“Oh. MY. GOODNESS! WHAT a volunteer group yesterday. They showed up, got straight to work, and never slowed down. They did everything I asked while maintaining a great attitude and making me laugh. I think their favorite part was disassembling/demolishing the piano. Fortunately, that is what I had asked them to do. I told everyone many times how appreciative I was of their time & energy, but please pass this along to anyone that had a role in making it happen, including yourself.”
– John A Soss, Broad Street Program Director, CYO of Mercer County
Over the weekend of November 15-16, 2024, Goodfaith hosted 20 young people from St. Joseph’s Preparatory School 2024-2025 Sophomore Two Day Service Immersion. The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of Mercer County was one of their service sites.
The CYO of Mercer County is a public benefit community organization that enhances the lives of Greater Mercer County youth and their families, by providing affordable, quality, educational and recreational services. Rooted in the Catholic Tradition, the CYO provides these services in an inclusive and non-discriminatory manner respecting the culture and faith of all. Founded in 1961, more than 100,000 young people have walked through the Broad Street doors of the CYO Center in Trenton or played at the CYO Camp on Yardville-Allentown Road in Hamilton. As an agency of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton the CYO understands its mission to be one of love and concern for young people of every culture and faith.
Goodfaith staff member, Joe Dignam, accompanied the sophomores along with chaperones from St. Joe’s Prep, based in Philadelphia. The service immersion journey centered around the parable of The Good Samaritan: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) Jesus uses this story to help us understand what it means to be a good neighbor and care for others, especially those in need.
In addition to serving at the CYO of Mercer County, participants served at Visitation Home, Princeton Theological – The Farminary, Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Every day after service, the sophomores were led in activities and reflections to connect Catholic social teaching and the gospel with the service work they performed.
Your past and ongoing donations and prayers support our good work. You are included in John’s thank you to all that had a role in making this happen. Thank you!
