“That is what we too, in the Church, are constantly called to do: to listen, to get involved and be neighbors, sharing in people’s joys and struggles, so that the Gospel can spread every more consistently and fruitfully: radiating goodness through the transparency of our lives.” These are words taken spoken in a homily given by Pope Francis at World Youth day in 2016. 
 
Within the parish boundaries of Our Lady of Providence Parish, our youth can easily be lured to the temptations of this world that bring about a temporary happiness to deal with their pain.  It is challenging society to live in and when nothing is had often in that moment it is easy to fall to a life that brings about false security. 
 
When no money is had the lure of entering into a life of selling drugs and crime seems like a healthy option.  When lack of love exists within the family unit it is easy to turn towards the gangs to feel a false sense of acceptance which is based solely on conditions.  When loneliness and despair start to take over it is easy to turn to the bodily pleasures that simply numb and begin to scar the pain over. 
 
I have found that the young people very rarely hear the words, “how are you doing?”  Our mission is to ask this question so that we might come to know how to serve their needs, so they might come to know they are cared for.  Our parish exists to provide a safe space not worrying about being “pressed” by gangs or having to fall to harmful coping mechanisms.  Through the community gym and in partnership with local organizations we provide space and programming where the young people can develop in four areas consisting of the intellect, human, athletic, and spiritual/service aspects of the person.