Ready to Roll: WorkCamp 2016

Tomorrow, June 25, our teens leave for WorkCamp in Massaponax, VA. Our team has prepared for months: there have been meetings, trainings, fundraisers, and icebreakers. We can confidently state that WE ARE READY! We are ready to “renovate homes for the less fortunate, strengthen our faith and grow as a Christian community.”
WorkCamp is a life-changing experience on many different levels. We will live in a Christian community for an entire week, celebrate Mass daily, work on homes and share our faith with one another. This encounter helps us look past our own materialistic lives and see the diverse lives of others. The week also promises new relationships with other youth and those we are serving. The ultimate result is the improvement of the homes and lives of those we serve.
This year’s theme is “Show Know Mercy.” The theme reminds us of the importance of showing mercy for others and is a direct reflection of the papal Bull of Indiction, Misercordiae Vultus, "In short, we are called to show mercy because mercy has first been shown to us." (MV 9) This theme will be prevalent throughout our week at WorkCamp. We will live it each day as we work, we will pray and reflect on it during Mass, Reconciliation and breakout sessions and we will enjoy the knowledge of God’s mercy during our icebreakers and games. " Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy" (Mt 5:7).
We thank our parish, friends and family for your continued support and prayers. Please continue to pray that we have a safe and fruitful week in Massaponax, VA.
WorkCamp is a life-changing experience on many different levels. We will live in a Christian community for an entire week, celebrate Mass daily, work on homes and share our faith with one another. This encounter helps us look past our own materialistic lives and see the diverse lives of others. The week also promises new relationships with other youth and those we are serving. The ultimate result is the improvement of the homes and lives of those we serve.
This year’s theme is “Show Know Mercy.” The theme reminds us of the importance of showing mercy for others and is a direct reflection of the papal Bull of Indiction, Misercordiae Vultus, "In short, we are called to show mercy because mercy has first been shown to us." (MV 9) This theme will be prevalent throughout our week at WorkCamp. We will live it each day as we work, we will pray and reflect on it during Mass, Reconciliation and breakout sessions and we will enjoy the knowledge of God’s mercy during our icebreakers and games. " Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy" (Mt 5:7).
We thank our parish, friends and family for your continued support and prayers. Please continue to pray that we have a safe and fruitful week in Massaponax, VA.
Drop-In Starts Soon
The summer drop-in schedule begins on Tuesday, July 5 at St. Louis School from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
Wednesday is our first soccer night, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Woodley Hills Elementary. All other July soccer nights will be held at Mount Vernon High School. An August location is TBD.
Mark your calendars and join us every week this summer (Sunday 7:30 - 9:00, and Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm), or as often as you can!
Wednesday is our first soccer night, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Woodley Hills Elementary. All other July soccer nights will be held at Mount Vernon High School. An August location is TBD.
Mark your calendars and join us every week this summer (Sunday 7:30 - 9:00, and Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm), or as often as you can!
Summer Field Trips
July 17 - StandUp Paddleboarding (SUP) at Pohick Bay from 10:15 am - 2:30 pm. Signup online.
August 5 - Kings Dominion Trip. Meet at GS at 7 am, attend Mass in Fredericksburg at 9am and return to GS by 10:00 pm. Online permission in July.
Date TBD - Hike Old Rag in late August. Details are still being settled.
August 5 - Kings Dominion Trip. Meet at GS at 7 am, attend Mass in Fredericksburg at 9am and return to GS by 10:00 pm. Online permission in July.
Date TBD - Hike Old Rag in late August. Details are still being settled.
Mount St. Mary's Parish Pilgrimage
On October 15, Good Shepherd invites all parishioners to attend a pilgrimage to Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, MD. To assist with planning, we have a quick survey to help determine interest and transportation preferences. Please take the online survey (1 to 2 minutes long) and help us with our preparations.
Prayers for our Youth

Our Youth Ministry prayer group has been well received. We have a growing list of intentions, as well as a growing group of those who believe in the power of prayer and are dedicated to praying for our youth. This prayer ministry group is headed by Leanne Siedlarz (siedlarl@yahoo.com or 703-780-2320). Stay tuned for future issue oriented prayers, a prayer box in the youth center and more. Please contact Leanne Siedlarz if you have an intention or would like to participate.
Volunteering | Looking Ahead |
Teens needed for Vacation Bible School (VBS). Contact re@gs-cc.org. Christ House Thursday ministry needs new leadership. Please contact Mike O'Neil michaeloneil825@aol.com for more details or to volunteer for the next date on July 7. MSYG Leadership – The youth ministry team is seking new leadership beginning in September. Please contact Miguel miguel@gs-cc.org MSWC High School teen volunteers. The Youth Ministry team is seeking 6 to 8 high school teens to volunteer and assist with our Middle School WorkCamp. Applications are accepted online. Donuts after Mass - the next date is August 7th. Donuts have been cancelled on July 3 and September 5. | September 5 - International Festival September 11 - Youth Ministry KickOff Dinner October 8 - 9 - High School Lock-In October 15 - Mount St. Mary’s Pilgrimage |