GENEVA—Clad in matching blue t-shirts featuring the theme “God’s Work, Our Hands,” more than 100 St. Peter Parish members here gathered June 13 to take part in the parish’s first Service Saturday,
Parishioners young and old met at the church for a photo and a blessing, and then dispersed to serve at various locations throughout the community.
Some volunteers went to Lazarus House, a homeless shelter in St. Charles to help with deep cleaning, others to Bria Health Services in Geneva and Elderday Center in Batavia to do yardwork and cleaning.
Still others went to the Geneva Library to help sort books and distribute flyers.
Kathleen Laing, who cleaned at Lazarus House, said, “I learned a lot about the way Lazarus House started and I was so happy to help make the place spic and span for the residents.”
Stephen Danek, 9, who served at Bria, said, “I liked mopping the floor.”
Other volunteers went to homes of older parishioners to help with projects ranging from weeding to small repairs to moving furniture.
Greg Mucha, who served with son Alec, said, “It was so nice to see the happiness in those we served, sharing the faith in our conversations.”
They were even greeted at one woman’s door with freshly baked muffins, in appreciation for their help.
The rest of the volunteers stayed on-site and helped with projects such as sorting Barn Sale donations, spreading mulch, weeding the parish’s Friendship Garden and cleaning and organizing storage rooms.
After a few hours of work, all of the volunteers gathered back at the church for lunch, ice cream and fellowship.
Parishioners agreed they had shared a wonderful experience in serving together.
“I enjoyed the camaraderie and the chance to meet people, while working for the good of the parish,” Lisa Gilligan said,
Samantha Kresler, 9, said “We should have it more often because it was so much fun.”
Father Martins Emeh, pastor, and Father Slawomir Zimodro, parochial vicar, took part in the day as well.
“Christ calls each of us to serve one another,” Father Emeh said. “It was encouraging to see so many people come together for this day, and I enjoyed laboring side-by-side with parishioners, doing God’s work together. I am truly grateful for everyone who volunteered.”
Rama Canney, service day organizer, said, “Since this was our first event of this kind, we had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be a fabulous day, for those who served and for those who were the recipients of our efforts.
“We will most definitely host more Service Saturdays in the future,” she said.