2007 Denver Mission Team Testimonies
Denver Mission Trip: Summer 2007
Vicky Serio (adult)
Mission trips are an all parish event. Without the support of the entire parish mission trips would not be possible. That said you may wonder what the parish receives by sending over 150 teens and adults to various parts of the country to minister to other people. In short stronger Catholic Christians.
Our trips are split into two parts. First, the Catholic youth conference sponsored by Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, more commonly referred to as: Stubie. The second part is Group Work Camp.
At the youth conference we were part of 2300 mostly teens worshiping God with such an openness that I wish you all could experience. We are told by society in general that kids don’t need or want God and that the Church is dying. At Stubie you see that this is just not true. Of the 2300 youth and adults attending, over 1700 participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, most had to wait for close to an hour just to talk to a priest. And there were about 20 priests hearing confessions over a two day period. These kids truly know what a blessing this sacrament is. We also participated in Benediction, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of the Mass where our kids are so open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit that it just can’t help but move you to tears. The Church is not dying and as it says in Matthew 16:18 “the gates of Hell will not overcome it.” These young adults are proof of that.
At Group Work Camp our teens take the phrase “go make a difference in the world” seriously. They witness to their faith with action. Not only do they help repair homes but also hearts, theirs and that of the resident whose home they are working on. I can’t tell you how many times I heard ‘she reminds me of my grandma’, ‘he reminds me of my grandpa’, and little kids telling our workers that they are ‘their guardian angel’ and truly meaning it. Our missionaries did see that they made a difference in the world one heart at a time.
Now that we are home and back to the everyday routine we need your prayers more than ever so that the desire to serve God will continue to grow within our teens, our parish, the community, and beyond.
Kelly Quill
As a new member of this experience I had an amazing time. From packing my bag for the trip I was very nervous didn't know what to expect and how this trip would impact me and how I live my life. As we pulled up to Steubenville Conference on the Rockies I was nervous, excited and scared. As we all started to loosen up; dancing and singing, I felt more and more comfortable with myself and my faith. Once the second night at Steubenville came around I could tell my faith was being tested. Finally I learned to let God into my life more then I ever have and I experienced a feeling I could never describe. I rested in the arms of God! Throughout the week I could feel myself growing with God. As I was meeting my resident and learning about how her faith in God has helped her through all of her hardships and problems, I truly let God into my heart. I realized the hardships she's been through are similar to mine, the loss of a family member and the temptation just to shut God out of our lives. From the age of 3 I didn't know whether to believe in God’s way of living or not. The reason being is that God chose to take my brother from me. But as I've learned from my resident it is the way God wants my life and my family's life to be lived. Though my faith in God is tested everyday because of the hardships I have faced since a young age I look at how my resident dealt with her hardships and I look up to her! She is a true hero in my eyes! I will never forget her or this trip! Thank you for everything. Without you Wes I wouldn't have this true hero! God Bless! I love you!
Steph Giardina
A week before my first mission trip I was nervous about what to expect but now I know I had nothing to worry about. The 10 days on my mission tip were the best 10 days of my life. It started with a weekend at the Steubenville Conference and I would say that is the best part. At Steubenville, praise and worship is definitely the best part and it also the thing that helps you get closer to God. You finish the weekend with different workshops and masses. After Steubenville we drove 7 miles to Overland High School where Group Workcamps was located. That night we bonded with our crew and got our assignments. Then we had our evening programs each night with our praise and worship and discussing the theme of the day which were: choose, forgive, love, peace and live. Thursday was 'cry night’, which is the night you go to different stations and you pray for God to heal you. All in all this experience made me closer to God, healed me and I can't wait until next year.
Jen S.
This is my 2nd mission trip and this trip was 10 times better than last year. I can't really explain why but I got a step closer to God and knew what to expect so I was ready to be even more open-minded. Not only did I get closer with God, but also I got closer with my resident everyday, Dixie. She is a woman that I could see as an amazing faithful person and follower of God. I see myself staying in touch with her because just having spent five days with her wasn't enough. Knowing that there are such caring people like her in the world gives me a relief in my stomach. She let all of us shower in her home and treated us like her own children. I'm so blessed to have had her as my resident. I can't wait till next years mission trip to experience more!
Lauren Stroman
This was my 2nd mission trip and let me tell you the fire continues to grow stronger. Every trip is a step closer to God and a huge leap in character. I have enjoyed every moment. From the minute I first saw my resident to the minute we packed our tools to go home, was time spent loving God. The whole week is a sacred time expanding our relationships, work ethic and spiritual growth. I would never recommend a teenager to stay home if there’s the option to go on a mission trip. The appreciation I saw in my resident's eyes was such a strong feeling. It was enough love to keep my fire burning long after the next trip. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to help others, from new relationships and having an amazing time I couldn't feel more blessed to have this youth group as a part of my life! Thanks Wes for all you do!
Alicia Krueger
For some reason I was so nervous this year, probably because my parents were coming. I had worried about something that I didn't need to worry about at all. This summer for some reason the mission trip was very different from my last one. I can't put my finger on it though but in my heart I can tell. I was very moved and touched at Steubenville. Having my parents come made a big difference in my faith, in my family, and especially in myself. I'm very blessed to have had my parents come with me this summer and I hope they come next time too. Personally I can tell that this trip made us a lot closer which is a great feeling to have in my life. On this mission trip I was blessed with a wonderful resident, who was so caring and loving. Zena had a wonderful family.
Jessica Link
My first mission experience was remarkable. I grew closer to God each day. At Steubenville I connected to God through songs and prayers. I had never been that close to God before. I had always known that God was great, but I had never truly experienced His greatness before Steubenville. I now truly know that God is great. When I got to the workcamp, my crew demonstrated God's ways throughout the week. From the words of encouragement to the hugs for patience, my crew was dedicated to God in all that we did. They wanted to follow in Jesus' footprints and that inspired me to do the same. I was blessed to be with such a devoted and kind crew. This was a magnificent first mission trip and I am looking forward to next year's mission trip.
Alex Jakubzak
My workcamp week was the most life changing experience I have ever taken part in. My resident was one of the most inspirational women I have ever met. Working for a woman who gave up her job and paychecks to help all the needy and leaving the rest of her life in God's hands takes a ton of courage. Not only did we renovate her home but renovated my own life emotionally and religiously. Helping her with her base house and working with my crew has made me so much more open-minded. In my group we had people from all over the coutry and we all instantly bonded like family creating life long friendships especially with those living close to us in Illinois. This is the best thing I have ever spent my time on in the summer and would do it again in a heartbeat. This trip has made me so much more outgoing and open-minded. It has changed me forever!
Jessica Stanek
This was my very first mission trip. Although Steubenville left me feeling pressured and uncertain, workcamp was a true blessing. When we arrived at our site, it felt like home. By the end of the first day, Marlene and her three kids were family. I played with the kids like they were the little siblings I never had. Marlene was smart, funny, and full of stories to share. But one of the most prevalent things I noticed was the family's love. The kids giggled and grinned with just a swing set and each other. A million dollars couldn't buy the kind of deep companionship these kids had- it was infectious. They invited us in and loved us without a second thought, without restraint or fear. It has been a long time since I've been surrounded with that kind of open love. It takes these great people to remind you of how much you have, and how little you need.
Jason Patton
When I heard we were going to Steubenville, I was pumped but mostly freaked out, cuz I have heard stories about Steubenville before. But I cleared my mind so I wouldn't scare myself. Steubenville was AWESOME, after the 1st day learning all the dances and songs. The 2nd day of Steubie was the best for me; I was doing all the dances and singing along. You really have to let go of what people think of you in Steubie, cuz I think you will have a better time. Another thing about Steubie is it got me super-pumped for group workcamp. You will meet with your work crew for a week, you guys make a great bond, and it is kind of sad to see everyone leave for home. You also make a close bond with the home owner, and they have great and wonderful stories to tell. I wasn't really close to God before this trip, and now I feel that I'm pretty close. I think this mission trip opened up my eyes and a new chapter in my life.
Eric Yohnka
Dude, okay so this is like my 3rd group workcamp and its always fun. I don't have to tell you that, but the hardest thing is getting up to tell someone who hasn't gone. I come home every year and I get the same question: “Eric, why do you do it?” And ever time I look at them and smile. But I keep myself silent. You know why? Because they won't understand. They won’t understand that it's the person by your side that makes these trips worth it. It's the people around you and the people you pray over. I hate praying for myself so I pray for others so God can watch over them and just help them to SEE. This year I prayed by myself, for myself, for eyes to see yet another chance to go for God's Love. This year it took me to another level with the Steubie Conference. I love everyone who went because they understood what it means to have Jesus touch them!
Rina Ventrella
"I'm blessed." That's what I really feel right now. I always longed to go on a mission trip, but it just never quite worked out. However, this year I got the opportunity to go. And I took a leap of faith and just embraced the wonderful experience that I was about to have. I started off a Steubenville in the Rockies. It brought me one of the greatest gifts ever, me and my twin sister even closer and mended any hurt that we had felt. If the trip had ended there it would have been enough. But it wasn't the end, it wasn't even close. At the Group Workcamp in Aurora, Wes said to our table at dinner, "You can be anybody you want." Those words hit deep and stayed with me. See, normally I'm very shy until you get to know me. I knew coming into this, if I didn't open up with my crew I wouldn't have that part of the whole experience. God blessed me so much with a wonderful crew. And I was also able to open up with my group immediately. Two others and I became so close and it is something shat I will never forget. On this trip God gave me some great memories, friends and sister, and I came out of it with some great new friendships. However, one of the greatest gifts that I was given was a relationship with God and that’s something that I am blessed to have.
Jenny Martin
This was my first mission trip and my only regret is that I wish I went when I was a freshman. Ever since freshman year, I have been longing for a relationship with God and that's when I realized that the only way to live a fulfilling life is to have God in your life and live for Him every day. Although, I came to these beliefs, I didn't really act on it. There were moments where I could feel God in my heart and those were some of the most joyous days that I have ever experienced, but there were also days where God was in the back of my mind and unfortunately, those type of days were more common. So, basically my faith was up and down, never just a steady ride. I often felt like I needed something to jump start me, something that made me want to live for God my entire life and not just a couple of days, something that would help me grow closer to God. And this year, my senior year, I got that something that I needed and lucky for me, I got to go on this trip with three of my good friends. While I was on this trip, I'm not going to say that I experienced eternal joy the entire ten days because that would be a lie. I often was frustrated, discouraged, the first couple of days because when we went to Steubie, I didn't feel God's presence, or at least the first day, but I think it was because I didn't feel worthy enough especially since I couldn't stop thinking of all the sins I committed. So, since I was feeling very sad because I felt like I was the only one who didn't feel God's love, I immediately went to confession to hopefully break down the wall that I felt was separating me from God. Afterwards, I felt so much better, like all that weight was lifted off my shoulders, which made me excited for the next day that hopefully I would attain a close relationship with God, the thing that I have wanted. The second night was definitely a lot better and I could feel God's love in my heart and I felt like He was out there, He even spoke to me and God also brought my best friend and I even closer that night, and it was really neat. Despite these things though I couldn't help but focus on the fact that I didn't receive spiritual gifts like resting in the spirit or the laughter, crying, etc. Or at least in my opinion I knew I shouldn't have thought this way, but I couldn't help it and consequently, it killed my faith. I felt hopeless and lost and I constantly wondered what was wrong with me. I believed that the spiritual gifts represented how much you loved God and since I didn't rest in the spirit, I wondered if I loved God at all or maybe just not enough. Although I felt very discouraged, I kept praying that I would get closer to God, that I would be able to feel Him with me in my heart, to see His love for me. I constantly saw around me that God was real, His love was unconditional, but I needed to experience it myself. Well, after confessions I met this kid, Justin and he instantly intrigued me because you could tell there was something different about him, he had such a strong faith, especially for only being a sophomore. I talked to him more when we entered the Group Workcamp and I soon began to love him and by just talking to him, I would see that God was real as was His love for me. I soon began praying all the time and really trying to open up and it seemed to work. Justin unknowingly saved me. From him, I really began to feel God was constantly around me and I couldn't be more grateful. I truly believe that God was trying to reach out to me, but unconsciously, I was pushing Him away or blocking Him out, but God, being amazing, found a way that would help me become closer to Him and that was Justin, who was sent by God to me. He is my angel. I was also blessed to have Ann sent to me. She really made an impact and on me gain, I am so grateful. She taught me that the spiritual gifts aren't just the ones I witnessed in Steubie, but just showing love. She taught me many things and really helped me out and also because so her, my faith grew even more. Like Justin, she was my angel sent from God. I think the most meaningful and spiritual night for me was "cry night" at the workcamps- I can't explain how amazing that experience was for me. I saw how truly blessed I was for everyone in my life and I was just at peace and it was just he most beautiful feeling ever. I can't really describe it, but God was there and I felt like I finally was in His arms. Just looking back on it, my hands are trembling as my eyes are being filled with tears of joy and my heart couldn't be more filled with joy and love. For me, that was the turning point that I wish everyone to have. It was the exact thing that I needed and I don't think it’s possible to come out of a mission trip untouched by God's love. It truly was a blessing to have come on this and I am so glad that God called me here-everything about Him is remarkable: The people, the worship and praise, the adults, the leaders, the residents, just everything. As we near Crystal Lake, I know it’s not the end, but only the beginning of my walk with God and I
couldn't be more excited.
Ps. You form amazing friendships and I thank God for blessing me with such an awesome crew!!!
Corrie Gustin
I originally came on this mission trip to come close with the people of our church. However, after the few days we spend at Steubenville on the Rockies I realized that God had a bigger and better plan for me. He had sent me on this mission trip to become closer in my relationship with Him. Steubie helped me experience God and the Holy Spirit through Adoration. Once we got to Group Workcamps in Aurora, Colorado I was pumped to continue living out God's plan for me. As the week progressed, my crew and I grew closer than ever. There was one girl in particular who totally connected with me. She opened up to me about how her dad had died when she was eight. She had also told me she didn't have a reason to believe that God existed because He took her father from her. I explained to her what happened at Steubie and how the Holy Spirit and God just took control of your body. When I saw her the next day she told me how she saw and experienced God during the evening program. It was then I realized that God had wanted me to spread His love and greatness to those who had not found it yet. Before this mission trip I would never openly talk about my religion or my faith in God. But now I am proud of what I believe in. I now have come to the reality that the people who aren't strong with their religion or faith in God are missing out on the best relationship and friendship there is to offer. I figured out that God wants me to spread His word throughout my life, and many others.
Briana Flanagan
This was my second mission trip and I think I got more out of it this year than the previous. We started off the trip again with an amazing Steubie conference. It lacked the beauty of the Franciscan University of Steubenville campus in Ohio, but it still carried the powerful, spiritual experience. During our time there we worshipped, had "girl talks" and practiced Adoration. The first day there I refrained from getting into everything too much, but the second day I went in with an open mind and ready for anything. That night I had a much better experience during Adoration and regretted leaving on Sunday because I wished I 'd opened up sooner. The leaving was bittersweet, however because even though we had to say good-bye to hours of singing and worshipping, we got to look forward to working in Denver and meeting our new work crews. The workcamp was definitely my favorite part. I love meeting new people and the look on the resident's faces when they see the work we've accomplished is priceless. My crew this year was amazing. We instantly clicked and got along so well, despite the county music I was forced to listen to. Our resident, Dolores, was so grateful for what we were doing; she was constantly comparing us to angels and her "busy bees." We managed to finish her house on time, early actually, so for the last day my crew went to help another crew that was behind. Before we said our final "good-byes" we got her some items to remember us by: a wooden cross and a prayer shawl. The wooded cross was painted orange and signed by everyone in my work crew including where we were from and we gave her the prayer shawl and told her that whenever she felt lonely, all she had to do was wrap herself in the warmth of it and know that she was in our prayers and that the shawl was a hug from us, beeping her company. Helping others was on thing, but another idea I had to focus on was helping myself, helping myself to be more like Christ. Throughout the week, different days were devoted to teaching the many aspects of Christ's life. This week I learned peace, humility, love, and the two I struggled with the most: patience and forgiveness. I learned a lot about patience and forgiveness during our devotions and night programs and I really want to carry through what I have learned into my daily life. I know it will be extremely difficult for me, throughout school, work and sports, but I'm going to try my best. I know I really need to maintain patience with my family especially and I need to forgive those who've hurt me, just as Jesus forgave us. I could already see it beginning to get harder as we got farther from our secluded camp, but I'm ready to take on the challenge.
Nick Van Dorpe
This is my second mission trip. I have to say that this one has been an interesting one. Both spiritually and experience wise. When I went to the Steubenville of the Rockies, I went to a session that Chris Padgett did. He did a session called "The Leading Lady," which was about the Virgin Mary. It was so amazing to hear about the greatness of Mary. Another thing he told us was how we praised Mary. To me that was so important. Another thing that I liked this week was my crew. From day one we were a close-knit group. I had such a great time being around them and working with them. All the people in my crew agreed that if I didn't ask so many questions on the first day, they wouldn't be as close as they were. My crew and I got so close together, that I'm going to miss them so much. May God bless them all.
Morgan Gates-Thomas
This mission trip was my second and yet again it was an amazing experience. To see my close friends grow closer to God is a memory I will always treasure. Seeing them open up to God at Steubenville was awesome. Being able to watch the adults sing and dance at Steubenville and throughout the workcamp was so cool, I've never seen anything like it. The new friends I made in my work crew helped me to have a better work ethic and to become a better person overall. Making new friends and getting to know them with our youth group is a great experience. I will never forget the friends I have made. This mission trip brought me ever closer with God and I will never forget.
Sarah Austin
"Your love has always been enough for me." Its amazing how songs that I have listened to for months before the mission trip mean so much more to me now. God's love always has and forever will be enough for me. I just haven't always seen it. Steubenville and our workcamp have made me realize so many things. God is the only one I really need to focus on, He is enough. I have gotten so much peace this trip by giving up my worries, pressures, insecurities, and feeling that I'm never good enough. God has shown me that I am perfect in His eyes and He loves me for who I am. That has given me the confidence I never had before. I also now truly understand the meaning of the phrase “everything happens for a reason” and what should happen will happen. When I was afraid to go and talk to my dad and open up to him, my dad came to me so I could talk about God and His amazing peace, love and forgiveness. God made my crew perfect. We just clicked. It was amazing how we could share anything and grow, laugh, work together with and through God. I almost feel like I'm afraid to enter back into the real world with the everyday choice of the world's way or God's way. I know that with my newfound confidence I will be able to continue to follow Jesus' footsteps. Our mission team has grown as a family and will stick together to continue to renovate our hearts and the hearts of others to be followers of God through the Catholic faith. I have so much more trust in God after this trip. He kept me safe white water rafting, brought the Holy Spirit to overflow me at Steubenville when I asked, and made me humble and free after confession. I know that with my smile that everyone has told me about I can light up the world through God's amazing grace as His songs play in my heart forever.
Megan Voloch
This is my second time on a mission trip and I thought last year was good, but, this year was even better. The workcamp was so awesome. I met so many amazing people. My residents were, and are such an inspiration to me. Jack has leukemia and his wife Jennifer has severe diabetes. Before he was diagnosed with it, she had cancer and she survived it. Now, she helps her husband with his cancer. On the final night of our workcamp,all of the residents came to the school to visit with us. It was Jack and Jennifer's wedding anniversary and they decided to spend it with us. They are still so deeply in love even after all they had been through. All week we have been talking about God sightings and how they have changed our lives. Well, the God sightings that I witnessed were my residents in themselves. But, even before all of that my favorite part of the whole trip was Saturday in Steubenville. It was truly the best day of my life. I fell in the Holy Spirit and I felt so much peace fall upon me. That was the night I really felt God was in my life. He showed me not to be scared and no matter what happens He is with me always. I have grown so much this past week through God and prayer.
Franki Geib
Starting off our trip on a bus for 10 hours, sleeping at a church and eating lots of pizza was an awesome way for God to show us all the importance of friendship. This mission trip was twice as powerful as my first one. It is amazing how much my faith has grown even stronger. Steubenville is always an amazing way to start off these mission trips right. God showed me unbelievable peace and tranquility throughout my trip. That was much needed for me, with my normally busy schedule. I would definitely recommend a mission trip for anyone ready to let God in, once I did my life took a whole new perspective. All of the friends I came with on this trip have helped me with my relationship with God. I thank God that I have found such amazing people to share such a strong connection to Christ with and be able to call them my friends.
Connor Savage
This week has been so amazing. I truly feel I have grown closer to God in so many ways. It started in Steubenville where the singing and everything else really got us in the mood for workcamp. I was really nervous at first, but once I got there, I met my crew and we clicked instantly. I loved working with them while helping people. It’s nice to have so many new friends who love God like I do. I even met people who weren't on my crew. I can't wait for next year, but until then I have lots of people to e-mail to remind me of this week.
Carolyn Gorski
So this was my second mission trip and I have to say that it was amazing! We first stopped at Steubenville in the Rockies. That was so much fun because we got to see teens from all over the country worshipping our God with all that they have. Even though we all didn't know each other we all came to worship together. The weekend went by too quickly but, we were all pumped to go to the group workcamp. We got to meet all different types of people again. This was when we thought that we would start off with telling our most embarrassing stories and with me I told them that I just fall a lot, I didn't have a specific story. But later I would have a story to tell because when we were going to get up off the bleachers I fell back and I cut my toe and man was it gross! But I knew right then that my crew would have my back. All week we worked together at our resident's house and I have got to say she is a wonderful lady. She has so much faith - it is unbelievable. Her faith spread to everyone in my crew. Missions have truly changed my life for the better. My faith has been tested and I believe that I have overcome the challenges given to me. I believe that missions are one of the best things that have happened to me in my life.
Erin Stanek
As I went into Aurora, Colorado camp, I was convinced that this would be the last Group Workcamp that I would attend. But as our group split up that first night into our work crews, I was greeted with smiles and open arms. As the days passed and I participated in the daily work and evening programs, I felt a bond being reformed. My crew showed me why I love workcamps so much. As Friday night crept on, I realized that God had given me more than enough reasons to keep getting on the bus and serving others for a week. These camps are my saving grace, a place where I can go to serve others and cleanse myself from the stress of the world. God Bless.
Justin Barlett
My mission trip story started Sunday before we left when we were receiving blessings and giving our testimonies from the mission to New Orleans. I had been praying during Mass about going one the Denver Mission Trip in addition to my New Orleans mission, and while we were receiving our blessing I felt that God wanted me to go, so after the blessing I told Wes I would go on the trip in a week to Denver. The morning of the mission I honestly didn't think I would be able to make it out of the house because I would miss my mom far too much to be able to even take these first few steps to Denver. However, thinking of this year’s mission theme “WHATEVER-WHEREVER-WHENEVER” got me out of the house and on the road to Denver. Steubie was everything people say and so much more. The first time I walked into the doors of Steubie I heard the songs I loved being sang my 2,500 people who loved God. There are no words in the world to describe the feeling I got walking in. The first night after Adoration a couple of girls and I went to Reconciliation. In the line for confession I bonded with them and we encouraged each other to pour out our sinful hearts to the Lord and ask for his forgiveness. I made friends with the people in that line, friends that will last forever. I poured all my sins and laid them before the Lord. After confession I had to go to Adoration for 20 minutes, well 20 minutes turned into an hour, an hour turned into more trips to Adoration - it was indescribable. On a scale of 1-10 it's a 10! Group workcamp was awesome. I really bonded with my crew. My resident was very cool!
Ken Jakubzak
This was my first mission trip and truth to be told, I was surprised it was pleasant, yeah. I had fun, yeah. I did not though, expect the relationships I made at Steubenville helped me become closer to God, and helped bolster my faith greatly. Although I was taken back a bit by praise and worship, it still was a wonderful way to connect with God. Workcamp made me become closer to my fellow crewmembers and the other guys in our youth group. My crew worked on this little old lady's house, painting, scraping, and also just getting acquainted with the residents. They were actually quite cool, and rather kind. Overall, the experience is one I will remember for the rest of my life. Hopefully I will be able to go on the next one too.
Amanda Aranyi
Every year for as far back as I can remember I would see all the people at church who would come back from a mission trip and talk about how it was. I thought that all those people were so amazing and I was motivated by the way they talked about helping others. I never would have thought that I would be one of those people. During the past 10 days I have not only made some great friends but I got so much closer to God. At Steubenville there are no words to describe how I felt or even what happened. It was the most incredible, spiritual experience. It opened me up for the rest of the trip. The workcamp was a lot of fun. Fixing up homes to make someone else's life easier is the greatest feeling in the world. Just knowing that your resident is going to benefit from the work you have done is so cool. On our day off we went white water rafting, it was the scariest, most thrilling, and exciting thing I have ever done. I was so scared but I felt so much better than before we got on the raft. My group prayed together that we would be safe, it really comforted me and it really worked because our raft did the best. We never tipped over, no one fell out, and we had a great guide. This was a life changing experience. I will never forget it. If I could, I would do this all over again in a heartbeat.
Stephen Katkus
This is my first testimony so I have no clue I how to start, so here at Steubie I loved the rapping priest. He got the whole church involved. At our Group Workcamp, I was in Mighty Crew 27 and it was fun. People told me powerful things I had never realized about myself. I love to see the people change in our church and it was not just the kids - it was the adults too. It’s sad to leave now, but I need a good night sleep in a hotel! I loved the whole forgiveness activity during the big Thursday night workcamp program which focused on forgiveness. I was able to forgive my dad. I really needed to do that!
Brendan Sugrue
My mission experience was far better than I thought it would be. I went to Colorado with a nervous attitude and came back with sadness. Sadness because I'm leaving my crew, whom I have gotten so close to, the experiences that I have been through at Steubenville, and that I will be alone for the first time in a week. I have grown so close to so many people through some life changing experiences this past week, and when I realize I won't see some of them for a while, it brings a wave of sadness. At the same time, I want to share what I have learned with the people who I am close with. Through everything that has happened over the week, everybody has been "renovated" in some way. I have been renovated in maturity. In my crew, I was the youngest member. I'm 16, and everyone else was older. Over that week everyone thought I got a couple years older in my maturity. They said I fit in so well. If I had to sum up my experience in one phrase it would be, “eye opening”. I am far from being done with this experience. This mission trip is just he beginning of a huge experience for me.
Katie Jones
In the beginning of this trip I couldn't imagine that I could have gotten incredibly close to God. The first night in Nebraska I was kind of intimidated because everyone seemed so close to God and I hoped that I could become as close as other people in my youth group to God. I think Steubie was my favorite part of this trip. I grew so much closer to God, as well as other people in my youth group. All the worship and prayer was so heart-warming. I felt good about expressing myself with other people. It truly was a rewarding experience to be able to go on this trip and I can't wait until next year!!
Anthony van den Heuvel
I was very nervous before coming on this mission trip because I was a newbie and I didn't know many people. Once we got there I was a little bit better because I met new people and became friends with them. I also had a couple friends came and our relationships grew stronger. There was a group of people that became close. They were kind of like a family because we would agree and disagree on a lot of things. Its was all okay because we would work things out otherwise it would work things out otherwise it would have made for a very bad week. I have contact information from all my crew so I think we will stay in touch. I think this was a good trip because it helped me and a lot of other people get a better relationship with God. Also because new friends were made. This was an experience of a lifetime and I would recommend this trip to others.
Meaghan Gildea
My experience of the past 10 days has been incredible. The Denver mission is my first mission trip and I couldn't have chosen a better one. Not only have I had relationships with other missionaries grow, but my relationship with God grew too. Now, instead of being in the shadows with my faith, I feel as if I could proclaim it to the world. Being at Steubenville alone changed me completely. I was lucky enough to rest in the spirit one night during Adoration. I can truthfully say I was moved after the first night. The speakers were amazing and were totally able to connect with us teens. While in Denver, with our crews, I was blown away by how open we were after only a few days. It seemed like I had known these people forever. We were in very comfortable surroundings and it was always nice to get an e-mail from someone close. Knowing that my family was supporting me was an awesome feeling. Throughout the whole trip there were laughs, cries, hugs, and most of all support from everyone around. Now only was it nice to be supported, but to be there for someone else knowing you were meaningful to almost a complete stranger was so cool. His experience has brought me friends and a closer life long relationship with God.
Mary Cate Eklund
When coming on his trip I wasn't sure what to expect. At first I was nervous, especially at Steubenville. I was so wrong about it all because it really opened my eyes as well as my heart. One of the things that helped me to really have more fun and accept God was to sing and dance and just be open to anything that happened. Steubenville got me as well as everyone else pumped to go help people. I really enjoyed workcamp and loved my residents. Irene and John are some of the most caring, happy and nice people I've ever met. Although John had leg problems and a tracheotomy he was there all week to make sure we were safe. Irene made lunch for us everyday. They also took part in devotions and prayer with us. It was awesome. The whole 10 days was an unforgettable experience that I would do over and over.
Amy Fanella
My first mission trip was truly amazing. I had so much fun with everyone. I met so many new people and made so many more friends. The friends and new people were not the best part; the best part was definitely getting closer to God. My time at Steubenville rocked! I had many times when I felt God. I liked when I saw others in our youth group experience the same thing I have experienced. With all the people in the workcamp and conference it was easy to connect with each other. Workcamp was hard, not because of the work but because of our resident, our resident challenged us by telling us his point of view, which was that there is no God. Usually I would just let people say there is no God and my faith, but I stuck up for myself and my God and that was something new for me.
Rosa Ventrella
A couple days before the mission team left Colorado, as most of the campers were beginning to pack and get ready, my Dad called my sister and me to confirm that there were still at least two openings for the trip. My twin sister Rina quickly decided that she wanted to go. However, I was really unsure about it. The day before everybody left, I realized that I wouldn't miss out on anything too exciting at home, so even if I didn't experience anything amazing I would still have a good time with my friends. But, as soon as we arrived at the Steubenville Conference in Denver, Colorado I found out that I was definitely going to experience things. After a whole day of singing and worshipping I went to my first Adoration. During it I felt that I was having a real hard time talking to God, like there was a huge brick wall between us. So afterwards, along with a few of my friends, I went to Reconciliation. As I entered the large room to sit and wait in line everybody had to carry a brick around with them. Then, after everybody confessed their sins they got to lay their brick down. While I was putting it down I felt as if I wasn't just releasing the weight out of my arms and shoulders from the brick, but I was also knocking down the brick wall between God and me. Then, at the second night of Adoration for one of the first times, I was able to carry on a deep conversation with God. During that time I started to cry because I felt so at peace; all my stress from the school year, my summer, and my future began to disappear. At that moment I decided to put my life completely in God's hands. While I was crying, my sister Rina wrapped her arms around me. It felt as if all the problems and difficulties in our relationship were gone, and I have never felt so close to her before. I continued to grow closer to my sister, friends, and most importantly God throughout that week. I'm so blessed that there were two opening left on the mission trip. I feel that if it was a message from God that He wanted my sister and met to go and experience it together. Now I have surrendered my life to God and I'm excited to see what He has planned for me.
Paul Graff
At the start of the trip, I had no idea why I was there. We first arrived at Steubenville, and as I approached the conference center, I was filled with horror. I could hear loud bass drums and singing, and my mind was thinking one thing "Oh my gosh! It's a Christina rock concert! Help." I watched the people around me dancing and singing, and I just wanted to leave. Then, after I listened to the speakers I decided the place wasn't so bad, and I found myself dancing and singing too. Next came the workcamp. We got separated into crews, and new people to work with. The best part though, was meeting my residents. They were the nicest people I ever met, and I loved working with them on their house. The experience was life changing and I feel closer to God than ever before.
Sarah Cox
I can't even begin to describe how much this and last year’s trip has changed me. Last year I was unsure of what I'd think. Steubenville was an amazing way to start my trip and I'm so glad we did it again this year. I've grown so much in my faith and I appreciate and understand the love I have for Jesus Christ and the love He has for me. My resident at group workcamp touched my heart. She showed me love in so many Christ-like ways and I'm truly blessed I got a chance to meet her. I've grown in my faith with my friends and I'm so glad I did. When we found out how much these trips change you, we were called here. Now we are stronger than ever because not many kids at our school are religious, so it’s great we can stand strong in our beliefs together. Praying with people that are close to you is such an amazing experience. The relationships I've made with people on the trip: friends, crew members, new people and Christ will always mean so much and I'm so glad I've grown as much as I did.
Kelli Lawless
It is amazing how a week together can turn people into family. This was my first mission trip and I had heard all the stories about how close people get but I had no idea how true it actually is. These people are my family; we have grown so close together and in God. We have been through so much together, from helping each other at Steubie, being stuck on a bus for eight hours on Monday to our wonderful last night together. This experience has been incredible and I have fallen in love with all of these people. In addition to growing close to each other, we have all grown closer to God. I know I have. God has given me the courage to be whoever I want to be. This week I was told to "take my confidence and run in any direction I please." I took that to heart and made sure everyone saw it. I not only showed confidence at the worksite but also in my faith. Once day at my worksite I was painting and my resident's granddaughter came out to help. She started painting with me and asking all kinds of questions until she asked me why we were helping her grandma. I told her that since her grandma was in a wheelchair she couldn't do this herself. She turned, looked at me and said "It is amazing that you're doing this for God. I want to be just like you when I grow up." That is when I finally understood why God has called me to go. This experience has brought me new friends, a greater relationship with my mom and made me RENOVATE my life to become closer to God. I will treasure this experience forever and I can't wait for next year. God bless you, Denver mission team, and thank you for making this trip be one I will never forget.
Rita Krueger (adult)
As an adult, I feel privileged to have attended and participated in the Steubenville Youth Conference. It is a tremendous display of faith by the 2300 youth who were there. It was so inspiring. Great emphasis was placed on the sacraments. 1,700 f the 2,300 young people and adults received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. How awesome is that! Praise and worship were a top priority. I was awe-struck by the faith of our young people as they worshipped God with their whole minds, hearts, souls and bodies. Our God was surely pleased.
Group workcamp gave us a chance to give back to God by helping others. We had the opportunity to be servants of God by scraping and painting houses, building wheelchair ramps or doing whatever was needed to renovate the residents' homes. Even more important was developing a relationship with our residents. We came to know and love them. We saw God truly present as we all worked and prayed together. We ourselves became renovated. I thank God for allowing me to be a part of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's Denver Mission Team.
Jane Lawless (adult)
The faith I saw this week was incredible. The way these young men and women lived faith is inspiring. I was extremely impressed by a young man who was asked to say a prayer at devotion time and the most beautiful words poured out of him. His love of God was so evident. He knew the Bible so well. When asked to relate our day to God's word he opened his Bible and read a passage that said exactly what our day as about. It is so exciting to see the love of God and each other in the teens. I will forever be touched by our future generation and feel secure that they will continue to bring God's love and words to all. The missionary work will continue through them and I thank God for that. It was a beautiful week full of God's presence in all who we were with at sites and back at the school. I am blessed to have been a part of it all.
Brendon Knaizer
This mission, being my first, was an experience that no words are fit to describe. The worship and friendships, awesome. The residents we worked for, amazing. I got on the bus for this trip not knowing many people. I doubt I was the only one. But as the ride went on, the bus grew louder as we all opened up to each other. I’m usually shy, but on this trip I wasn’t afraid to open up to anybody. Everyone on the bus was there for the same reason, because they love God and want to share His love with others. No one had a good reason to not make new friends. But there was one group I got closer to than everyone else, my crew. I spent almost seven hours with them every day, and at times we were like family. We never fought, but we could annoy each other like brother and sister. But the love we all had for each other was stronger. Our opening prayers were filled with our love and God’s love. The love from our crews spread throughout the camp. I wish you all could have been there. It was truly the best experience of my life.
Andrew Gardeck
I jumped on the bus knowing only few, but I was still glad I was going on my first mission trip. By the time we got on Rte. 47 everyone was talking to each other. By the time we got to Nebraska we all had told many stories and watched some sweet movies like High School Musical. When we got to Denver, Colorado I was so excited and couldn’t wait for Steubie. The first night of Steubie everyone was talking about Adoration. I had no clue what they were talking about and I first thought it was lame kneeling for an hour and a half, praying. But that night I kept my mind open and just did as I was told. That night was cool and Adoration was peaceful. The next afternoon I went to confession because I hadn’t been for awhile and Wes said that it would also help for Adoration that night. When Adoration came around I was so excited. Adoration was amazing that night. I felt God working in me and the Holy Spirit filling my soul up with happiness. That night was one of the best nights I have ever had. It has motivated me to follow God’s ways no matter where they take me because you can never go wrong with God.
Maggie Walsh
There are no words to describe how amazing this trip was. This was my fourth mission trip and by far the best one. Going on this trip at first was hard because I didn’t really know anyone besides my dad. Experiencing this trip with my dad changed my life. Watching him change for Christ was amazing to watch. I know within years to come my dad and I will be going on more of these together. This trip changed my life for the better and I hope many of you are able to experience this with you family. It’s a life changing experience. God Bless you all.
Brian Kauth
Before coming on this mission trip I had no idea what to expect. I was a newbie who didn’t know a lot of the people going. As soon as we arrived all of that changed. I was able to open up to people I have never met and end up becoming friends. Throughout the week our friendship grew closer and stronger. A special group of people that basically became my family was my work crew. The love that they have for everyone is indescribable. Every morning when we opened up in prayer you could feel God’s love amongst everyone of us. This trip has been the best experience of my life and I hope all of you can experience it too.
posted by Setonspecialevents at 7:24 PM
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