Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Twelve students and four chaperones from Sutton and Grafton, led by Father Lee Jirovsky, embarked on an eight-day mission trip to Roatan, Honduras. This journey marked the second international mission in two years for St. Mary Parish in Sutton and St. Helena Parish in Grafton.

The daily routine included Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, setting a spiritual tone for their activities. The young missionaries faced the challenges of assisting those in need while recognizing their own limitations. Encounters with locals like Alberto, a blind man abandoned by his family, taught them the importance of being received before giving.

Unexpected receptions were also part of their experience. At Crawfish Rock School, children eagerly welcomed the group even before they parked. Despite some instances where their Catholic faith was met with resistance, the missionaries continued to pray for all they encountered.

The mission underscored that material goods are temporary but love endures. Dyvet Fonseca, new to this year's mission, noted learning from more experienced participants about adapting to changing plans. Angelina Cloet emphasized building relationships over distributing goods.

Roatan's 12 Catholic churches are served by only two priests for its population exceeding 100,000. Father Jirovsky shared his experiences during home visits: "Between my broken Spanish and his limited English, we both felt overwhelmed with the needs."

Fonseca reflected on not taking everyday blessings for granted after witnessing life in Roatan: “For some people, having those things would be a blessing.” As future missions are considered, Father Jirovsky's words resonate: "One has only to receive it."