ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — Fifty-five spirited teens and chaperones from St. Clare Parish in Palm Beach, St. Lucie Parish in Port St. Lucie, and St. John the Baptist Parish in Roanoke Rapids united for a week of service, faith, and fun during the second annual Youth Mission Trip.
The Florida contingent rolled into town by train on Monday, kicking off a packed week after daily morning Mass. The group dove into community service, lending hands at the John 3:16 Center and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rocky Mount. They read to kids at Weldon Library’s summer program, taught seniors computer skills, painted decks for elderly parishioners, and visited the homebound. The teens also scrubbed cars at a Roanoke Rapids Police Department fundraiser for the “Citizens On Patrol” program and spruced up the St. John the Baptist parish’s Marian Grotto.
Evenings were fun-filled with meals at parishioner-owned dining establishments including Don Juan and Logan’s. The Hispanic and Filipino parish communities also provided homemade meals two nights. A favorite of the visiting parishioners was milkshakes at Cookout. Each night, the group gathered after dinner for witness talks based on the retreat themes of being “uniquely made and loved by God.”
On Wednesday the missioners received a special guest: Bishop Luis Zarama joined for dinner and a lively Q&A with the group. Later, they visited the historic Immaculate Conception Church in Halifax for adoration, confessions, and a vocations event featuring stories from priests, a married couple, and an engaged couple.
The week wasn’t all work. On Thursday, the group took a trip to Kings Dominion Amusement Park and they enjoyed a “lake day” on Saturday, which was graciously hosted by St. John the Baptist parishioners. The group wrapped up Sunday with Mass and a hearty brunch before heading home.
The Florida-North Carolina teen mission experience seems to be growing in spirit and size. This year’s group was more than double the size of the contingent that visited last year.
“This trip was about serving others and growing in faith, with a side of fun,” said Father Marlon Mendieta, pastor of St. John the Baptist and one of the mission organizers. “These kids brought so much joy to our community.”
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