NEXT GEN
Teens on a mission in Hankinson community By Aliceyn Magelky
“A
lot can be learned about the power of prayer and spending time with Jesus,” said 18-year-old Jamestown resident, Jessica Vandal about her motivation to attend M.I. Camp annually. Every summer, the Diocese of Fargo hosts the Mission of the Immaculate (M.I.) Youth Camp for students ages 13-17 in Hankinson. The purpose of the camp is to be on a “mission to pray to Mary and get close to her as she points all of us directly to Jesus.” Resistant at first, Vandal attended her first camp session at the urging of her best friend. “The first year I went, I had a spiritual awakening. I was hooked,” she said. “I love the community, of being surrounded by people with the same values.” Now an adult, Vandal has transitioned from being a camper to a small group leader. As a small group leader, Vandal guides her charges through activities, discussion and Mass. She ensures her group members work together and support each other. “I love my group. The girls I work with remind me of my first year. I experienced a lot of camaraderie,” said Vandal. At camp the students are exposed to the teachings of St. Maximilian Kolbe and four main areas of focus: Catholic, Apostolic, Marian and Eucharistic. New this year, the campers invested time each morning to service projects around the Hankinson community. According to Kathy Loney, camp director, the students thoroughly enjoyed going out into the community to their assigned projects and helping others. Franciscan Sisters of Dilligen OSF, Sister Jean Louise Schafer and Sister Mary Ruth Huhn, graciously helped plan camp with themes and activity ideas, hospitality and many prayers for all involved with camp. The camp was held July 12-17 at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Hankinson. The theme was “Answer the call…live justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God.” Next year’s camp session will be June 26-July 1, 2016.
St. Gerard Volunteers – pictured from front to back: Tameka Steinwand, Edgeley; Jaydee Bach, Climax, Minn. (formerly Lidgerwood); Eve Dahlin, Fargo and Hope Bach, Crookston, Minn. (formerly Lidgerwood). (Aliceyn Magelky/New Earth)
Two teens from Jessica Vandal’s small group, Bethany Anderson, Harvey and Teresa Vanyo, East Grand Forks, Minn. volunteer at Hankinson Cemetery as part of MI camp. (Aliceyn Magelky/New Earth)
St. Vincent de Paul Donate your car to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul today, and you will receive a tax deduction and make a difference to those living in poverty. To donate your vehicle, go to www.svdpusacars.com, or call (800) 322-8284 All funds will be used within the diocese.
NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2015
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