Youth from Saints Peter and Paul Parish share the joy of the Gospel with San Pablo Mission

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Parishioners from Sts. Peter and Paul in West Valley City visited San Pablo Mission in Beryl Junction for three days to share worship and fellowship.

BERYL JUNCTION — San Pablo Mission received a crowd of visitors bearing the Good News Aug. 23-25, as more than 50 parishioners from Saints Peter and Paul Parish in West Valley City gathered to pray, worship and share fellowship with their brethren in Beryl Junction.

Guided by Father Sebastien Sasa, administrator of Sts. Peter and Paul, the group of Little Missionaries is comprised of parishioners 5 to 12 years old who “are part of the missionary childhood of the United States of America (AIMEU),” Fr. Sasa said.

Accompanied by 22 adults, the children’s goal was to share the faith with the Beryl Junction community. While there, they prayed the rosary, joined the celebration of the Mass, participated in a Holy Hour and undertook some catechesis, among other events. They “had the mission to share the joy of the Gospel and motivate the community of the San Pablo Mission,” Fr. Sasa said.

The Little Missionaries also gave San Pablo Mission a monetary donation. “This was the fruit of a collection that we as a family made,” said Fr. Sasa.

The three days also were a response to Pope Francis’ call for a New Evangelization as well as the call from Bishop Oscar A. Solis in his 2017 pastoral letter, “A Springtime of the New Evangelization.”  In addition, the Little Missionaries took into consideration the needs of the youth at the mission and decided to “share their faith, friendship and missionary fellowship among our parishes,” Fr. Sasa said.

Sharing the faith by reaching out to others is important because to evangelize is to give testimony, he said. “Our faith is our response to the love and mercy of God. This needs to be spread out not just with words but with actions.”

Witnessing his parishioners, both children and adults, who were able to participate in the faith formation of the mission was a joyful experience, he said.

“Being a Catholic is being always blessed,” one of the missionaries from Sts. Peter and Paul said at a gathering in the mission.

“As we are here today sharing with the San Pablo community, I tell you share your faith everywhere; there are lots of children that don’t have the opportunity to share like we are doing here today. Share your faith. Give your testimony. Share that God loves us all, God will always be there for us. Be proud of being Catholic,” she added.

“When Bishop Solis gave us the priority of faith formation [in the pastoral letter] our parish took it to heart … and now more than ever this is important in our faith communities,” Fr. Sasa said.

The visit was aided by Father David Bittmenn, pastor of St. George Parish in St. George, which the San Pablo Mission is associated with.

“Without his support this mission trip was impossible,” Fr. Sasa said. “Our community planted lots of seeds that I hope will grow strong and steady.”

As a result of the visit, Fr. Sasa expects that “the children and adults that participated will understand better that Jesus is a missionary; he was sent by his Father and he is our friend.”

Seeing the Little Missionaries from his parish participate with excitement and joy in the mission visit was a preparation for the Season of Creation that takes place from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, he said. That season also includes the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on Sept. 1.