April 8, 2011
Youth group at St. Anthony, Evansville, keeping busy
The youth group at St. Anthony Church in Evansville has had a busy couple of months, according to Sharon Oliva, youth commissioner.
In a report to the Parish Council, she outlined a few of their activities.
“Mike Wathen taught Dave Ramsey classes, Generation Change, to our Life Teen group. On Feb. 19 and 20 the youth who participated in all the classes, were invited to West Baden.
“They worked in various jobs at the hotel such as doing laundry, busing tables and vacuuming. This was a good eye opener for the youth. As one youth commented, ‘I’ll never ask for extra towels unless I really need them again.’ The kids also had some fun and spent the afternoon at the indoor water park.
“Mike Wathen gave each Life Teen member who participated in the classes $50 in cash. Each person was ask to take the money and ‘do something good with it.’ The youth reported back the following week with some beautiful thoughtful stories.
“Some youth purchased food for families in need while others helped buy clothes for youth going through First Commun-ion at Holy Spirit. There were numerous other very touching stories. The money Mike gave the youth allowed them to experience the beauty of giving.”
During Super Bowl weekend the Life Teen and Edge group raised $1,710. Their goal was $750. They donated half the money to the Soup Kitchen and the other half to St Vincent DePaul.
Under the direction of Benedictine Sister Teresa Gunter, youth minister, members of the youth group also participated in a 30-hour famine. They raised over $5,300 which was donated to World Vision. They also collected over 1,200 items which were donated to St. Vincent de Paul.
During spring break, the youth group painted a parishioners home.