By Marie Mulvenna

Atlanta young people will be taking an active role in a nationwide drive to accumulate 100 million hours of service for the needy in the name of God. The drive is part of Operation SIGN (Service in God’s Name) being sponsored by the 41st International Eucharistic Congress. The Congress will be held in Philadelphia in August 1976.

Working through a network of more than 150 Catholic youth groups across the United States, the young people plan to visit shut-ins, stage food collection drives, tutor inner-city children and help fulfill both spiritual and physical hungers in the world.

Dr. Walt Kahnle, youth ministry consultant for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, said that parish groups in the archdiocese are being encouraged to take part in the nationwide program and to submit reports to his office outlining the types of service they are doing. The reports would also specify the number of hours involved in the projects and the total would be sent to the Congress in Philadelphia.

Dr. Kahnle said it was anticipated that a large number of Atlanta youth would be going to the Philadelphia session and travel arrangements were currently being studied for the young people, including housing needs of those attending. Dr. Kahnle said he viewed the drive as most encouraging and said he was sure Atlanta young people would be most actively involved in the program.

A spokesman for the SIGN program said “the concrete goal of accumulated service hours acts as an incentive for youth to mobilize the cooperation of all young people, including housing needs of those attending. Dr. Kahnle said he viewed the drive as most encouraging and said he was sure Atlanta young people would be most actively involved in the program. The very name of the program--SIGN--is designed to stimulate religious thought and motivation on the part of all participants.”

One member of the Congress’ board of governor’s said “youth seem to be impressed by the idea of living the Eucharist.” He was quoted as saying that the “SIGN program can contribute to a better understanding of the Eucharist and the organization of the Church. It will also perform a role in calling youth back to the Church.”

Young people taking part in the program will be offered a special guidebook listing various categories of service with 250 examples of service projects listed. For example, in the spiritual area, young people may offer their time to parishes, volunteer to organize youth retreats or witness Christ to their neighbors. In the ecological area, a young person can volunteer to help renovate a playground or help clean up a particular neighborhood or area. Under already established services, youths will be encouraged to offer service to existing organizations like the March of Dimes, the Red Cross or other non-profit groups.

Other possible service projects including helping in food and clothing collections for the need and extending companionship to those in nursing homes or hospitals. SIGN staffers describe the 100 million service hour goal as “difficult but realistic.”

The 100 million total is based on the 48 million Catholic men, women and children in the nation offering approximately two hours of service. “We know some young people anticipate offering 20 to 30 hours per week and this should make up for those who are unable to make a pledge,” they said. Although the program is described as a youth project it was pointed out that SIGN members were hoping adults would assist too, especially in areas such as car pools for those without transportation, where younger members might not be able to provide. The SIGN program is not limited to Catholics but will be open to all persons in the United States who wish to offer their time and assistance.

The varied programs will be implemented across the country by what is termed “peer ministry.” Youth leaders in each diocese of the nation will organize service programs on a local level through the supervision of already appointed diocesan coordinators.

Operation SIGN has been called a program especially suited to the dynamism and idealism of youth, recognizing their hunger for responsibility, affirmative action and community. It is viewed as a program that will enable young people to fulfill those needs within the context of a faith community for the benefit of the unfortunate and needy.