During Easter Week, students from Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood, NY, traveled to Magnificat Farm in Jackson, KY, for a week of service and community.
During the first two days, the group helped with painting and installing new flooring at a home being built by the Housing Development Alliance, a local non-profit assisting families in the wake of the destruction of the 2022 flood. On Thursday they joined Ms. Genevieve Neace, Director of the Family Resource Center of the county elementary school for home visits. The students got to hear folks share about their experiences of family and faith... and even had a chance to pet some furry friends!
Reminders of recent flooding remain throughout the landscape of the county. Students had the opportunity to hear families share their stories of the devastation of the 2022 flood, as well as the recent flooding that hit Kentucky this past winter. The group finished off the afternoon by leading Bingo at the nursing home and with delicious donuts at a local donut shop.
Despite the rain on Friday, the group hiked to the top of Natural Bridge for a majestic view of the mountains. They later attended the diocesan Mass in honor of Pope Francis, a moving celebration with Bishop John Stowe. In the evenings everyone gathered for times of family spirit and reflection, including Mass in the Violet Chapel, sharing around the campfire, and fellowship over meals.
Ellen and Josh at Magnificat Farm (as well as Joy and Emmanuel!) are grateful for the openness of heart of the Molloy students as well as Rich Costa and Rose Haslbauer, their fearless leaders.
Magnificat Farm hosts retreats and service trips geared towards encountering God through service, nature, and community. For more information about trip possibilities, contact Ellen at [email protected].
