By Katie Mahon, Communications Manager
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a pivotal moment in one’s life.
Reaching this milestone often signifies maturity and marks the ability to take responsibility for one’s faith journey. To achieve this milestone, one often must complete a service project and a substantial amount of studying.
Sr. BarbaraAnn Sgro, OP, a Sister of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, has helped students reach this milestone through her ministry with the Deaf that provides catechesis including sacramental preparation to students who are Deaf and Hard-of-hearing.
Recently, Sr. BarbaraAnn worked with two of her students on a Confirmation Mercy Project to benefit a Blauvelt ministry site, House on the Hill, in Goshen, New York.
Sr. BarbaraAnn shared, “I have been accompanying these girls for nine years on their faith journey through catechesis. Their Confirmation Mercy Project had to be substantial in their design and centered on one of the Works of Mercy.”
The idea for this Confirmation Mercy Project originated when Sr. BarbaraAnn reached out to Sr. Jean Graffweg, OP, a fellow Sister of Saint Dominic and the Executive Director of House on the Hill, to see if there were a need for any items at her ministry.
After discovering a need for baby bibs and diapers at House on the Hill, Sr. BarbaraAnn’s students made 20 bibs from scratch, gathered donated diapers from their local community, and learned about House on the Hill and how this ministry serves the migrant worker community.
After being presented with the “beautiful” bibs and diapers by the students, Sr. Jean shared, “I was very touched that these two young students thought of our children for their Confirmation project. We appreciate their hard work, and they will have a special place in our hearts at House on the Hill.”
For Sr. BarbaraAnn, this project was special to her as House on the Hill “has always been close to my heart as I used to volunteer there in summers as an Associate.”
She went on to add, “I feel very strongly that my students understand the connection between Jesus’ teachings and actions and the Church’s Social Mission.I felt the idea of learning about the challenges of life for those who are migrant workers would expand their understanding of the Beatitudes (See), Principles of Catholic Social Teaching (Judge), and how they can be applied through Works of Mercy (Act.)”