Bishop Michael McGovern Visits Camp

By Dan King, Executive Director

I’m excited to report that Bishop Michael McGovern completed his first summertime pastoral visit to Camp Ondessonk on the evening of Sunday, July 3.  The bishop, Father Brian Barker, the Ondessonk choir, and two seminarians – Casmir Cozzi and Ben Baker, led 275 campers and some 85 staff and volunteers in a joyful celebration of the Eucharist.  Following Mass, the Bishop joined us for dinner.  After eating, he meandered through a dining hall full of campers, counselors, and volunteers who were eager to chat.  Bishop McGovern was consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville in July of 2020, Camp’s Covid cancelled year.  Still somewhat new to the diocese, he is learning about the faith formation and youth development value his camp brings to the diocese, its children & families, and the greater Catholic Church as a whole.  We are thankful to continue working to strengthen this ministry under Bishop McGovern’s leadership.