Local

WorkCamp constructs faith, community in Fredericksburg

Elizabeth A. Elliott | Catholic Herald Staff Writer

Fr. Robert Wagner (left) and Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge meet with fellow priests after Mass at Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg at WorkCamp 2017 June 28. ELIZABETH A. ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_WorkCamp17-EAE-70.jpg

Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge (front) meets with contractors and others at a work site, part of the WorkCamp 2017 in Fredericksburg June 28. ELIZABETH A. ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_WorkCamp17-EAE-78.jpg

Blueprints fora deck show the advance planning that goes into WorkCamp projects. ELIZABETH A. ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_WorkCamp17-EAE-126.jpg

WorkCamper Matthew McNamara, a senior at Woodson High school works to restore leaky windows for a family in Culpeper June 28. ASHLEIGH KASSOCK | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_WorkCamp17_AB_1-16.jpg

Elianna Caro snuggles a young kitten at one of the work sites during WorkCamp June 28. ASHLEIGH KASSOCK | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_WorkCamp17_AB_1-36.jpg

Kristel Kisseburger shows pictures of her family to the WorkCampers that came to repair her house in Culpeper June 28. ASHLEIGH KASSOCK | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_WorkCamp17_AB_1-48.jpg

Tylik Lucas (center), a former resident and first-year WorkCamper, takes a break from building a deck for lunch with his crew and the residents. ASHLEIGH KASSOCK | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_WorkCamp17_AB_1-52.jpg

More than 800 WorkCampers and dozens of contractors and adult volunteers gather for an early morning Mass in the Massaponax High School Gym June 28. ASHLEIGH KASSOCK | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_WorkCamp17_AB_2-11.jpg

Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge visits a work site where a crew is sealing the roof and replacing windows June 28. ASHLEIGH KASSOCK | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_WorkCamp17_AB_2-60-2.jpg

WorkCamper Emily Warren helps to install a window during work camp June 28. ASHLEIGH KASSOCK | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_WorkCamp17_AB_2-70-2.jpg

Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge chats with WorkCampers at Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg June 28 following a Mass he celebrated prior to the day’s work. ASHLEIGH KASSOCK | CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_WorkCamp17_AB_2-73.jpg

WorkCampers replace a window during WorkCamp 2017 in Culpeper June 28. ELIZABETH A. ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

LR_WorkCamp17-EAE-114.jpg

Tylik Lucas, a parishioner of St. Matthew Church in Spotsylvania,
lived with his grandmother last year when two crews of WorkCampers came to
build a ramp on the side of her house. He became friends with the WorkCampers, who encouraged him to help. He was tentative at first but joined them in
building the ramp.

Lucas was back this year as an official WorkCamper at WorkCamp
2017 June 24-30 in Fredericksburg.

“I wanted to see what it was like because everyone said they
loved it,” said Lucas. “I enjoyed meeting new people, giving back to my
community and getting closer to God.”

It takes an army of people to make WorkCamp happen. In addition
to 821 youths, there were 197 adult leaders and 112 people who helped at home
base, which was Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg. There were 37
parishes represented, working at 104 sites in nine counties. Kevin Bohli, director of
the Office of Youth Ministry, said the goal of the projects each year is to
make homes “warmer, safer and drier.”

This year they replaced nine roofs, built 76 decks or ramps,
completed 54 window projects and sealed 21 trailer roofs, along with other construction
projects.  

Elimma Aguolu, a rising senior at King George High School in King
George, said her experience as a WorkCamper helped her be more focused than
ever during adoration and has opened her eyes to her future plans as a teacher
or doctor. “It (is) heartwarming to see those who are struggling still be
happy and enjoying life,” she said. 

Lamara Allen, a rising sophomore at Washington-Lee High School in
Arlington, was drawn to Workcamp by the combination of service and connecting
to God in faith. Each crew member is a stranger to each other at the beginning
of the week. “We just met but we all work really well together,” she said. “I
think we all bring different things to the crew and it is a great environment.”

WorkCampers impact the lives of the homeowners. Kristle
Kissenberger, a mother of three in Culpeper, said the assistance of the crews
was a true blessing.

“I am not a major religious person,” she said. “But having these
people here is a godsend and highly appreciated.”

WorkCampers built a deck, replaced windows and sealed the roof of
her home. “The volunteers were great, and kept an upbeat attitude,” she said. “I
could never even remotely get to where I am without their help.”

This year’s theme, “I will love,” was taken from St. Teresa of
Kolkata’s address to the United Nations Oct. 26, 1985. Bohli said it was chosen
last summer in the midst of racial tension in the United States. “For years we
used Mother Teresa as an example of why we serve,” he said.

Bohli said the point they try to drive home to the students is
the experience is not just about the project, such as building a wheelchair
ramp. “The reason you (were) here this week is because God has called you
because there is something He wants to change in you,” said Bohli. “We are
blessed to have the privilege to do these things because God is going to be
working in our lives this year.”

Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass June 28.

In his homily, Bishop Burbidge said the students were learning
the priority of prayer by being with God and then going forth in service.
“Use your gifts and talents to transform the hearts and lives of other
people, then you can be assured that you will be fully alive in Christ,” he
said. 

Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde celebrated Mass June 30.
Residents and WorkCampers gathered to talk about the impact of WorkCamp 2017
after Mass.

Though for many this was their WorkCamp, others return year after year. Contractor Paul Guilloux was a WorkCamper
for all four years of high school, returning for all but one year since 2008 as
a contractor. He looked up to the contractors when he was a WorkCamper.
Now he tries to pass on his knowledge to other aspiring contractors, and give advice to his crew members about school and jobs.

“Everyone was joyful and happy to have done something good,” he
said. “WorkCampers are transformed from the inside and talked about how they
were going to keep their faith. People are changed and hearts are touched.”

Brenda Chichester, a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist
Church in Warrenton, volunteered at home base for the fifth time. She finds it
a spiritual experience to see the WorkCampers have a new appreciation for what
they have. She said it gives the youths a real sense of spirituality.

Hayden Marsh, a rising senior at Paul VI Catholic High School in
Fairfax, has done several service projects but said this one is different.
“I’ve never connected this deeply with people on a level like this,” he said. “We’re
connecting with people, getting to know them better and treating them as Christ
would treat them.”

Marsh believes this type of volunteer work can raise awareness
among national leaders. “It is not just people in Africa that need help, it is
the people here. Everyone is a neighbor,” he said. “It is our job to figure out
what their problems are and help them.” 

Related Articles