Noah Long, Ashley Rex, Audrey Long, Anna Long, Maeve Grandpre, and Julia Farrell participate in an outdoor youth group meeting.
By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
NORTHBOROUGH – It’s time to clean out the basements and garages of the outdated electronics that have accumulated over the past year.
St. Rose of Lima Parish, located at 244 West Main St., Northborough, will be hosting its annual electronic recycling event on Saturday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fundraiser event will benefit the church’s youth programs and will be held rain or shine.
A small cash fee, ranging from $10-$25 based on item and size, will be required. The recycling company Data Recycling New England will be assisting.
A few of the parish’s youth activities, such as a cookies and cocoa event around the firepit, have been held in person, following social distancing guidelines over recent months. Most, however, have been on hold or held virtually throughout the pandemic.
St. Rose Director of Youth Ministry Stephen Lavoie said the electronic recycling event is the first fundraiser being held as restrictions start to lift.
Some of the money raised will support the parish’s volleyball team with purchasing uniforms, supplies and equipment. Middle school and high school youth groups will also benefit as they reorganize for the fall. Lavoie hopes that holiday parties, youth fun nights, and community service projects will be scheduled again soon.
The longtime, national running Young Neighbors in Action (YNIA) program administered by the Center for Ministry Development, unfortunately, will not continue due to pandemic-related financial constraints.
The program has been a favorite of high school students at St. Rose for 15 years as they participated in summer mission trips.
“A lot of families were disappointed,” said Lavoie. “I think students build a closer connection with their faith and their community through these opportunities.”
In the meantime, he is hoping to finalize plans to partner with St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in Upton to offer an alternate way for students to experience service this summer. Students would support various local organizations and efforts in lieu of week-long, overnight trips.
While it is uncertain how the group will move forward in the fall, continuing youth programming remains a priority. Specific plans will be determined as current Pastor Rev. Jim Houston retires in July after 30 years of service at St. Rose and a new pastor accepts the role.
