The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru – This week 260 teens from six states have been participating in community service projects at 85 sites within a 30 mile radius of Plattsburgh. They are participating in a Catholic Heart Workcamp. Three groups have been in Peru painting the classrooms at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, gardening at St. Patrick’s Oratory and painting a Peru resident’s home. Hope Griffin, the group leader at the parish center explained, “We hope the workcamp will help the teens realize what it means to be Catholic, how works go together with faith. We want them to be spiritually engaged with the service they’re performing.”

The teens working in the Plattsburgh region came from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Michigan and New York. They are being housed at Seton Catholic High School. Their day begins with mass and faith sharing. From 8:30 AM to 3 PM they have been painting, gardening, cleaning up yards, working in soup kitchens and building handicapped ramps. When they return to Seton Catholic they participate in faith-building, music and fun activities. Nine local priests were present last night for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Undoubtedly their sleeping bags and air mattresses feel good at the end of the long day.

Several of the teens working in Peru have participated in work camps for two or more years. Alexia Willoughby explained, “I participated last year and loved it. I wanted to help out again.” Bradley Yeich said, “I liked it the first two years. I enjoy getting to know new people.” Peyton Snidanko, a 9th grader said, “I knew kids who came before me. I got excited and wanted to help.” Erin Judge said 50 to 60 young people from her parish’s youth group are participating this summer. Peyton, Alexia, Bradley and Erin are all from Michigan.

The Catholic Heart Workcamp program began in a Florida parish in 1993 and continues to expand. The program includes play as well as work. The Michigan teens stopped at Niagara Falls on the way to Peru. About 80 youths will tour Lake Placid before leaving for home. They appear to have all appreciated this region’s beauty and hospitality. Let’s hope they return.