BLOOMFIELD – Seven people from five parishes in the Archdiocese of Hartford took advantage of scholarships funded by an anonymous donor this summer in Springfield, Mass., by learning about the connections between Catholic social teaching and the way they live.
The program, called Just5Days, was offered from July 12-16. To prepare for it, the archdiocesan team volunteered at the Helen Cooper Food Pantry and Vacation Bible Camp at St. Michael Church in Hartford.
The trip included daily programming with interactive activities and prayer services that prepared or debriefed the youth and chaperones. The group volunteered in a variety of ways at the Soldiers Home, Holyoke Geriatric and Convalescent Center, Mont Marie Health Care Center, and Kate’s Kitchen food pantry, all in Holyoke; and at the Parish Cupboard food pantry and Westfield Head Start, both in West Springfield.
"It was hot, sticky and dirty but we had fun and got a lot of work accomplished," said Tyler McClintock, a member of St. Bridget Parish in Manchester, as he worked at the Parish Cupboard.
Marcus Bailey, a member of St. Michael Parish in Hartford, learned about serving people in need.
"We stocked the shelves, made some plates of food and fed the people who came to the door; and when we cleaned the outside [of the structure], we brought some hope to the neighborhood. We brought a light to dark corners of people’s lives simply by our presence," he added.
Lori St. Amand, an adult leader from Sacred Heart Parish in East Berlin, said, "It’s not just about physical needs, but a yearning for love, friendship, faith and compassion. Just5Days filled those needs for participants and clients."
At the Holyoke Geriatric and Convalescent Center, Andrew Brennan, a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in South Windsor, said, "I was able to connect with Roland, who was deaf and mute, and helped him to do whatever he needed. I wanted to bring him home with me."
Savanna Costa, a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in New Britain, said she worked hard and had fun at the same time, "especially when I got to call the bingo numbers. It was hard to say goodbye to the people we met."
Maryellen Brennan, who is Andrew’s mom, also went along as an adult leader. She reflected on her experience at the Holyoke Geriatric and Convalescent Center.
"We did the jobs requested of us and opened our hearts to unexpected challenges. Observing the staff we experienced saints – ordinary people doing extraordinary things to make life easier for the residents," she said.
Shawnee Baldwin, coordinator of youth and young adult ministry at the archdiocesan Office of Religious Education, coordinated the trip. She reflected on the group’s visit to the Soldiers Home.
"It was hard to watch these war veterans who felt betrayed, frustrated and in bondage to the same body that served them well in the military; and even harder to bring hope to those who felt they were merely existing," she said.
"But, when the youth arrived every morning with energy and smiles, the veterans responded and shared their stories and a brief glimpse of their lives. They did not want us to leave. Overall, this was a great faith formation experience for all involved."
Just5Days is a new service learning experience for young people entering the seventh, eighth or ninth grade. It was created by the Center for Ministry Development in Gig Harbor, Wash., and was held in eight sites across the United States this summer.
Besides Springfield, Just5Days programs were offered during June and July in Appleton, Wis.; Austin, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Kansas City, Kansas; Springfield, Ill.; and St. Joseph, Mich. The program costs $250 per participant.
The Center for Ministry Development offers another program, Young Neighbors in Action, for older adolescents. That program is a weeklong, summer, service learning experience with sessions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Information about Just5Days and other programs for young people is available from Ms. Baldwin at (860) 243-9465 or
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