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Happening ... in the Local Church
 Michael
and Michelle McFerran |
By Lisa L. Wilson
The Catholic Moment
ALEXANDRIA — Michael and Michelle McFerran, 13-year-old twins in eighth
grade at St. Mary School here, help serve the poor and have a good time
doing it.
“When we were little, about second grade, we started going to the migrant camps with our family and other parishioners,” Michael said. “We play games with the kids, and then show them movies and hand out popcorn and soda. I enjoy helping the migrant kids get used to Indiana while they’re here.”
“Michael and Michelle are two very wonderful children,” said Father Paul Cochran, pastor of St. Mary Church. “They are very gifted, and help out especially with the migrant ministry each year. They go out to the camps and minister consistently. They do fun things with the kids. They care for the poorest of the poor and choose to help others when they don’t have to. They could be sitting around at their pool.”
“Our mom is in charge of the migrant ministry,” Michelle said, “so we started going with her. It’s a lot of fun.
“We also help at a fiesta each year at the migrant camps,” she said. “We serve food and play music. Some of the kids go to middle school nearby, so I see them around. It’s fun for me to get to know more about them and I make a lot of friends.”
The twins also help out at school by serving hot lunches and working with the kindergarten class.
“Michael and Michelle are remarkable young people who are responsible and dependable,” said Sister Marilyn Huegerich, principal of St. Mary’s. “They are class and school leaders. If I need a job done, I can depend upon those two. If they are in charge of a project, I know it will be done well. Both are quick with praise for other students, and in that way, they encourage others to lead and make good choices. I am happy to be their teacher — they are just delightful students.”
“I like to go down to the kindergarten class during my recess,” Michelle said. “I read to them and help teach a little. They’re so cute.”
The twins are both active in sports and in their local community, but they decided to volunteer time at their parish as a way to give back to the Church. They are active at St. Mary’s as cantors, lectors and altar servers.
“We also sing in the church choir twice a month,” Michael said. “We started taking piano lessons in second grade and we play piano at Mass.
“I enjoy serving my church,” he said. “It makes me feel close to God when I’m in choir or playing the piano, and especially when I’m serving.”
“I like singing and cantoring at church,” Michelle said. “I think it’s a learning experience. ... I love helping around in the church — it’s so fun.”