Many students and faculty at St. Pius X spent their summer relaxing by the pool, catching up on sleep, and maybe even completing their summer assignments. For some students, however, their summer included serving those in need. 

Several students went on mission trips during summer break through both the school and their home parishes. 

Campus Minister, Ms. Susan Baker, organized a five-day trip in June to Orlando, Florida, where they lived and worked in youth mission camps. They spent their time at Mustard Seed of Central Florida, an organization that provides furniture for victims of natural disasters, and House of Hope, a residential school facility for troubled teens. 

“It was great knowing the people who worked there and their stories,” said junior Dino George. 

Despite the overpowering sun and humidity knowing the good they were doing kept them motivated.

“It’s exhausting, but you get such a spiritual rush from it that it energizes you. It’s strange until you’ve experienced it, said Ms. Baker.” 

The Cathedral of Christ the King also organized a mission trip to Jamaica for high school students this summer through Mustard Seed Communities, an international nonprofit that provides for the most vulnerable. 

The work consisted of painting houses, mixing and pouring concrete, and spending time with disabled adults. 

“It was emotionally heavy,” said senior Annie Yantis. 

Despite the challenges teens encountered, they came back home feeling thankful for every little thing they were fortunate enough to have. 

“It made me realize how much we have and how we have to be independent. We can buy whatever we want, do whatever we want, go wherever we want,” said senior Lucy Downer. “They [the residents] are just confined to their space.”

Additionally, senior Lauren Smith went with her youth group from Smuckers Baptist Church to Puerto Rico to help prepare houses for the homeless and people with HIV/Aids. 

For Smith, the opportunity to serve those less fortunate affected her in a way she will never forget. 

“You just kind of forget about the first-world conveniences that [you have] because what you’re doing is so important,” said Smith. “It’s such a powerful experience to be able to transform it and the time of one week with just the work of our hands.”

While it was not easy work, the St. Pius missionaries persevered and left their trips having impacted many. In helping their communities through service, charity, and love, they were left feeling hopeful and grateful for the things they have.