Rosa Parks Youth Celebrate Holy Week and Easter

April 10, Detroit, Michigan – Working for resurrection and new life in Detroit has been the foundation of all the Holy Week activities initiated by the Rosa Parks Youth program at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

Special observances began on Tuesday, April 3, when children and parents were inspired by Rev. Bill Wylie-Kellerman and Mr. Sterling Toles. Rev. Wylie-Kellerman, pastor of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Detroit and a well-known peace activist. Mr. Toles is a committed youth worker at the soup kitchen and throughout Detroit. Both leaders inspired the gathering to work for peace and to diminish violence in the city by creating community and being connected with as many people as possible.

During the prayer service, many children and parents gave testimonies with poetry, rap, music, and commitment stories.

On April 4, children in the Peace Garden program planted spring flowers around the Soup Kitchen. Holy Thursday, April 5, brought the annual egg decorating and Easter basket event. Participants of the Rosa Parks Youth Program hosted a group of Cub Scouts from Royal Oak. Together, the two groups decorated eggs and baskets. This city-suburb connection, now in its 12th year, occurs two or three times each year.

On April 6, many of the families gathered at the kitchen at noon for the annual Good Friday Neighborhood Prayer and Walk around the Conner Soup Kitchen neighborhood. Music, prayers, and reflections were offered for all those suffering in Detroit and throughout the world.

Finally, on Saturday morning, April 7, more than 200 children, with their family members, gathered at the soup kitchen. They decorated about 1,200 eggs, packed Easter baskets, and were reminded of what Easter is all about. Most of the Children’s Easter baskets and candy were donated by generous Adrian Dominican Sisters and members of the Congregation’s Mission Groups.

“Truly, we try to celebrate new life and hope in the city with commitments to make peace and build community,” said Sister Nancyann Turner, OP, director. She expressed special gratitude to the Sisters in her community for the “outpouring of Easter baskets, dyes, ‘grass’ and candy. Over and over, I know that you are all with me as the children of the soup kitchen are blessed and encouraged and hopefully, empowered.”