Press Release
Sacred Heart Youth Group - Sacred Heart Church, Haworth NJ - June 24 - July 1, 2010

After months of planning and fundraising, Father Stephen Fichter, 5 chaperones, and 18 members of the VITA Youth Group at Sacred Heart Parish in Haworth journeyed to Lafitte, Louisiana for their first ever mission trip.  Hard hit by hurricanes and troubled by the Gulf oil spill disaster, Father John Ryan and the parishioners at St. Anthony and  St. Pius Church welcomed the energetic group with open arms. The teens helped  repair and paint a local home, and were active in the Vacation Bible School for the children of the area.

Amidst a stifling heat wave, the teens worked hard on the service projects and gave not only their strong hands but open hearts to the people of the parish. They saw first hand and listened to the stories of the hardship of life on the bayou. Recovering from hurricanes Katrina, Gustave and Ike, the oil spill crisis is now at the forefront of everyone's thoughts and prayers. It is taking an emotional toll on the people in this community. Not only will livelihoods be lost, but a way of life these "Lafittians" are proud of.

The teens traveled to Grand Isle to see first hand the oil slick in the waters of the Gulf and to meet with Father Michael Tran of Our Lady of the Isle Roman Catholic Church. They learned first hand of the burden the local community has endured and the fears the oil spill is presenting. The teens plan to commit the next fundraising event to donate food gift cards to those in need.

The long week culminated with a special Mass and visit with Most Rev. Gregory Aymond, the Archbishop of New Orleans. The Archbishop commended the teen missionaries on their efforts and encouraged them to continue to reach out in prayer and support for those whose livelihood and family life have been affected.

VITA meets on Sunday nights from 7-8:30pm in the youth group room on the second floor of the parish center.  No registration is needed, just come as you are.  Please check the schedule of the upcoming meeting dates and events.

For more information please contact
Hope Jansson or Claudia Zurlini - please call the parish for their contact info.

Call 201-387-0080