Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Students from Hastings and Seward recently participated in a mission trip to Denver, where they engaged with the "Christ in the City" mission from June 1-7. The group included four students from St. Cecilia High School in Hastings and ten students from St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Seward.

Beth Nemec, who coordinates youth and adult spiritual formation at St. Vincent, highlighted past participation by Seward Godparent groups in similar missions. She expressed satisfaction when Msgr. Robert Tucker suggested making the mission an annual event.

Nemec emphasized the value of collaborating with other communities for this trip, noting that working with Sister Xavier from St. Cecilia High School and Father Scott Nemec was straightforward and enjoyable.

The "Christ in the City" mission focuses on forming young Catholic missionaries who live communally while dedicating themselves to prayer, service, simplicity, and accountability. Participants aim to bring Christ's love to homeless individuals on the streets of Denver.

Maria Kavan, a chaperone from Hastings, remarked on the courage displayed by youth during their interactions with homeless people.

According to Beth Nemec, each day began with Mass and a holy hour aimed at preparing participants for their outreach efforts. They were also educated about homelessness causes and ways to serve homeless individuals respectfully.

Tessa Greisen of Seward found her experience inspiring enough to consider becoming a missionary herself: “Christ in the City missionaries provided me with a whole new outlook on how to be a disciple of Christ.”

Evening gatherings allowed participants to share stories about their daily encounters. Beth Nemec recounted how these experiences often left both students and adults deeply moved by personal stories shared by those they met.

Msgr. Tucker noted that passersby often praised their work: “The reality is that we receive much more than we give!”

Matthew Mousel of Juniata described his time as transformative: “If you truly put effort into this trip... it helps you better discern the voice of the Lord.”

In addition to service activities, participants spent time hiking and praying together near Keystone during their final days in Colorado.

Beth Nemec acknowledged challenges faced during such trips but underscored growth opportunities arising from them: “In digging deeper... we can find Jesus.” Msgr. Tucker encouraged others within parishes involved not only consider joining future missions but also recognize potential life-changing impacts they offer participants like those already experienced by attendees this year’s journey undertaken under auspices organized locally across Nebraska diocesan regions involved here too!

“We will be doing this again next year so start thinking about it,” he said.

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