St. Michael’s Parish youth group from Roscommon, Michigan had the privilege on Saturday to begin their Lenten retreat by being the hands and feet for Christ at God’s Kitchen in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They chopped, stirred, and prepared meals for over 150 people that came to share a warm meal and warm place, all while sharing their faith and the joy of serving others.
Youth Minister Jaime Barnes planned and coordinated the retreat with Deb Papp, who served K-12 youth minister for 14 years at St. Michael’s.
The day continued with a visit to the Sisters at Aquinata Hall at Marywood, where they spent hours sharing stories, laughing, crying with joy and inspired by what the Sisters had to say and shared with them. Sister Teresa Houlihan encouraged them to continue their good work, all for the common good of each other and our world!
The retreat ended celebrating Mass at the St. Catherine of Siena Chapel at Aquinata Hall/Marywood and catching up with Sister Linda Schoenborn, who many of the students had at Our Lady of the Lake in Prudenville.
We ended the Lenten Retreat knowing that God does not take away our suffering; he just walks and carries us through it.
Warm Welcome & Connections
Mercy Sister and Aquinata receptionist Jean Umlor warmly welcomed the youth group. They quickly discovered their shared connection: Fr. Jerry Hunko. Sr. Jean retired from St. Mary’s Parish in Grayling, where she worked with Fr. Jerry.
