20th Anniversary song for the Mustard Seed Migrant Ministry
We celebrate the RDC’s, who came to plant a mustard seed
Of hope, that only faith can give unto ya’
You showed us from the very start, the love we carry in our hearts
Can be transformed into a Hallelujah.
You taught “da kids” to sing and pray, be thankful for each precious day.
You listened to the God who’s speaking through ya’
The One who loves the whole wide world, lives within each boy and girl.
They’re standing tall and singing Hallelujah.
We only find salvation when, we lay our life down for a friend,
And when you give it always comes back to ya’
We learned from you to hear the plea of those in need and now we see
And hear the people singing Hallelujah.
Strong women, look what you have done with time and tears and work and fun;
You recognized the grace that called out to ya’
Compassion brought us to this place; we felt the love we found the grace
To sing out with a heartfelt Hallelujah.
And now we are a band of friends; we know not where the journey ends,
But on this day we offer thanks to ya’
You gave your life to follow one, the Prince of Peace, sweet Mary’s son,
He taught us all the song called Hallelujah.
This ministry right from the start was born with God’s faithful heart,
You answered with a “Yes” before we knew ya’
And when our life on earth is through, we hope that we will stand with you
Together as we sing our Hallelujah.
Written and dedicated to “my Divine Sisters” with so much love. Mary Lou Mangan
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On Sunday, July 4, about 200 people converged on the Mustard Seed house for a celebration of our 20th anniversary in the Warwick Valley.
Songs; games; and great food puctuated the day. Among the party-goers were the leadership of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, who were recognized and thanked for their vision in the establishment of the Mustard Seed Ministry. A large number of the families served by Mustard Seed also attended and almost all of them brought along a home made food item. A tricky tray of over 20 baskets was raffled off. And later in the day, the pool was opened and was well used by many of the picnicers, on this very hot day.
Our own troubadour Mary Lou leads a song.
Organizing the tricky tray table.
Finding some shade in the high 90's heat.
Some of the younger kids find some shade too.
Waiting for the food lines to open.
Sister Fran; Ellen; and Mary Lou perform a song.
Father Boland and his nephew Tony.
The grilling crew at work.
Some young people "hanging out".
A couple of men play the bean-bag toss game.
After dinner, the pool was opened.
Like Clarissa; explaining it all.
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On Wednesday, July 7, 11 Mustard Seed kids, along with 3 members of King of Kings Lutheran Church from Liverpool, NY, took a stroll over the Hudson River. Over the Hudson River? How?
We walked the new Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park, that’s how!
The Walkway over the Hudson was an abandoned railroad bridge crossing the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and Highland. It has been converted into a walking and cycling path and was opend to the public in the fall of 2009. It has quickly become a key destination point in the Hudson Valley, and there is mapped out a 3.6 mile walk over the bridge; then into the downtown of Poughkeepsie; then across the Mid-Hudson bridge back to the starting point on the Highland side.
On this upper 90′s degree day, we did not do the entire 3.6 mile walk, but went over the bridge and back and then had a fine picnic lunch.
Studying one of the interpretive kiosks before walking the bridge.
Looking through one of the sets of binoculars on the bridge.
A group photo on the bridge. The Mid-Hudson bridge is in the background.
The very hot day was a bit tiring for some of our walkers.
A tank barge pushed by a tugboat passed under the bridge.
We finished with a picnic lunch on the Highland side of the bridge.
Carl and Melinda from King of Kings pose with some of the Mustard Seed kids.
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Summer is when the real magic happens at Mustard Seed, so last week a few of our men volunteers stopped by to get some of the grounds prepared. The tables were newly painted and placed in position and the pool ws opened and cleaned.
It won’t be long now! June 28 is the official kick-off of the summer activities. And this year will include the 20th anniversary of Mustard Seed, with a huge celebration on July 4.
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On March 27, Camp Auxilium in Newton, NJ invited a group of Mustard Seed kids to come and play. Upon arrival the kids were greeted by the Salesian Sisters holding a huge Welcome! sign. They were treated to a pizza lunch and an energetic round of musical chairs. A group of confirmation students from Sparta, NJ were on hand to join in and help organize. Some of the activities of the day included volleyball; hockey; sand boxes; tag games; an Easter Egg hunt; and playing on the playground equipment.
Several confirmation candidates helped with the day's activities.
The day ended with a round of Bingo, which calmed the kids down for the ride home. Many thanks to the Salesian Sisters for a very fine day!
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