Over the week of Spring Break, nine SJV parishioners participated in a mission trip to Eagle Pass, TX (on the border with Mexico). Serving as project leaders and mentors for students from four Catholic high schools, the Mission Team members worked hard and completed repairs on five homes for the elderly, disabled, and the very poor. The work involved repairing roofs, siding, and painting.
The students came from Cristo Rey Jesuit College Prep, St. Pius X High School, St. Agnes Academy, and Strake Jesuit College Prep. They were joined in the work by the Eagle Pass High School students as well as the families in whose homes they were working.
From April 2nd through the 7th, a group of sixteen parishioners traveled once more to Eagle Pass to continue the repairs on six homes in the community. Their work included roofing, siding, window and door replacements, caulking, painting, electrical wiring, insulation and sheetrock.
More importantly, the Mission Teams continue to foster and grow the relationships they’ve established with the homebound whom they have assisted in the past. The community spirit and camaraderie developed by the team through Fr. Gerry Kelly’s spiritual guidance is remarkable! The missioners visited several families, brought them nutritious food, and prayed with them. They also worshiped with the families they helped at the local parish, participated in a walking Way of the Cross, and enjoyed time with each other.
We congratulate and thank our Mission Team and these remarkable young men and women! As representatives of our parish and the Catholic Church, their hard work and generosity is a great example of how our parish is Living Faith, Changing Lives and Making a Difference!