Bishop Neumann Jr./Sr. High School in Wahoo recently concluded a mission trip involving 43 students and 23 chaperones who traveled to Gallup, New Mexico, the poorest diocese in the United States. Since 2016, Bishop Neumann has organized mission trips for high school students to locations like New Mexico or Chicago. These trips are funded by donors who provide scholarships and support building projects during the missions. Local business owners often volunteer as chaperones.

Gery Kenney, Neumann’s campus minister, expressed gratitude for the adults participating: “I am filled with so much gratitude for the adults who take time off of work and give of their time to serve on this mission trip said Gery Kenney, Neumann’s campus minister. Our students learn so much from them.”

The daily activities included Mass, adoration, group discussions, fellowship, singing, and service work focused on serving Christ through serving others. This year saw participation from Father Steven Mills, Father Robert Johnson, Father Luke Fleck, and Father Carson Kain providing sacraments and spiritual guidance.

Kenney noted the importance of spiritual guidance: “The mission trip has become as much a retreat for our students as it is about the work we do,” Kenney said. “Having four priests join us is so valuable in helping our students encounter Our Lord.”

This year's trip included two seminarians such as Trent Moudry who graduated from Bishop Neumann in 2024. During their stay in New Mexico, students visited various Catholic shrines and churches.

The mission trip was organized by Neumann’s Campus Ministry Department with assistance from volunteers coordinating with the Diocese of Gallup and religious orders in the area. Students collaborated with organizations like the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi at Sacred Heart Retreat Center on projects including building paths and repairing homes.

At Villa Guadelupe in Gallup run by Little Sisters of the Poor, students served meals and led activities for low-income elderly residents. They also engaged with children at Sacred Heart Catholic School facilitated by Dominican Sisters of Mary hosting an activity day featuring games and treats.

Students worked alongside Missionaries of Charity at St. Joseph Soup Kitchen assisting with food preparation and outreach efforts for those in need.

Father Mills emphasized combining service with spirituality: “When you combine mission and getting your hands dirty...you get moments of prayer letting Our Lord in...That is why the mission trip is so good,” he said.

In addition to this annual event, Neumann organizes a service day at Villa Marie School involving Marian Sisters from Lincoln Diocese where students engage in various activities alongside local participants.

The programs spearheaded by Bishop Neumann Campus Ministry aim to foster student encounters with Christ through community service initiatives which see over half its student body involved either locally or through external pilgrimages or conferences while maintaining local commitments to service work dedicated to Jesus Christ.