Two summers ago, I had the opportunity to go on a week-long service trip to Belize in Central America with seven other girls. I have always loved doing service work and was extremely excited to have the chance to help in another country. We were sent to help a small village plaster the outside walls of their newly constructed church. We had to cover the bricks with a cement mixture we made ourselves so that the people of the village could then paint it.
The work was extremely physically taxing, but I wouldn’t have traded a single minute of the experience. From trying to figure out how to go to the bathroom in the middle of the jungle, to playing with the village children during our lunch break, every moment of our week was a moment I treasure.
As much fun as this trip was, the best part was being able to see the faith of the people of this rural community. One day, we went to Mass in a very isolated village, near the village in which we were working. It was amazing to see how many people walked for hours just to be able to attend a weekday Mass.
Because of my experiences in Belize I was able to understand what it means when we say that the word “catholic” means “universal.” Even though our lifestyles are so different from theirs, I was able to feel a connection with the people there through the beliefs we share. This trip was an experience that strengthened my passion and desire to serve, and I hope to someday return to Belize.
—Lydia
What is your experience of Mass and Church where you live? How does it affect your faith? Visit another parish and see what’s the same and what’s different. Think about how the experience of going to Mass might be different in other parts of the world.
The word “catholic” means universal. The Church is meant to be universal. Think of an experience you have had of that universality. How is God inviting you today to serve our universal Church?