“I pray that I still continue now the work I first began at age 24 as a sister — with the same or greater fervor. It is one of simple service to the Lord with our youth,” she added.
Before professing final vows, Duemling left the Missionaries of Charity in 1998 due to recurring health issues. She joined the founders of CYE, Fr. Quinn Mann from the Diocese of Green Bay and Fr. Luke Strand from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, in June of this year as part of their ministry team.
In her new role she said that her first responsibility is to be present for the young people as needed. Her day-to-day chores at St. Joseph include cooking, cleaning and even mowing lawns. She also gives talks at the retreats that are held at the center.
“I am like a mom of a big house,” Duemling said, smiling.
She is honored to be part of CYE’s important mission of encountering Jesus Christ and fostering Catholic Christian community through expedition retreats and outdoor adventure. “I am blessed to work under two priests who so love our Lord and have extraordinary gifts with the youth,” she noted. “They both bring unique and precious gifts to the CYE ministry.”
Your Catholic Neighbor
Name: Peggy Duemling Parish: Stella Maris, Baileys Harbor Age: 47 Favorite saint: Thérèse of Lisieux and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Words to live by: “True holiness consists in giving whatever he takes and taking whatever he gives with a big smile.” — Blessed Teresa of Calcutta |
According to CYE statistics, this past summer alone saw close to 700 high school students and young adults participate in a CYE expedition. Duemling was part of quite a few of them. She notes that God’s hand was evident in all of their adventures.
“On the summer expeditions, it was so beautiful to see God at work building community; to see the youth kneeling in prayer at 7 a.m. in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; to hear their laughter as they attempted to make pancakes with a stick by the campfire or to see kids gain confidence as they learned to water ski. God was and is definitely at work here.”
Duemling noted that she will soon move from the formation center in Baileys Harbor to Appleton for the winter months. As her position as a formation advisor is a new one, she is not certain what the move will entail but she knows she will continue to help Fr. Quinn spread the word about CYE during weekend parish visits. She also hopes to make herself available to the youth of the area at CYE Basecamp, the organization’s headquarters in Appleton.
“It’s all developing as we go. It’s exciting because truly the Holy Spirit is guiding this ministry,” she explained.
Whatever happens, Duemling is eager and ready to serve the Lord wherever he takes her.