My name is Heiner Badilla. I've been a member of St. Bart's parish and SBA Parent since 2018.

Recently, I was invited to be a facilitator for the parish youth group, to which I happily responded "yes"! I responded yes not just because [our Director of Youth Ministry] Alex asked me to join, but my answer was yes because I felt a call from God.

The St. Bart's Youth Group recently went to a Steubenville Youth Conference. When I signed up to be a chaperone, I wasn't expecting much from the experience other than being an adult present. To my surprise, Jesus had a different plan.

After the six-hour car ride . . . we finally went in to the hall where the retreat took place. Immediately, I realized that I was there for something more than simply being a chaperone. As the speakers did their presentations, I learned so many new things, which some of these things will stay with me for the rest of my life.

But the best was yet to come; the Lord had reserved a big surprise for me...

During Adoration, I had the most beautiful expe- rience in my life. For the first time in my 42 years of life, I felt the real presence of my Creator. For a brief moment, I felt no pain, I felt no worries, and I felt a peace in my heart that I never felt before. I was fearless. It felt like the Lord had lifted me up in the air and I saw my entire life pass through my eyes. Even though I knew there were over 2000 people in there and that the lights were turned down, I saw the most beautiful light, I heard the most beautiful silence, and I had peace in my heart 
like never before. That night, I walked out of the hall very confused at 
what I experienced, and honestly I'm still confused. But I realize that God is present in every moment of our lives: all we have to do is open our hearts to Him and He will do the rest.

Friends, all I can say is that after my experience, I am a completely different person than the one I was before. I'm fearless because I know that Jesus is always there with me. I invite you to open your 
heart to Jesus and let Him be there for you as well.

My name is Lucas Bryan Mackey, I am a rising sophomore at Virginia Tech University and a biology major in the honors college. My hometown is Fanwood, New Jersey and I went to Brunner elementary school, Park Middle School, and Scotch Plains Fanwood High School. My family has been a part of the St. Bartholomew community since 1999, where I received all my sacraments.

Can you tell us about the volunteer trip you are taking this summer? Starting July 19th, my team of pre-dental students and I will depart on a two-week trip that encompasses many parts of being a dentist. This trip will be located in Jaraboca, Dominican Republic, a mountainous region of the island. One of the most exciting and vital parts of interning with VAW Global is bringing full dental clinics and primary care medical clinics to the less fortunate. One of the things that make our dental mobile clinics unique is that we are able to perform multiple procedures including fillings, restorations, cleanings, and extractions at the mobile clinic. Fundraising for supplies and medications is a huge part of creating a successful mobile clinic to help the local communities with effective care.

Did your faith impact your decision to go on this mission? My faith impacted my decision to participate in this volunteer opportunity because it constantly encouraged me to build my own unique bridge to our father. I've always believed that we serve and volunteer confidently, knowing that God prepared the way for us.  Being in a situation as fortunate as I am, it excites me to experience the polarity of cultures through volunteering. 

What are you looking forward to most about your trip? Something I am passionate about is traveling to cultures that are contrasting to the United States. The Dominican Republic offers a rich history which I am excited to not only learn about but experience firsthand. Offering my service as a volunteer is only a small part of this trip, as I look forward to uniting with those in the Dominican who accept me on their beautiful soil.