A group of Central Catholic high school students, led by math teacher Mrs. Jodi Justak, headed to Joppa Mountain Tennessee in June to serve the poor with Glenmary Mission.
Glenmary is a Catholic society of priests, brothers, and lay missioners who work in Appalachia and the deep South. Their missions are located in counties where less than 1% of the population is Catholic, and as high as 75% claim no faith affiliation at all. Poverty averages 20% in these counties, almost two times the national average.
This year's mission included serving lunches to the local community and organizing activities for the students in one of the impoverished neighborhoods. The goal of the trip is not just to serve, but to give CC students valuable lessons and increase their faith.
Mrs. Justak said, "By spending the whole week, we really build relationships with one another and with the people we serve. When we come to know the one we serve, when we are able to see Christ in them, it changes how we view service."
The students spent the week living simply, without distractions, including their phones and other devices. As they reflected back on the week, they shared what they learned both about their own faith and about humanity. One student shared that she had encountered God in "new and profound ways." It's this kind of lesson that makes Mrs. Justak want to keep taking Central Catholic students back to the mountain.
