Catholic teens from NC and FL partner for service, recreation

ROANOKE RAPIDS - A group of young Catholics from St. Clare Parish in the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida recently traveled to the Diocese of Raleigh. Their goal was to make a mission trip and serve those in need while also meeting new friends and exploring North Carolina.

Father Marlon Mendieta, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Roanoke Rapids, organized the endeavor, which included not only the Florida teens, but also adult chaperones and students from his parish. In total, the 35-person group spent a week in service and fellowship in North Carolina.

The group started each day in prayer and ended the day with evening Mass.

They participated in a range of service projects, including fence building and landscaping. For recreation, they visited Kings Dominion amusement park and Lake Gaston.

“We also had what I believe is the very first youth night at Immaculate Conception Church in Historic Halifax, where we had adoration and confessions for three hours,” said Father Marlon. “It’s truly been a beautiful mission trip and God is definitely working in their hearts.”

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