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"Trust in God and Read the Bible": A Spring Break Mission in Action
Ascribed to Sr. Bridget, TOR
While most students spend spring break chasing rest or relaxation, eleven Catholic Noles chose a different path—one marked by service, community, and deep encounter with Christ. Our local mission trip, based right here in Tallahassee, became a sacred journey into the heart of what it means to live the Gospel.
The week’s unofficial motto, inspired by Daniel, one of the student missionaries during a reflection. “Trust in the Lord,” Daniel said, “and read the Bible.” That spirit carried us through a week of prayer, hard work, laughter, and powerful transformation.
Building Community, Finding Christ
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We began our week by settling into a large house owned by the Diocese—a space that quickly became a sacred ground of bonding, late-night conversations, shared meals, and laughter. Four students were returners from last year’s local mission, and the others were new to this experience. But by the end of the week, we were a family.
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Lorin, another one of the missionary students, shared:
“This trip was life-changing for me. I learned that a family can be built in just a week! I feel so close to all the people on this trip and I feel safe and seen. What a great gift.”
Serving Christ in the Poor
Each day brought opportunities to serve and encounter Christ in the margins:
At Casa Calderon, students visited residents in pairs, offering music, prayers, and heartfelt conversations. One resident, John, was deeply moved by the students’ joy and faith, so much so that he said he truly saw Christ with our presence.
In Panama City, we partnered with Mission 850 to help those still recovering from Hurricanes. At Ms. Elaine’s home, we cleaned up years’ worth of debris left behind by unreliable contractors. The work was physical—but it brought dignity and peace to someone who had lost trust in others.
It was incredibly powerful to help Ms. Elaine, with no motive other than to love and minimize her suffering. I pray our actions helped restore her faith in people—and in God.
We continued service throughout the week—clearing yards, supporting families, working at the Kearney Center, and organizing food at a local pantry. Even a spontaneous mac n’ cheese cook-off at Casa Calderon turned into an avenue for storytelling, testimony, and joyful
Prayer at the Heart
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Daily Mass, silent prayer, and Eucharistic adoration grounded us in Christ.
Jason, a student missionary, shared in his reflection, “Having the Blessed Sacrament in the house chapel was such a gift. I had never been in such a great state of mind as I was on this trip.”
We even held overnight adoration followed by a pilgrimage to the site of the Florida Martyrs. There, we prayed the Stations of the Cross—an experience that connected us to Florida’s Catholic history in a tangible, powerful way.
Transformation Through Testimony
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As the week progressed, students found themselves transformed not just by the work, but by the witness of others. Catholic families who hosted us for meals offered wisdom, hospitality, and deep joy. Sr. Agnes Maria welcomed us into the convent on her birthday with prayer and tacos. Fr. Tim joined us for Mass and shared his vocation story—prompting deep conversations about discernment and trust in God’s plan.
Jason, who recently converted to Catholicism said, “This trip inspired me to follow God’s commandments in the fullest way I could. And the love I felt in return from God was tenfold.”
Joy in the Journey
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There was no shortage of fun—between games like Mafia, Amazing Race, and escape rooms, our team bonded in a spirit of joy and play. These moments, though lighthearted, were part of the mission too. Fellowship, after all, is a reflection of the Trinity—a communion of love.
Sean, another student missionary, reflected, “Silent prayer gives me strength throughout the day and allows me to surrender to God’s will. Volunteering at Casa Calderon and JPII helped me serve in the Spirit of Christ.”
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A Mission that Continues
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On our final day, we helped prepare St. John Paul II Catholic Church for its upcoming grand opening—planting flowers, painting walls, and making the space beautiful for others. It was the perfect end to a week of work that was always more than work—it was love in action.
Another missionary, Emma, shared a parting a reflection, “Before the trip, I struggled to see Jesus in my daily life—even though I had a strong prayer life. But during the mission, He revealed Himself in so many ways: through adoration, Mass, the families who fed us, nature, and each person I met. During a talk, Fr. Tim said, ‘To see Jesus in the crowd, you have to know His face first.’ That has stayed with me. Now, I strive to see Him in everyone I encounter—and it’s been incredibly fruitful.
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