Garrett sprinted through the forest. Sounds of kids laughing and footsteps flying throughout the woods echoed around him. When Garrett signed up to be a Camp Tekakwitha Missionary, he never imagined he’d be dressed as Bigfoot and waiting for the campers to find him. Yet, all Garrett could feel was incredible joy.
As he worked with campers and retreatants over the course of his year as a Camp Tekakwitha missionary, Garrett helped them discover Jesus while he discerned God’s call for his life. Before his time at Camp, Garrett’s focus was on getting excellent grades as a pre-med student. However, something was missing from his life. Garrett realized he needed a focus other than studies. He needed Jesus.
“I was uncertain what path I wanted to take with my life. I realized I needed more, and in my heart, I felt God calling me to something greater—even though I didn’t know what it was,” said Garrett.
When the opportunity appeared to become a missionary at Camp Tekakwitha, Garrett saw it as the perfect chance to spend time in prayer and listen for God’s call. The Missionary Program at Camp Tekakwitha gives young adults the chance to discern where God is calling them to serve the Church and their communities while also supporting campers and retreat attendees. This is made possible through the Raising Vocations Collection.
Through monthly meetings with Fr. Kevin Ripley, leadership formation, Bible studies, and more, these young adults are sharing Jesus with young people. They are preparing themselves to answer God’s call for their lives, whatever it may be.
“No matter what God is calling me to, I now feel open to receiving that call with open arms. My year at Camp Tekakwitha changed my life. I’m so thankful to the families who gave to the Raising Vocations Collection and made my experience possible,” explained Garrett.
In addition to Garrett, your gift to the Raising Vocations Collection also supported two other missionaries at Camp Tekakwitha. As the missionaries served campers, they also discovered Jesus on a deeper level.
“By spending a year discerning their vocation, praying, and serving, our missionaries share Jesus with hundreds of young people while also strengthening their own faith,” shared McKenna Runde, Director of Camp Tekakwitha.
Thanks to your support, more young men and women like the missionaries at Camp Tekakwitha discover Jesus and discern God’s call for their vocation, whatever it may be. You can help more young adults like Garrett by making your gift to the Raising Vocations Collection today.
