As parishes are enrolling youth for Totus Tuus this summer, the eight missionaries who will be evangelizing at these parishes are also doing their part to get ready. They are attending daily Mass, learning songs, practicing skits and preparing lesson plans.
Totus Tuus is a Catholic youth summer camp dedicated to sharing the gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, witness, Eucharistic adoration and fun!
Missionary Abdul Kouris said his involvement in Totus Tuus as a youth inspired him to want to become a missionary. “My mom asked me about it. I remembered having fun, hanging out and talking to friends. We had class time, but it wasn’t like we were in school. I am excited about the opportunity. I’ve never done this before, so I don’t know what to expect. I plan to let God take the wheel.”
Sean Martin, of the Office of Office of Missionary Discipleship and Evangelization (Catechesis and Faith Formation), said the pool of missionaries was chosen from the Diocese of Gary, other dioceses and universities throughout the United States, and the Totus Tuus national office in Wichita, Kans.
“Each year it’s a blessing and a pleasure to work with the missionaries,” he said “This year it’s a unique blend of college students from around the country with different talents and perspectives. This will bring about a great program for sure. The missionaries this summer are certainly zealous about their faith and have a love for Jesus Christ and the church.They desire to spread the gospel message with the children and teenagers of the diocese.”
“I am starting to get to know the other missionaries. I am glad to attend daily Mass again. I want to continue to grow in faith as I do my best to help these kids,” said Kouris, 19.
Brittany Berger, 21, who hails from Yakima, Wash., is a student at University of Mary in Bismarck, N.Dak.. She is so excited about this opportunity to grow in faith and help younger people do the same. “I hope to help the kids learn that our faith is fun and that it applies to them, not just their parents and grandparents. I want them to see youthful people who love their faith, authentically love it!”
Martin explained that while the program differs each year, the structure remains the same. Training began May 30 and continues through June 8 at Camp Lawrence in Valparaiso.
Then the missionaries are sent out in pairs and teams to share the message of Totus Tuus. The Latin phrase meaning “totally yours,” was the motto of Pope St. John Paul II. Taken from St. Louis de Montfort's “True Devotion to Mary,” it signifies Catholics’ desire to give themselves entirely to Jesus Christ through the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“This year, missionaries will teach the creed based on the catechism of the Catholic Church and the glorious mysteries of the rosary,” Martin said.
The first stop will be at St. John the Evangelist. Both teams of four will be there because the parish typically has more than 125 participants each year.
Gregory Rabito, coordinator of Totus Tuus at SJE, said it is such a blessing to have the program at the parish. “We have to find housing for eight missionaries,” he said, “which is a big deal. This program is also such a big deal for the youth of our parish. They love it…There is still time to sign up. We would especially like to see more seventh through 12th graders.”
After SJE, the paths of the two teams diverge. One team heads to Holy Family in LaPorte while the other goes to St. Mary in East Chicago. Also on the list are St. Paul in Valparaiso, Holy Martyrs in Merrillville, St Bridget in Hobart, Queen of All Saint, in Michigan City, St. Patrick in Chesterton, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Valparaiso, St. James the Less in Highland, St. John Kanty in Rolling Prairie, and St. Helen in Hebron.
Benjamin Zegarra is willing to do what it takes. The 19-year-old from East Chicago said, “I am not a good teacher, but I am strong in my faith and not afraid to show it. With the help of my fellow teammates, we can try to help share the faith with these children and teens.”
As part of the faith experience for the missionaries, they will also be attending the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17-20.
“We are driving down to the Eucharistic Congress. It’s important for the missionaries to be connected to the universal church and be supported in their endeavors to spread the gospel,” Martin said.
Zegarra is excited to travel. “I've been taking online classes to become a missionary and to be consecrated. When I heard about this missionary job I thought it would be good for me to experience and discern my faith even more,” he said. “I hope both children and teens understand a little better not only our religion but the relationship they have with God and in doing so, have a more firm faith. I am looking forward to making new friends that hold the same beliefs as I do and potentially changing lives for the better.”
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Totus Tuus 2024 – Parish Schedule
Week 1 (June 8 – 14)
St. John the Evangelist, St. John
Week 2 (June 15 – 21)
Holy Family Parish, LaPorte
St. Mary, East Chicago
Week 3 (June 22 – 28)
St. Paul, Valparaiso
Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville
Week 4 (July 6 – 12)
St. Bridget, Hobart
Queen of All Saints, Michigan City
Mission (July 13 – 16)
St. Helen, Hebron
Eucharistic Congress (July 17 – 20)
Indianapolis
Week 5 (July 21 – 26)
St. Patrick, Chesterton
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Valparaiso
Week 6 (July 27 – August 2)
St. James the Less, Highland
St. John Kanty, Rolling Prairie