Packing paintbrushes, hammers, and volleyballs, more than two thousand teenagers traveled from Washington, D.C., to Tijuana, Mexico, to paint and refurbish houses, help out at homeless shelters and soup kitchens, and assist with inner-city tutoring and recreation programs.

As part of Young Neighbors in Action, sponsored by The Center for Ministry Development, these teenagers who work with God's people help to change their world by changing their perspectives.

What is a week of service like? It's about building community one person at a time, connecting to Scripture and Catholic social teaching, and having fun while doing it. The Neighbors have opportunities to meet people from many walks of life and experience the culture of the region they serve. They may travel down dirt roads to La Morita, a shanty area in Tijuana, Mexico, to help build a clinic or restore a church. They may serve at Cortland Manor, a housing facility in Chicago, Illinois, for older persons who are poor. There they paint rooms, wash windows, and, on Salon Day, manicure nails and cut and style hair for the residents. But wherever they travel, the Neighbors see the face of Jesus in the face of need, and this changes the way they look at themselves.

Each week-long program involves twenty youths and four adults and is, as one participant puts it, "the Church as Jesus wanted it: a community of believers that serves those less fortunate and 'gathers around the table' in worship."

The Center for Ministry Development has worked with more than 100 Catholic dioceses and organizations in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and Australia and provides ministry to adolescents, youth ministry and adult training, youth leadership and peer ministry training, and ministry to families and young adults. Their mission is expanding to include lifelong, intergenerational faith formation.

Think About It

• When you see people in need do you see Jesus? How do you think we should treat people in need, and what should we do for them?
• What service projects does your youth group participate in? How can you get involved in these projects? What are they like?
• See if you can participate in Young Neighbors in Action. Bring information about the program to your parish leaders.