By Maria Hayes
•
July 18, 2025
Summer is always an awesome time in youth ministry! With more free time and the warm weather, there’s so much fun to be had with the teens of Holy Family! And as the Director of Youth Ministry, I have the privilege of hanging out with our students all summer long! First up was Summer Daze ! Summer Daze is a middle school service and social event that has been happening in our deanery for decades. Middle school students from across all 16 parishes are invited to join in four days of service in the community and an afternoon of social and fun! This year, a total of 21 students from Holy Family participated. From serving those in need at Harrison County Community Services to baking cookies and visiting some of our parishioners, our students had the opportunity to live out the principle that each person is made in the image and likeness of God. We ended each day with some fun: visiting Strike and Spare, Corydon Cinemas, and Malibu Jack’s! Some of our high schoolers attended Faith in Action , a local mission trip based at Mount Saint Francis, at the beginning of July. Some may know that FIA was a deanery staple, and it was reintroduced this year! Three students from Holy Family (and a couple of college and adult leaders) spent a week at a particular work site, refinishing and moving furniture for St. Vincent de Paul, serving the homeless at Harrison County Community Services, and so much more! The nights were spent back at the Mount, playing games, hearing witnesses, and worshipping the Lord in prayer and Adoration. Outside of service and mission opportunities, 13 students and some awesome parents joined us for our annual Holiday World adventure! Roller coasters, water coasters, and lots of walking always equal a fun day with friends! While summer continues to draw to a close, please keep our young people and our ministry in your prayers! Be sure to keep yourself updated on all things youth ministry on our website! In Christ, Abbi Harbeson