others,” said Rich Donovan, the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry’s Associate Director for Events and Training. “I hope the participants learned how easy it is to make a big difference locally because there will always be a need for service in their parish or community. And the Office for Youth & Young Adult Ministry will continue providing ways they can live their faith by benefiting those in need.”
Photos courtesy of the Archdiocese of Newark
To learn more about “Days in the Diocese” and other initiatives within the Archdiocese of Newark’s Youth & Young Adult Ministry, visit https://www.newarkoym.com/.
