I helped out at the Youth Group car wash fundraiser Saturday morning – and saw some amazing things.

First off, twenty kids (give or take) just working like crazy to wash cars.  No slacking, no whining, no excuses – just working hard – constantly – with nothing but smiles.  Between 9am and 11am we had a non-stop barrage of cars – and no complaints from anyone.  Just wash, wash, wash – dry, dry, dry – and vacuum…well, you get the point.  These kids had the cars looking great.

In the back of my mind, throughout the entire event, was the fact that this was all being done to raise money to help some of the high-school kids afford to go to the faith-building Steubenville event in Orlando.  But there were lots of middle school kids there – working hard.  And a few high-school kids were there that might not be attending – but still working hard.  All of them graciously working hard to send their fellow Youth Group friends to a conference designed to strengthen their faith.  The kids of our parish were not there to receive, but to give.  Amazing.

And we prayed over the cars.  At first, I just suggested that the kids, while soaping up the cars, say a little prayer for the car and the owner.  But it grew…oh, it really grew.  There was serious prayer time over some of the cars, including laying on of hands, with the kids actively participating in an effort to bless the cars, and the families that owned them.

By the last vehicle that we did, at five minutes to noon, it was incredible.  Once the car got washed, the call went out to everyone ‘Prayer Time!’.  The kids and the leaders all came over, completely surrounded the car, and laid on hands.  Each of the team leaders ‘took turns’ saying a blessing for the occupants, their family, for their safety, and for a blessing on all of the people who will be visited by the owner of this vehicle.  Alice called upon Saint Michael the Archangel, and when it was time for ‘Amen’ – it was a resounding ‘Amen’.  The kids were enthusiastic.

The woman that owned that last vehicle had received a car wash ticket from her daughter as a birthday present for her 70th birthday.  She was astounded by the prayer, and drove away in tears, thanking us for the blessing.

It’s actually ironic, if you think about it.  As she drove away, she tearfully thanked the blessings (the kids) for the blessing (the prayer).

Peace,
Greg