An old parish with a young, vibrant soul St. Gerard Parish, on the northern edge of Lima, Ohio, opened its doors in 1916 with 115 people present, mostly of Irish heritage. Today, the parish, supported by five Redemptorist Fathers, provides prayer and support to over 3000 Filipino, Italian American, African American and Hispanic families who are all pleased to call the parish home. Over 500 parishioners take part in parish ministries supporting their fellow parishioners as well as reaching out to the less fortunate. The Lima Life Teen group meets every Sunday evening to share their faith experience. The evening includes Mass, refreshments, and a chance to socialize with other teens. "The most rewarding part of my work is spending time with the members of the high school youth program and our junior high schoolers," says Fr. Henry Sattler, C.Ss.R. "You get the chance to see them becoming alive with faith as they search for God. He takes on an important place in their lives." St. Gerard's also helps its young people grow into responsible adults through its well-attended CYO/school athletic programs and Boy and Girl Scout troops. There are many opportunities for all lay members to support the spiritual life of the parish be that serving on the Liturgy Committee as a Eucharistic minister, lector, usher, or cantor or as a member of the choir. Lay Volunteers conduct the Children's Liturgy of the Word, a ministry designed to help children between 6 and 12 gain an understanding of the Scriptures. The Little People's Church has volunteers to provide religious education for children 2 to 5. "Volunteers remain the backbone of the parish; their dedication has made us what we are today - a close-knit congregation with a beautiful place to worship and grow in the love of God and Our Lady of Perpetual Help." One of the most important facets of life as a Redemptorist priest or brother is the strong commitment to living together as community. The fathers in Lima, spend many hours in prayer and solidarity, always growing their ability to serve, ministering to people in local prisons and striving to make the parish more aware of the plight of these men and women. When parishioners see their priests living, working, and eating together, Fr. Henry believes it gives them a broader view of priestly life. "What keeps me going is the communal prayer life and knowing my fellow priests are behind me and we're all working together."