In an inspiring departure from typical spring break activities, around 50 teenagers and young adults from the Catholic faith-based organization Mission Youth Philly are dedicating Holy Week to serving others in the Philadelphia area.
This week-long mission involves deepening their faith through community service, participation in Holy Week liturgies, and daily Mass.
Beginning with Mass on Palm Sunday, April 13, at Our Lady of Peace Church in Ridley Township, the young missionaries carried heavy wooden crosses while visiting local homes to distribute blessed palm and collect prayer intentions.
“This is a great way to share the Gospel with others in a concrete way,” said Grace Mirenda from Coatesville, reflecting on the impact of their outreach as they walked down Milmont Avenue.
Following their mission in the neighborhoods, the group returned to OLP Church for Mass, where they prayed for the intentions of the individuals they encountered.
“I love encountering people and being able to make a difference in the community,” shared Allie Lorenz of Springfield, highlighting the fulfillment that comes from spreading joy and love.
Throughout the week, the young missionaries continued their outreach, heading into Love Park and other areas of Center City Philadelphia to engage with those they met and offer prayers for their intentions.
Nick Schell, a fourth-year seminarian at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Ambler, accompanied the youth on their walk, explaining, “Walking in Christ’s footsteps really allows me to discern my vocation in a tangible way.”
On Holy Thursday, the importance of community outreach continued as the missionaries went to Kensington, distributing care bags to those in need, while also participating in the evening’s Mass, dinner, and late night adoration.
“When we walk around Kensington, we reach people with whom we wouldn’t normally have contact,” explained Elizabeth Tomassetti of Ridley Township, underscoring the significance of connecting with individuals who are often overlooked.
Some participants opted for a flexible schedule that allowed them to join activities throughout the week without staying the full duration at OLP.
On Good Friday, the missionaries plan to converge in Center City for a pro-life rally, inviting families to join in a Good Friday Family Mission that includes street ministry activities and culminates in the Living Stations of The Cross.
Grace Murray of Drexel Hill expressed the transformative nature of her experience, stating, “Being a youth missionary helps me to have a close relationship with God.”
The week will feature a Day of Retreat on Saturday, offering participants time for renewal and reflection before culminating in a sunrise Easter Mass on Sunday morning to celebrate the Resurrection.
Following the Mass, the youth missionaries will gather for breakfast before returning to their families, having been encouraged to continue sharing Christ’s love in their home lives.
“Being a youth missionary strengthens my faith,” Elizabeth Tomassetti remarked, emphasizing the mutual benefit of outreach, as both the missionaries and those they serve grow closer to God through their interactions.
The efforts of Mission Youth Philly focus on evangelizing and bringing the presence of Christ to the streets of Philadelphia, particularly in areas like Kensington and its suburbs.
Their mission includes communal living, receiving formation, leading missions, and ultimately serving the Lord through various outreach initiatives.
Looking ahead, Mission Youth Philly has several upcoming events, including a Kensington Mercy Mission on June 17 and a Jesus at the Beach Retreat scheduled for July 27.
For those interested in being a part of Mission Youth Philly or learning more about future events, additional information can be accessed via their website at https://missionyouthphilly.com, or by contacting them by phone at 484-883-8464 or via email at [email protected].
image source from：https://www.delcotimes.com/2025/04/18/mission-youth-philly-participants-deepen-faith-spread-good-news/
