Area Catholic youth groups learn lessons at summer work camps

By Colleen Kottke
the reporter ckottke@fdlreporter.com

Work groups from area Catholic churches in Waupun and Fox Lake teamed up this summer with more than 200 young people from throughout the United States to help the poor and disadvantaged living in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Fourteen adult and student workers from St. Joseph Catholic Church of Waupun and Annunciation Catholic Parish in Fox Lake participated in the Catholic Heart Work Camp project in St. Louis, one of 20 work camps held throughout the United States.

Joining 50 other teams, small groups were assigned to more than 200 homes belonging to the elderly, poor or handicapped. Tasks included interior and exterior painting, remodeling projects and yard work.

“Some jobs took only took one day, while others took a full work week,” said Franz Posset, director of youth and young adult ministries at St. Joseph Church. “People receiving help were grateful for any service they received, whether is was a clean or newly painted house or a yard free of weeds. Hopefully, we left them with a feeling that someone cares.”

Homes assigned to work crews were carefully chosen by social service agencies based upon need and not religious denomination.

Kay Lechner of St. Joseph Parish said her greatest reward after a hard day of work was the gratitude expressed in the faces of those she helped.

“Most of them didn’t have words to express it,” she said, recalling the response of a 60-year-old man after a group helped repair extensive water damage in his bathroom. “He just grinned at us and said he couldn’t have done it himself and that we must have been angels sent by the good Lord.”

While Pat Kluz of Fox Lake was initially disappointed in not being assigned to an on-site work crew, her job assisting camp staff in the central food preparation area gave her a valuable insight as well.

“We were able to see the various groups at work as we traveled around delivering supplies,” Kluz said.

Posset says the vital lessons in compassion, commitment and teamwork are just a few of the things learned on the job site.

“They begin to understand that there is poverty and loneliness here in our country, especially among the elderly, and that everyone — through acts of kindness — can make a difference,” said Posset.

Even after putting in an exhausting day of work, youth and adults participated in nightly worship programs before bedding down on the floor in a suburban Catholic academy.

“I especially liked the night programs with all of the upbeat singing,” said first-time camper Pam Patrouille of Waupun. “I only went on this trip because my friend asked me but I would recommend it to anyone.”

Returning for her second year as an adult leader, Loretta Lechner of Waupun marveled at the enthusiasm shown by youth throughout the week.

“It’s so inspiring to see Catholic youth with such a burning desire to work and help others,” Lechner said. “The best part is seeing my group of youth growing close and pulling together as a team in just a few days time.”

Youth who attended the work camp were Megan Meagher, Kim Selk, Jessica Sperry, Colin Eckerstorfer, Erin Hawkins, Kay Lechner, Becky Muckerheide, Vicki Muckerheide and Pam Patrouille. Adult leaders assisting Posset were Rick Eckerstorfer, Loretta Lechner, and John and Pat Kluz.

Posset is continually grateful for the handful of adults that do not shy away from giving up their own vacation time to work with teenagers in the hot summer sun and in areas that may be considered dangerous by some.

“Above all, I wanted our kids to see that faith in God becomes active service to others,” Posset said. “As Christians, we need to have a preferential love for the poor whom God sends our way each day.”

Each night before bed, youth workers reflected on a simple question: How did you see God in your work today? For Kay Lechner, the answer to the question was reflected in the smile on an old man’s face.

Kay Lechner of St. Joseph Youth Group contributed to this story.