On Saturday, March 23, at 8 a.m., the doors of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Jasper opened and volunteers arrived for the parish’s first ever day of service. One of the parish’s Renew small groups came up with the idea as part of their Lenten journey together.

It was a cool and cloudy day, but soon the sun came out accompanied by beautiful weather. Following a light breakfast, Father Antony Vadakara, C.M.I., pastor, led those gathered in prayer, asking that God protect and bless everyone with a safe day. A group of more than 50 volunteers set out to work in various areas of the campus, including the outside grounds as well as inside the sanctuary, classrooms, chapel, and social hall. Trees were trimmed and pruned, flower beds were tended, leaves were raked, doors were painted, the kitchen was deep cleaned, classrooms were cleaned, and preparations were made for Holy Week.