A heavy storm back in August did not deter members of Jefferson City Young Adults from making a two-hour drive to Saint Louis Residence for a day of service. Within just five hours, the group was immersed in the life of our Home: They prayed, led songs, and read the readings and petitions at our Mass. They received an impromptu organ lesson from our resident who was leading choir practice for Sunday’s Mass, and then quickly went to the main dining room to help serve lunch. The rest of their day included a tour of our home, an introduction to the Congregation and the apostolate by Sister Paul Mary, and preparation for the Feasts of Saint Louis and Saint Jeanne Jugan.
With the Little Sisters making a collection at Jefferson City’s Immaculate Conception Church in November, our volunteer coordinator reconnected with Jefferson City Young Adults to help organize a meet-up with the group. The event was aptly called “Laudato Sip!” in honor of Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si, and for the place chosen to meet, a local restaurant and pub called Prison Brews.
The group was diverse with a married couple, students from Mizzou, and young professionals. Not all who came were the same adults who visited in August. This gave the Little Sisters a new opportunity to share stories about their lives, their vocation, and their apostolate to the elderly poor. Sisters and young adults enjoyed the company, conversations, and food at this informal gathering. We hope to see the group again in the new year.
