For about eight years, Sherine Green has seen the change in those youth who participate in her parish’s annual mission trip to Jamaica
“The long-term takeaways for students and families are the unforgettable faith-filled stories embedded in their hearts,” she said. “The lessons of continuing reflection, group conversations, faith expressions, and evangelization are echoed on an ongoing basis.”
Green, director of youth faith formation at The Catholic Community of Christ Our Light in Cherry Hill, has been organizing mission trips to the Caribbean island nation since 2016 after being asked, “Hey Sherine, would you like to do a mission trip to Jamaica?” Green, who grew up there, was immediately on board with the idea.
With a background in organizing and attending mission trips, Green found support at the parish in every direction she turned, especially then-pastor Father Thomas Newton, and current pastor, Father John Picinic. Today, the youth ministry, parishioners and others return every year to support programs and other nonprofits whose mission it is to aid those in need in areas far removed from the resorts and tourist towns commonly associated with the country.
The lessons learned continue to resonate long after the missionaries return home, Green said. For example, recently, those who traveled to Jamaica in 2018 and 2023 to work with Mustard Seed Communities – a nonprofit that cares for the most vulnerable populations – heard about the financial struggle of a little boy there.
“Both groups were quickly moved to respond with a charism of generosity that was truly moving,” she said. “I am humbled by the willingness of each of our missionaries.”
Alexis Kovach was among the young people who participated in missionary work last summer at the Mustard Seed Communities outside of Kingston, Jamaica. After her time at the faith-based home for mothers and children with disabilities, she said one of her dearest memories was the expressions of joy on children’s faces during a Bingo night.
Kovach’s impressions were so ingrained on her heart that her final assignment for one of her first-year college courses included a slideshow presentation of images from her trip. It can be viewed at youtube.com/watch?v=4uE7o0zNaLU.
Green noted that by design, the mission trips aim to unite people from different cultures around the Lord. “What I have come to learn about these trips is that we are not there to fix their lives. Rather, we are there to immerse in their culture, our shared faith and in the Gospel of Jesus.”
Fellow missionary Maddy Schabel can relate. Reflecting on her experience in Jamaica, she noted that what stood out was “being able to bond with the residents and really immerse myself in the Jamaican culture, the food, the people and noticing the enormous needs of the poor.”
Such memories invite the missionaries to reflect on their own joys and sufferings, Green said. They may ponder where God is present in their lives and seek new ways to use their faith to overcome adversity in the spirit of their missions.
“My best memory was participating in the liturgy at the Diocese of Montego Bay, where the parish overlooks the beautiful Caribbean Sea,” Green said. “We had the opportunity to sing with the locals and tourists, bring up the gifts, and experience the blessing at the Eucharistic table and at the sign of peace, where everyone is greeted with human dignity in spite of economic class or race. [This was] an unforgettable gift thanks to Christ Our Light and the families that have gone and continue to [offer] support.”
As the missionary trips are made possible by donations, Green said she thinks “hearing stories about the unity our missionaries experience draws people in. The community they build in the midst of suffering, however, is what creates bonds that last forever.”
For more information on the annual mission trips, contact Sherine Green at sgreen@christourlight.net.
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