Good Samaritan Catholic Church in Ellijay was able to send 55 teens and 9 adults on an “Alive in You” mission trip in June 2018 thanks in part to a $1,000 Parish Enrichment Grant from the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia.  These teens also worked hard fundraising for the trip through car washes, raffles and spaghetti dinners.  “They worked hard to be able to go on the mission trip, and it was a wonderful experience,” said Pastor Carlos Vargas.

The group joined over 300 teenagers from across the United States to worship and grow in their Catholic faith.  The teens woke at 6:00 a.m. daily and worked in the community at nursing homes, churches, a food pantry and the YMCA.  In addition to daily community service, the teens participated in group sessions to share the faith, as well as a daily Rosary, Mass and adoration.

The Alive in You mission trip was successful in teaching the Good Samaritan teens to grow in their faith by working together.  “We thank the Catholic Foundation for the $1,000 grant which helped the teens make this important, evangelical mission trip which will help them to strengthen their Catholic faith and become leaders in their parish and faith community,” said Parish Council Member Susan Shaw.