College missionaries volunteer in Douglas

Student missionaries from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio were in Douglas last week working with students at Loretto Catholic School. In its 14^th year, the collaboration between the university and Catholic school occurs during spring break for the college students who make the trip annually from the Midwest. Eric Heckman, the director of Missionary Outreach said the relationship began in 2012 when the Carmelite Sisters invited the students to offer retreat-based programs for students in the border community, “We are very impressed with this school. It’s incredible, the kids are well versed in their faith. There’s a clear discipline on this campus. The students are respectful; they stand up when we walk into a room.”

During the week students in each grade level experienced Catechetical retreats. The student missionaries helped prepare the 3^rd graders for their first Holy Communion. Monica Santa Maria, a student missionary said she especially enjoyed being able to speak Spanish with some of the parents who joined the children for a learning session, “It’s a relationship ministry.” 

The missionaries say they begin planning seven months in advance to ensure they could make the most of their time, “Our main goal is to show them that we are faithful people. We want them to remember Jesus even if they don't remember our names. Just that we came and they remembered Jesus,” Heckman said. He wants students to remember that each one of us is called to a vocation, “Not everyone is going to a priest or religious, or parents, be workers in the world but they’re all called to share Jesus.” 
Rosella Melgoza, the principal at Loretto, a K-8 school, said she’s grateful the college students choose to spend their spring break serving others, “As young adults they demonstrate to our students that the passion and love for Christ is always vital to have.  They are perfect role models on how young adults can grow in their faith and have our Lord drive their lives, careers, and relationships.  Having the missionaries here is an experience that we can’t compare to any other experience or to any lesson provided by the teachers.  They are the prime example of the Living Word of God.” 

This year’s theme for the visit was titled, “Be not afraid.” Violet Caton, one of the student missionaries said, “We told the students not to be afraid to trust God. You are called to be you, who God made you to be.” 

The group includes 14 people, among them is Father Gregory Plow, a Third Order Regular of St. Francis, who celebrated Mass while in Douglas. Every year the student missionaries fundraise and spend spring break in service, some support homeless, or medical ministries while others serve in education. That spirit of service is key for the Mrs. Melgoza, the principal, “In our mission statement at Loretto Catholic School we strive to teach our students to be leaders at the service of others.  The group of missionaries year after year live and model this part of our mission statement.”  

If you’d like to learn more about Franciscan University of Steubenville, please visit https://outreach.franciscan.edu/