Church of the Assumption

PO Box 9

Eden Valley, MN 55329

We find hope in beingROOTEDin the truth that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Dear parents,

Students will be traveling to Detroit Lakes this summer to serve in a Catholic Heart Work Camp. The work camp is a week-long program for high school students, from incoming 8th graders through just graduated seniors. It is a powerful opportunity “to love the least of these.”

The mission of a Catholic Heart Work Camp is threefold:

1)To share the love of Christ as they serve the neglected, brokenhearted, and the marginalized

2)To inspire participants to live as disciples of Christ through serving others as a way of life

3)To foster the Catholic Faith of each participant through the sacraments, prayer, and involvement in social service.

The CHWC will offer a positive life-changing experience through a youth-friendly, Christ-centered ministry which faithfully and enthusiastically honors the Roman Catholic Church.There will be a priest on the Catholic Heart Work Camp staff. Alex Street will be the camp musician; you can see him at alexstreetmusic.com.

WHAT A CHWC WEEK LOOKS LIKE

The group will arrive at the school on the opening day of camp in the afternoon sometime between 12:00-2:30. They will probably be tired from traveling, but filled with anticipation for the week ahead.

First they will get situated in their sleeping quarters (a classroom). Promptly at 3:00, the orientation program begins: filled with Mass, group mixers, singing, a video, dinner, and more that will start this great week together.

Students will be divided into seven member work teams. Each team will have an adult leader. Staff will do their best to balance males and females, and experienced and inexperienced people on each team. Teams work best when they discuss problems and make decisions together.

Students will begin the day with breakfast, a morning program, and Mass at 6:45 A.M. Work teams usually leave for their worksites by 8:15 A.M. and return to the school by 3:30 P.M. Each day they will spend time working at their assigned site. They’ll be involved in one or more of the following work projects:

  • painting
  • yard work
  • indoor/outdoor clean-up
  • home maintenance and repair on existing homes
  • neighborhood revitalization
  • helping with children at daycare centers/boys and girls clubs
  • helping at centers that distribute food to the needy
  • restoring hope to those who have none

After returning from the worksite, they will have an opportunity to get cleaned up and enjoy some free time. They might play some pickup games (basketball, volleyball, football, etc.), write Care Cards, take a nap, pray a rosary, or talk with new and old friends.

Dinner will be from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m., with some free time to follow. The 7:00 evening programs will be filled with activities, music, skits, videos, slides of the work day, testimonies from teens, motivational speakers, and prayer. Each night will be different and special.

The Catholic Heart Work Camp will take place the week of July 17-22. Registration needs to be completed by April, but the spots are limited, so the sooner, the better. To register, please complete the enclosed registration form and return to the faith formation office.

The cost is $365 (includes all meals, lodging, programs, staff, T-shirt, supplies, constructionmaterials, general liability insurance, and administration expenses) but please don’t let the cost prevent you from signing up. The profit from the Super Sub Salewill be used to helpcover the cost of CHWC. I’ve also enclosed a sample letter to mail to sponsors and/or grandparents to help cover the cost. Please submit what you can when you sign up.

I will be promoting the Catholic Heart Work Camp in the classes. Please share this letter with the family, prayerfully consider the opportunity, and then let me know via e-mail () or text (612-206-2746) if anyone from your household will be participating. Please respond either yes or no so I know you’ve received the invitation.

Thank you for your consideration,

Becky Haag

Faith Formation Director

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end being rooted and grounded in love” Ephesians 3:17