A national mission trip for middle school students — Just5Days — has asked a trio of Viatorians to serve as leaders at four of their summer experiences this year.
(L-R) Associates Anthony Gugino and Deborah Perez, Parishioner Mike Kershaw and Associate Rosy Hartz plan for this summer’s Just5Days mission trips.
Associates Anthony Gugino, Rosy Hartz and Deborah Perez, as well as Mike Kershaw, a parishioner at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas all have been asked to participate.
Just5Days immerses middle schoolers in a hands-on mission trip, that weaves together service, prayer and discussion about the scriptures, as well as learning more about the Catholic faith — all in just five days.
This year’s theme: “Beatitude Attitude: Be Happy!” All week long, students will explore the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) as Jesus’ guide for a happy and healthy life.
Gugino and Hartz will work together to lead the Las Vegas experience, while Perez and Kershaw will help lead the retreat in Appleton, Wisc. Gugino also will help in Austin, TX, while Kershaw will spend another week with teens in Springfield, Mass.
“We’re thrilled to say that Viatorian youth ministry will be working in a variety of cities this summer,” says Hartz who works with Gugino and Perez in youth ministry at St. Viator, while Kershaw participates in music ministry at the parish.
Just5Days was developed by leaders with the Center for Ministry Development in Gig Harbor, Washington. Its mission is to promote ministry with youth and families through leadership formation, service learning, and resources rooted in Catholic tradition and scripture.