The sun was scorching and the heat index soaring, but still the United States was in a celebratory mood as it marked 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Glenmary Home Missioners Vocations Office joined in that spirit from July 2–5, hosting a “Come and See” experience at the Glenmary Volunteer Program on Joppa Mountain (Toppa Joppa) in Grainger County, in the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Four young men, ages 14–18, visited our volunteer program at Toppa Joppa to gain hands-on experience in the missions. Accompanied by the vocations team, they participated in a variety of service projects including yard work, painting, and digging water trenches. And, perhaps just as important, these young men sat and listened to the stories of the people. These moments of encounter — meeting, listening, understanding — are a crucial part of the mission experience.
Reflecting on their experiences, the young men noted that, apart from serving the community, they were deeply inspired by praying the breviary, something they had never done before. One of them said, “sanctifying the morning and the evening with prayers was great.”
When asked whether the World Cup distracted them from the program, they responded with a strong and unanimous “No!”
We extend our sincere thanks to Father Francis Wuyen and the parish community of Holy Family in Lafayette, Tennessee, who prepared and sent the four young men to experience mission life. We also offer our gratitude to Joe Grosek, volunteer program director, and his team at Toppa Joppa for their leadership.
“There was never a time when missionary activity was more needed in our beloved land than it is today.” — Father W. Howard Bishop, Glenmary’s Founder.
Do you want to be part of this experience? Do you want to join these four young men in their next adventure with Glenmary Home Missioners? If your answer is yes, and you are a baptized catholic young man between ages 14-18 we invite you to contact Glenmary Home Missioners and begin the conversation about your vocation.
Contact Glenmary Vocations Director
vocations@glenmary.org
513-881-7411
Glenmary.org/vocations
