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For almost 10 years now the Youth of St. Francis have been participating in the 30-Hour-Famine. For 30 hours we fast for world hunger as a symbol of our solidarity with those who though we may never meet them – we are connected to them through the great body of Christ – and called to serve through our Baptismal promises. About 45 students gathered at St. Francis at 10:00AM with their sleeping gear and empty stomachs. Included were six junior high students, and many 9th Grade Confirmation students, along with a few returning Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. About 10 adults also participated in the fast along with duties as chaperones. The event was marked with a spirit of community and friendship.
Beginning with a light-hearted scavenger hunt – the teens headed off in small groups of car-loads with designated chaperones to collect food for the local food bank as well as try to trade a paper clip for something “bigger or better.” Groups were able to procure some pretty exotic items including: A toilet seat, a collection of purses, a hand massager, a sea shell, a wooden statue that we think was Mary, and a giant cupcake cookie jar that had many salivating at the thought of all that frosting and cake. These items will be available to win at the CYM Spaghetti Dinner in April (All but the toilet seat and family heirloom statue). Throughout the afternoon students participated in games and discussions illustrating the difficulty of being hungry, as well as some that were just for fun. Together they attended the 4:00PM Mass, and ended the evening with a prayer service in the church. Statistically someone dies from hunger related causes every three seconds. We held a candlelit time of silence as we watched the light being extinguished person by person. One candle remained lit – representing the hope that lives in us – the Light of Christ. We have the power to make a difference in our own and the lives of others. Christ is counting on us to live as he lived. After a restful night for the ladies, and a trying night for the men, breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit, and other danishes was served to everyone’s fullness. Parishioners who took home the M&M’s are asked to return these tubes with donations to the Gathering Space April 4/5, 2009. The youth have already raised over $500 through their own sponsorships gathered for the event. We thank all who made this event possible and successful. |
