Mission Trip To New Mexico

Dear Parishioners,

Having just returned from New Mexico, I have been reflecting on the graces God shared with our group.

If you have not learned this about me, you need to know that I love organization and order.  Truly, cleanliness is next to Godliness!  I have been stretched on this point several times in my life, yet this trip was another exercise of entrusting what was happening around me to God.  This is especially true for schedule changes.  I knew there was a chance that our assignments would change at the last minute.  That's just how these trips go.  It's a chance to serve and be available for others.  On the first night after 13 hours on the road, I heard that my group would go directly to the worksite to help demo and rebuild a home on the reservation.  What a grace to give of myself through a full day!  We arrived at 9:00 am and worked until 4:30 pm.  The scenery of the desert was incredible.  Sweeping landscapes with mountains in the background!  The house needed a lot of work.  In the shape of an octagon, the house couldn’t have been bigger than many of our kitchens.  The family itself had at least 4 people living in it and sometimes up to 8!  They were extremely grateful.  Since they do not have running water, they brought bottled water to us and later cut up watermelon!  For the first day on mission, it became apparent how much we are needed in our communities to share the Gospel in loving service.

That evening after dinner, we had adoration, confessions, and prayer teams.  Honestly, what a great way to conclude the night, spending time capping things with Christ and ready to rest.  It was powerful to live out the motto of St. Benedict, ora et labora, prayer and work.  If any high school student has thought about joining us next year, please consider taking a chance.  Your life could be changed for the better.  For our adults, this was an amazing grace to have so many of our parishioners able to join us.  Please consider praying if the Lord is inviting you to come next year!

In Christ,

Fr. Luke Fleck