This July, twelve students and three adults from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School traveled to the Appalachian Mountains to live out the values of the Felician Sisters, by completing a week of service projects for residents of Frenchville, PA.  With a focus on improving the lives of others, This year’s theme was “Dream Small”, and encouraged the students to focus on the task at hand and how it could improve the lives of those being served.

OLSH joined fellow volunteers from Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensburg, PA, and Immaculate Conception School in Aurora, New York.  Together the groups spent time organizing storage areas, performing yard work, painting window frames, helping to build a house with Habitat for Humanity, and even installing an electric fence on a farm run by a couple in their 90s!

“While the many chores kept the students busy, the most important activity was getting to talk with the people we were serving,” said OLSH Mission Leader, Jeff Hulbert.  “To hear their stories and the many things they have accomplished, made us realize that you don’t have to do it all – just let Jesus use you where you are.”

“In that week, in those moments, it was simply listening to a 94-year-old man and his wife tell us stories about their farm life experiences, that became our primary focus,” Jeff remarked.  “The students learned to use their God-given gifts to help others.  They demonstrated their abilities throughout the week, and vowed to continue to 'Dream Small' and serve others as they move forward in their lives”.