June 28th was a wonderful day! The weather was great and 38 teens along with several chaperones began their journey on our parish’s second “Service Plunge.” We started with the ropes course in Quincy. This time together was a community building activity for the teens and they also had fun as they engaged in the many activities set up for them this day. It was hard work and they had to depend on each other to get through this ropes course. When they returned to the parish, the group helped move 91 boxes of books left over from our yard sale. They worked until every box was packed and removed. They did a great job.
On Tuesday, a group went to the Council on Aging in Milton to do a car wash, other teens and chaperones went to Miller Street in Milton to help wash windows and plant flowers. Still another group went to the Office for Youth Ministry to help paint two rooms. We bought bedspreads and curtains to match the paint. Many parishes in the area have been helping out with this project. Another group at this location helped the folks move some boxes which they had been unable to lift and relocate. The young people loved this day and they felt good about what they were able to accomplish. A rather large group went to Bethany House in Framingham to help serve the older sisters there in residence.

On Wednesday, the majority of our group went to the Greater Boston Food Bank in Roxbury to help sort out food. This was a big undertaking but the teens worked hard. A smaller group went to Fr. Bill’s Place to help with landscaping and to serve lunch. They were very enthusiastic and finished early!
Thursday morning some of the teens helped around the parish, others went to the Interfaith Food Bank in Quincy to help unpack a truck and set up shelves. At lunch time everyone met at the Council on Aging and helped with a cookout for the folks. Mary Ann Schaub led everyone in song with the aid of a karaoke machine. The group came back to the Youth Center for Mass. Fr. Joe was the presider and invited the teens into his homily. Their responses were very reflective. We had a cake and off they went until next year’s Service Plunge!
We are very proud of these young people (ages 12-17) who gave so much of themselves this week just to make life a little better for those who are unable to help themselves. We are also very grateful for the parents, college students and others who gave their time to this Christian service program. Without their dedication and help this program would not have happened!!!