Every mission trip offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, connection, and a deeper understanding of faith. Our students had the blessing of stepping out of their comfort zones to serve and engage a wider community. Our 8th grade students came back with powerful insights and transformative experiences. The reflections shared here capture heartfelt stories, lessons and moments that transformed their perspectives. We are called to a life of mission both inside and outside of our community. While the trip was short, it made a lasting impact. It’s been a few weeks since the trip; our students have had some time for reflection. While words can never fully articulate their experiences, here’s a glimpse of what imprinted their hearts. May we be inspired to always serve with an open and missionary heart.
Maria Teresa
The most memorable part of the trip was the abortion center because it felt really good to pray for others. The mission trip impacted my faith, especially when we carried the cross and saw those who didn’t know how to pray, those who needed my prayers, and those who did know God, but didn’t make the time to pray. It made me want to pray more. There was this man named Dutch who touched my heart, who was homeless, but didn’t care (about his own needs). He cared for those around him and not just about what he was struggling with, to find food and home. I went up to a stranger and it didn’t feel right at first, but listening to his story made my heart rejoice that I asked to for his intention. I want to help pray for women to change their minds about abortion.
Elizabeth
The most memorable part of the trip was the crosswalk. We talked to this man named Dutch. He said that we restored his faith in humanity. This made an impact on my faith because I remembered there are always good people. Talking to people got me out of my comfort zone. This trip showed me people’s need for prayer.
Karolina Koziol
During the Philly trip, we did a ton of amazing mission work, such as the crosswalk. The crosswalk was a very memorable experience because we met all sorts of people, who shared their intentions. During the cross walk, we held a big cross, and we nailed intentions to the cross. We would gather our confidence, and go up to strangers, including people who were facing homelessness, anyone we would come across, and ask for their intentions. I will always remember the crosswalk.
I will also remember praying at the abortion center. At the abortion center, we saw many protestors doing everything they could to stop us from praying. Many tears ran down our faces, but in the end, we were very proud Catholics, and we knew we did the right thing. This mission trip impacted my faith because I felt I was getting closer and closer to God every day. One person in particular really touched my heart. Louis was a homeless person in the middle of downtown Philly. We called for him and asked if he had any prayer intentions. He said his mother just passed; we knew he was going through a lot. We all prayed together and gave him a rosary and a scapular. I’ve learned that we should pray for everyone, and people have bigger problems than others. I had to step out of my comfort zone and muster up everything in me to ask strangers to ask if they had any prayer intentions.
This trip really changed me. After this trip, I know to pray more, to work harder, and to respect everyone. During this trip, we worked hard, shed many tears, had fun, gave out food and water, and prayed. I also want to thank Mrs. Beattie for being there with us the whole trip.
Ola
My favorite part of this trip was doing the crosswalk. We also had the opportunity to go to adoration, and it touched my heart, especially when we sang. The bus driver touched my heart in Philly. I was staying up a bit, and it felt nice. I got to stay up with my classmates, and we had many opportunities to bond. I felt inspired throughout the trip m especially during our day focused on mission, especially during the time spent in the chapel. The day dedicated to mission helped me to pray more.
Marley
The most memorable part of the Philly trip was praying at the abortion center because it felt wonderful to pray for the souls of the aborted babies. The mission trip showed me that there are a lot of people who are going through things that you can’t always see. This showed me to pray for everyone, even if you aren’t particularly fond of them. One woman that we met told us that she had recently lost her husband and had two daughters under the age of 7 that she had to take care of. There were many times where I had to step out of my comfort zone and ask people if they had any intentions. At first, I was nervous, but after doing it for a while, it became much easier. The trip made me want to participate in another crosswalk.
Lily
The most memorable part of this trip was a crosswalk. I had to step out of my comfort zone by asking people for their prayer intentions. This showed me how much other people were struggling. It encouraged me to pray more. One man was homeless and just lost his mother. We prayed with him and gave him a rosary and a scapular. Overall, this trip was a really fantastic experience.
Life of a missionary is also exactly where you are! You don’t have to go far!
Corinne
My most memorable part of helping the teachers that at East Lake was baking and breaking them brownies. I enjoy baking, and I figured it would be a nice treat for the teachers since I knew it would make everyone’s day a little nicer. Accompanying Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 impacted my faith by reminding me that God wants everyone, especially for the little ones to come to him, and that God views us all as his children. Talking with some of the teachers, I didn’t know as well, was very gratifying for me because I enjoyed getting to know people, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to talk to these teachers. One moment in particular, where I stepped out of my comfort zone, was when I asked a teacher if I could eat lunch with her. I ended up having a great conversation with her, and I appreciate the East Lake’s teachers’ openness to spending time with her students. My time helping the Staff at East Lake made me realize how much I want to be a teacher.
Mrs. Beattie
Reflecting on the recent 8th-grade class trip to Philadelphia, I can’t help but focus on the profound impact our day of missionary work had on the girls and myself. This experience was a profound lesson in empathy, faith, and community.
Praying at the abortion clinic was a deeply emotional and humbling experience. As we stood in the ally of the clinic, the weight of the situation around us was palpable. The girls prayed loudly and with conviction the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, despite the noise and commotion of the counter-protestors. Although there were many tears, it was an experience that had a profound effect on them, and I know, that six prayer warriors are praying even more fervently for the conversion of hearts and the souls of unborn children.
The crosswalk through the streets of Philadelphia was a testimony of faith and a call to action. As we walked with a life-size crucifix we stopped passersby and asked for their prayer intentions. I was happy to see the girls come out of their comfort zones and reach out to the homeless and other strangers, spreading God’s love. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it sparked conversations – some who asked for prayers, others who just wanted someone to see them, and still others who challenged our views. Through it all, our girls stayed strong in their convictions and confident in their mission.
Throughout this trip, I witnessed an apostolic vigor in our students. I was impressed by their ability to empathize with others, share their emotions, and reflect on their experience. In their reflections after the mission, the girls displayed their strong faith, compassion for others, and desire to continue to serve.
I believe this mission trip will be a stepping stone for our eighth graders as they continue to foster their missionary spirit. It was a reminder that no matter our age, sometimes the greatest impact comes from the simplest acts of prayer, love, and connection. I came away from the trip enriched by our shared experiences and inspired by the girls’ bravery, faithfulness, and missionary hearts.