Nine young men from Bishop McDevitt High School  in Wyncote PA participated in the Brothers of Charity sponsored Christian Service week June 22-28 in the Appalachian mountains, working at St. Vincent Mission in David, Kentucky. Stephen Yuan, Joseph Smart, Stephen Tuffy, Todd Meinke, Christopher DiCamillo, Patrick Doyle, Daniel Gallagher, Wallace Weaver and William Richter were part of a group of nine accompanied by Brother John FitzGerald FC (class of ’69) and parent chaperone Mr John Smart.

During the week they assisted in completely re-roofing a trailer, replacing a door and reinforcing the porch of a needy family; built a handicap accessible ramp at the home of another; and some electrical work and roof repairs in another location. Additionally they worked on clearing some trails, digging a drainage ditch and working on another porch as well. They also had the opportunity to see firsthand the ecological results of strip mining and to understand the complex issues it presents to the people of Appalachia. Ending the week, they were able to enjoy the untouched natural beauty of a local state park via boat.

The entire week was framed in the spirituality of St. Vincent DePaul (after whom the Mission is named) and Father Peter Triest, founder of the Brothers of Charity. The trip was organized to honor the late Brother Matthew Burns FC who established the Mission 40 years ago in 1968. He was a McDevitt teacher before leaving for Kentucky and shepherded many student volunteers from McDevitt during the first years.  All of the 9 young men who participated are also regular volunteers at Triest Hall in Laverock, a home for adults with mental retardation.