Misión Las Colonias

Spring Break 2012, on a week when most high schoolers were taking a break and relaxing, this group of teens volunteered their time to bring a great service to a community in need. The Youth Minister, Eric Becker, worked with the Housing Counseling Department, as well as with Commisioner Gonzales, in order to create a plan for a long awaited mission trip to Tierra Grande, one of the Nueces County Colónias.

There are more than 80 Colónias within the constraints of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. The families that live in these colónias have varying degrees of needs. This spring, one family in particular was chosen as a focal point for the mission trip. Ms. Valdez has been a key community member in her community at Tierra Grande as she has always been willing to work with the Housing Counselors of Catholic Charities in order to bring important services, donations, meals, etc. to the Colonia. She has done and continues to do a lot for, not only Tierra Grande, but for other surrounding Colónias as well.

The Youth Group teens started off by filling 3 large City Dumpsters with garbage from the colónia, since there is no regular trash pick-up there. The teens then worked to clean up, trim, and mow the drainage lines for the street to reduce possibility of flooding, which is a big problem in this area during heavy rains.

The teens assisted with repair and building of the Valdez home and yard. They were able to provide helping hands in the construction of a very necessary addition to the home, as well as provide assistance and materials for the flooring of the main home.

When discussing the mission trip with the teens, they stated that they hope to be able to continue such services to residents in need. They were deeply touched by the gratitude of the Tierra Grande residents, and are excited to begin plans for more frequent service projects. Mr. Eric Becker hopes that this trip has brought awareness to the community, as well as having created the relationships necessary to work as a team in this Diocese to reach those that are in need.

We will be posting pictures from the mission trip, and will continue to update them when more progress is made.