OUR MISSION
Inspired by Mother Teresa's words "small things with great love," local adults and youth ministers started Mission Evansville to improve their community. The goal of Mission Evansville is three-fold:
1. To bring the love of Christ to the local community through concrete acts of service 2. To empower youth to meet the needs of their neighbors 3. To provide an affordable mission trip experience for area young people |
OUR HISTORY
Known for her radical love for the poor and suffering, St Teresa of Calcutta challenged everyone to love like Christ. She particularly challenged those who have an ambitious goal of world peace. In her own words, "If you really want to be God's love in the world of today, begin to be God's love in your own home first. And then you will become the sunshine of God's love to everyone you meet." With these words in mind, we initiated Mission Evansville to open our young people's eyes and encourage them to meet their neighbors' needs.
It all began over lunch at Turoni's Pizza. Several youth ministers of the Evansville Catholic Diocese saw a way for their young people to meet community needs. In 2016, our inaugural year, we sent work crews to 7 different locations around Evansville. In every year since, we have expanded our impact & participation! Guided by the Holy Spirit, we hope Mission Evansville continues to benefit area agencies and families as well as the young people giving of their time and energy. |
OUR IMPACT
What is everyone saying about Mission Evansville?
Our young people have learned... "Always be grateful and use that to serve others." "To find and be joyful in the little things I do for others." "It's good to step out of your comfort zone." "God is always with us and let the Spirit work." "Service is an essential part of being Catholic." "How much a little effort makes a big impact." Our young people experienced God... "Through Eucharistic adoration and the Sacrament of Confession" "Through working as a team to help others and the appreciation and joy on their faces" "In the children we served" "In the new people I met" "In the Mass and the witness speakers" What was the best part? "Coming together as a diocese to help those in need, from giving a hand to sorting donated clothes to playing with children." "I feel renewed in my faith. I haven't ever been the most faithful person but now I feel like I'm starting over at the beginning." "I grew closer to Christ & this renewed in me a happiness I had lost." |
OUR PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Your spirit and love. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of You. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus. Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as You shine, so to shine as to be a light to others. AMEN! |