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SUMMER OF YOUTH AID
This summer we have been blessed by so many volunteers who have come to help with getting our school together, as well as helping many families in our community with some hurricane related needs. In April we cele¬brated Fr, Michael's 25th Ordination Anniversan: Many of his family came down to New Orleans to help with the celebration. When thev returned home, they shared their stories about the recovery of New Orleans. One of Fr. Mike's great-nephews decided he needed to do something to help. So he organized a Neighborhood Kids' Tag Sale. Thev cleaned out their closets and got together for a good old-fashioned sale. The sale was a success and Charlie Sanady and his friends purchased gift cards to be used at Lowe 's and Home Depot. What an inspiration that is to know that the vouth also care enough about our situation to want to do something to help!
This past July we were blessed by youth from two parishes that decided to spend a week helping out in New Orleans.
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Go to www.cityofno.com and select Blight Busters from Departments and Agencies dropdown box.
St. Anne's Parish Summer Volunteer Project: From July 16-22. 2007, we were blessed with volunteers from
St. Anne Church in Barrington, Il. Who came to aid in some existing projects. The volunteers helped to paint the 2nd and 3rd floor hallways of the school, as well as the 3rd grade classroom. They assisted with painting the colorful mural on the brick wall in the alley of the school. Furthering their skills, they hung sheetrock, sanded walls, and helped one of our parishioners move another step closer to moving back home. Before their trek back to Illinois, they were treated to cooking lessons and showed how to make a real Creole gumbo and ambalaya. After a hearty meal, they reflected on their service mission and gtn'e thanks far being able to come o New Orleans and make a difference.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Volunteer Project: Following on the heels of St. Anne's group, we welcomed the
youth from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, of Mt. Carmel, Indiana, outside of Indianapolis. The young people, along with their adult chaperones, took on many outdoor tasks. They worked on the mural, sanded and painted an iron fence, erected a storage unit, cleaned classrooms, and helped with debris removal. The youngest member
of the group is 8 years old. He learned how to swing a sledge hammer to gut a wall. It was thrilling and rewarding work for them and their Youth Ministers. We continuously heard how much they appreciated being
able to help our people move one step closer to recovery.
Finally,
These young people will be great ambassadors for our church community and our city: Their generosity and kindness will be remembered by the families whose lives they have touched on their visit. These are by no neans the only volunteer groups who have assisted in our aid, but we want to start recognizing the various churches who have dedicated time, money, and talents to our recovery: Without them, many families would stil be searching for a way to start the process of rebuilding their homes.
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