Judge Memorial Peer Ministers in action

Intermountain Catholic

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The Judge Memorial Catholic High School 2012-2013 Peer Ministers coordinated a number of observances during the 2013 Catholic Schools Week, which was Jan. 29 – Feb. 2. One of these activities was service at Welfare Square in Salt Lake City.

The Judge Memorial Peer Ministers, under the direction of Luke Stager, the campus minister, served at Welfare Square on Jan. 29. The Judge students received a mini-tour of the facility, and then assisted in such areas as slicing cheese, canning applesauce, packaging bread, and packing new clothing for Third World countries.

"I am really excited about this opportunity," said senior Lexie Humphrey. "It is a bit out of our ordinary comfort zone of service, which will be great for all of us. I hope that future peer ministers will continue with this outreach that we started this year."

The purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ Welfare Square and other such service facilities is to help people to help themselves. Volunteers at Welfare Square provide relief to individuals in the community who are struggling to make ends meet.

Peer Ministry is a leadership opportunity for students in the Judge Memorial senior class. Students must apply, interview, and be accepted to be a part of this class. They assist in the worship and faith life of the school community, and also assist with student retreats, prayer, liturgies, service initiatives of the school, and faith sharing groups.

"Service is a big component of what we do as Judge Memorial peer ministers," said senior Clarissa Avila. "Normally as peer ministers, we do a lot of outreach to our fellow students and work inhouse to focus on our Catholic identity. Working with the LDS Church at Welfare Square shows that we are inclusive and serious about making a difference through our service in our community."

Courtesy of Judge Memorial Catholic High School/photo credit – Sarah Longe, Class of 2013