At the MBCE Mid-Hudson Valley Camp, our long-term volunteer program is a cornerstone of our mission to make Jesus known and loved. This year, we are blessed to welcome Luke Anderson, a young man who has committed himself to serving as a Marist Volunteer. His journey began with a deeply meaningful commissioning prayer. This sacred ceremony marked the official start of his volunteer experience and surrounded him with the support of the MBCE community.

The ceremony opened with a call to prayer from John 13:34, in which Jesus commands us to “love one another as I have loved you.” This reminder set the tone for Luke’s commitment, emphasising that true discipleship is lived through acts of love, service, and community. A reading from Water from the Rock reflected on the importance of communion and family spirit, drawing connections between the table of the Lord, Marcellin Champagnat’s table at La Valla, and the spirit of community that guides life at MBCE.

During the commissioning, Luke pledged to share his talents, skills, and energy to serve joyfully and fully, and to keep Jesus Christ at the center of all he does. The MBCE community and fellow Marist volunteers responded with promises of support and prayer, affirming that he would not walk this path alone. Luke was presented with several meaningful symbols to guide and inspire him. He received a Catholic Youth Bible to help share God’s Word, an image of Mary, Our Good Mother, as a model of discipleship, a Champagnat Medal, symbolising his seat at the table of the Marist Family, and a journal to record his goals, experiences, and reflections along his journey. He was also given a walking stick, a powerful symbol of support and guidance to carry with him as he faces the challenges and joys of volunteer service. One of the most cherished gifts he received was a copy of A Heart That Knew No Bounds, a book by the late Brother Sean Sammon, R.I.P., reminding Luke of the dedication, faith, and generosity that mark a life of Marist discipleship.

Reflecting on the moment, Luke shared, “During the Commissioning Prayer after Mass at our Marist Youth Encounter Christ retreat, I felt a quiet sense of gratitude and fulfilment. It was meaningful to have everyone—high school seniors, young adults, and the broader community—witness when someone like me chooses to dedicate their time and energy to the Volunteer Program shortly after graduating from college. I appreciated that the Marist Brothers held the Commissioning Prayer during their first Encounter for the 2025-2026 school year, allowing others to see the kind of service and commitment that supports this thriving community. The moment held genuine spiritual significance for me. The Volunteer Program reminded me that service and presence can both be powerful acts of faith on their own. I left Mass that evening feeling both embraced and connected to an omnipotent force of energy that felt larger than myself.”

The commissioning concluded with prayers for Luke, for the communities he will serve, and for all volunteers who dedicate themselves to living the Gospel through action. The MBCEcommunity reaffirmed its promise to keep him, and those he serves, in prayer, ensuring that his journey would be one of shared support, faith, and purpose.

Through this commissioning, Luke begins his volunteer journey, inspired by the example of Maryand St. Marcellin Champagnat, guided by prayer, and surrounded by a community committed to the Gospel. It was a sacred and joyful moment, a time to reflect on the transformative power of service, and a reminder that even a few hours of dedication can make a lasting impact in the lives of young people. The ceremony marked not just the start of a volunteer program but the beginning of a journey of faith, growth, and loving service.