By Dan Sullivan
Catholic Herald
Diocesan youth take mission trip
SUPERIOR -- Although they returned tired, those who attended the first ever diocesan sponsored mission trip were satisfied with the tasks they completed.
The group traveled from Haugen to Omaha, Neb., July 17-24. Abbie Daigle, former media specialist for the Bishop Hammes Center for Religious Education and Youth Ministry in Haugen, organized the journey. Attending were 15 youths and five adult chaperons from the diocese.
The young people were split into two groups. One group pitched in at a housing complex that was home to a number refugees from war-torn Sudan.
"They played with these children and did physical work here," Daigle said.
"On the last day the two groups came together at the housing complex and painted a mural of African animals. They also did some other interior painting," she said.
The second group assisted at a church. They did yard work and painting. They also offered a helping hand with an unexpected task.
"One night it rained really hard and we had to sweep water out of the basement," Daigle said. "I was really proud of the youth, how they accepted any task and worked really hard. They had a good attitude and really showed their faith in action."
David Winn, a 16-year-old in attendance from St. Mary of the Seven Dolors Parish in Hurley, said he learned from his experience. "It only takes a few people to make a difference," Winn said. "I was sleepy, but would do it again any day if I had the chance."
Hailey Neumueller, a 17-year-old from Holy Rosary Parish in Medford, said she liked how appreciative the people were that the group helped.
"Mary Sells, who worked at the church rectory, called us angels and said we were godsends," Neumueller said. "It felt good to make a difference. The people there were appreciative with the little they did have. The parishioners were really a family and you could feel the community."
In addition to the teens, adults in attendance offered their talents. Ann Marie Batiste, youth minister at the Hurley parish, did the outline work for the mural.
"I looked at a book and then asked God for help," Batiste said. "Now the mural will be a learning tool for the kids at this complex."
Batiste said six young people from the Hurley parish attended the mission trip.
"I wanted the youth to feel the emotion and unconditional love of the children," she said. "Our youth came back with that love. I warned them this would be one of the hardest things they ever did, yet one of the greatest experiences."
While in Omaha the group visited some of the city sights, including the Old Market area.
"We also spent an evening prayer time at the Heartland of America fountain," Daigle said. "It was a beautiful night and a good environment for prayer."
Participants came from parishes in Medford, Rib Lake, Hurley, Rice Lake/Dobie and Land O'Lakes.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2004