It was around this time last year that I sat down in the boardroom office with Pat Clarke and Michael Yaremko for an interview for the (then) available Youth Minister position here at Holy Family. At one point in the interview, Pat asked me “How travel ready are you?”
This question took me by surprise, it's not one that you would typically prepare for an interview. So I stumbled out an answer that yes, I had a passport and yes, I could fly to different countries… why, I asked?
I found out that the parish community of Holy Family has had an ongoing overseas youth mission project, and that the upcoming mission project for the 2016 year was going to be in Lima, Peru.
“So, would you be able to travel to Lima in the Spring?”
This started me on an incredible journey of faith, ministry, service, and love with our parish community, an incredible Mission Team, and the people of Lima.
The overseas youth Mission Project at the Cathedral of the Holy Family is a multifaceted “gem” within our parish. Not only does it reach out to recognize and serve the poorest of the poor, but it is also an incredible opportunity for a group of people to draw together, pray together, and work toward an incredible goal. This group of people is the Holy Family Mission Team.
When we hosted the “Peru Mission Project Information Night” back in February 2016, I had no idea who this Mission Team would be – I had no idea of who or what to expect!
But, over the next few months, I got to know some of the most genuine, joyful, servant hearted, dedicated, and loving people I have ever met. It was truly an honor to get to know (let alone travel) with these people. I am so grateful to them and – most of all – to God for all that happened in and through us being the parish Mission Team for the 2016 Mission Project to Peru!
SO - who is the Holy Family Mission Team?
Primarily, it is a team of 15 people: 10 youth (ages 15-21), 4 chaperones (ages 21+), and the Youth Minister (me!).
These 15 people are then supported and guided by their families (the incredible task force behind most/ all of our fundraising projects), as well as the Parish staff and community of Holy Family.
One thing that I learned as part of last year’s mission team, is that this mission project is not just about a team of 15 people that travel to Lima in August. It is about a community drawing together to support one another while reaching out to “passionately make a difference in our world.”
And now – we’re doing it all over again!
I’m very excited to announce our 2017 Overseas Youth Mission Project – back to Lima! 15 young men and women will be returning to Lima to continue to serve alongside Misma Luna, a Peruvian nonprofit organization based out of Lima.
Are you (or someone you know) interested in being a part of the Mission Team? Would you like to know more about our Parish Mission Project?
Then come and find out more!
Peru 2017 Mission Project Information Night: Thursday, November 17th from 6:00 - 8:00pm
Myself (Amanda), Kim and Nathan Stobbe (founders of Misma Luna), and some past team members will be sharing some stories about the 2016 Mission Project; as well as a timeline for the upcoming 2017 Mission Project. Applications for the 2017 Mission Team will also be available at the information night!
This Mission Project is not just for the youth of the parish, it is for everyone! So please, come and find out how YOU can be and are already a part of our missionary work in Lima.
“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I can not. Together, we can do great things.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta