On March 28, Bishop O'Connell students traveled to Hyannis, Mass. to participate in the Youth Street Reach—a program designed to integrate education, worship and outreach in order to make youth more aware of injustice and to respect the dignity of all people, especially the lonely, lost and disenfranchised. This program, which is hosted by the ecumenical group, Church Women United, gives high school students the opportunity to interact directly with those who have or are still dealing with homelessness, hearing firsthand how each life’s path leads to sometimes unexpected circumstances, and learning how a community of faith and love can change everything.
Accompanied by Christian Service coordinator, Mannikka Heard, and theology teacher, John Allen, ten students from Bishop O’Connell joined 30 other high school students for this special Youth Street Reach weekend
“The program began with icebreakers to allow the group to get to know each other better,” said Heard. “Our students were able to interact, laugh and reflect during this time. Right away the whole group realized how much they had in common.”
The group was introduced to the program on the day they arrived. First, they heard personal experiences from a formerly homeless young woman, recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. Then they toured the town to visit local shelters and learn more about the people they serve.
The mission weekend included opportunities to serve meals, spend time in the shelters and learn more about how a local community can and is making a difference. The students attended Mass and spent time in fellowship together, making new friends with their fellow group members. This trip was a unique experience for students to be immersed with real issues surrounding homelessness.
“They came as students, but went home as teachers of all they learned on Cape Cod,” remarked one of the local organizers who expressed his genuine appreciation for the “group from Virginia.”
"It was amazing to see the power of faith affect people and bring them out of horrible situations,” said O’Connell junior, Sophia Eccheverria. “This trip definitely strengthened my own faith and made me want to continue to reach out to people in need.”