Name: Mary Kain
Hometown: McCook
University: Mid-Plains Community College
Major: Associate if Fine Arts and Associate of Science
Mary Kain
Name: Mary Kain
Hometown: McCook
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Mid-Plains Community College; Associate if Fine Arts and Associate of Science
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Belcourt, North Dakota
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Mainly from Seek and Sls conferences
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I had been searching for a mission to pursue for a while and the Belize mission caught my eye. I met a lady while on a mission trip in Ireland and she said she had previously served in Belize. She went on to say that it was the best year of her life. So I applied to the mission and with that came a lot of doubt and fear. Moving to another country for a whole year intimidated me. But soon I found out that I wouldn’t be able to go to Belize but could apply for the ND mission. I felt peace with this option and even more peace as I accepted this mission. It was as though God wanted me to go to Belcourt all along.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I look forward to be able to serve those of the Turtle Mountain Reservation, and being able to spread Gods love. I also look forward to growing in faith alongside the other missionaries and living in community with them.
Hometown: Union, Missouri
University: University of North Texas
Major: Business
Daniel Gamez
Name: Daniel Gamez
Hometown: Union, Missouri
Where did you attend college and what is your major? University of North Texas, Business
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Belcourt, North Dakota
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Catholic Volunteer Network
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? God invited me to see His face in the faces of the children of Turtle Mountain Reservation!
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I am excited to get to know my fellow missionaries and the kids! I’m excited for the growth we will all go through as we get closer to Jesus!
Hometown: Hazen, ND
School: University of Mary
Major: Social Work
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Raquel Doll
Hometown: Hazen, ND
School: University of Mary
Major: Social Work
How I Found Out About the Camp: I found out about St. Anna's Mission through conversation with Sister Mary Elizabeth Albers.
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I am anticipating encountering the Lord in each individual I interact with and learning to better love like Christ. I believe there will be an abundant amount of graces He will provide during our time, which will continue drawing me closer to His heart. It will be such a privilege to serve His people in such a formative setting.
What I am most excited about: I am most excited about interacting with children, growing in relationships with others, and witnessing God's goodness.
Hometown: Quesnel, BC / Canada
School: University of Alberta, Augustana Campus
Major: Double Major in English and Religion/Philosophy
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Lisa Vaughan-Farrell
Hometown: Quesnel, BC / Canada
School: University of Alberta, Augustana Campus
Major: Double Major in English and Religion/Philosophy
How I Found Out About the Camp: I found out about SOLT and their North Dakota Summer Mission from meeting Sr. Caritas and Fr. David virtually at Rise Up this past December. Rise Up is an annual conference put on by Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO), the Canadian version of FOCUS :)
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I’m excited for my heart’s capacity for love to be deepened by the grace of learning how to love selflessly and how to make a great gift-of-self for the sake of the Kingdom. I’m also excited to just see and witness Jesus in all those around me, and for the ways He will teach me how to love magnanimously.
What I am most excited about: I’m so excited to see the face of Jesus in the kids, and to likewise, show them the face of Christ, that they may know how tremendously loved they are. I expect that they are going to teach me how to loooooove like He does. I’m also super stoked about the authentic community living that we’ll get to experience.
Hometown: Naperville, IL
University: Benedictine College
Major: Art with a specialization in Art Therapy
Hannah Weinewuth
Name: Hannah Weinewuth
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Benedictine College, Art with a specialization in Art Therapy
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Belcourt, North Dakota
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Through an internet search
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? Restless heart looking for goodness
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? To grow in love
Name: Anthony Macha
Hometown: College Station, TX
University: University of Dallas
Major: Philosophy
Anthony Macha
Name: Anthony Macha
Hometown: College Station, TX
Where did you attend college and what is your major? University of Dallas, philosophy
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Belcourt, North Dakota
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I heard about SOLT missions from a friend of mine in college, and then visited the SOLT seminary in Detroit. When visiting, the brothers encouraged me to look into the mission program in North Dakota as well.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I came to volunteer this year because I wanted to join a group that is focused on mission work, especially in teaching the Gospel so as to bring souls to God. I have worked in schools the past three years, which I believe gives me background to really help with the parish school. I have met SOLT priests and religious, and have been drawn to the joy that they live in their lives and give to others. In living in the SOLT missions, I hope to learn how to best live my life focused on the truths that God loves me, and desires to me to spread His love to others to the best of my ability.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I look forward to seeing God's grace being made present in surprising, and even miraculous ways. I look forward to the joy that comes when you have helped bring someone to God. I also look forward to regular spiritual direction-the opportunity to be accountable to someone who can guide me in disciplines and in living a life of prayer and joy.
Hometown: Boston, MA
University: Saint Joseph's College
Major: Criminal Justice & Psychology
Michaela Nee
Name: Michaela Nee
Hometown: Boston, MA
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Saint Joseph's College, Criminal Justice & Psychology
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Belcourt, North Dakota
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? My brother-in-law served in 2001
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? God called me to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer when COVID-19 struck. I have always wanted to serve, and I always found an excuse not to. I have been on my own since I was 16, and survival became my first priority. Then, COVID struck, which put me out of work. I persisted, and with His grace landed a job in the Mayor's office. My contract was intended to end July 31st, (which it did not) and in early May my sister, who is also my godmother, posed the question: what's next? Well. I had no idea! I never expected to be working for the mayor! But I knew I wanted to do something more meaningful. I knew I did not want to bartend anymore: the environment sometimes felt morally compromising. I often struggle with feeling incomplete. I feel whole when I am helping. My whole life I have been searching, digging for a purpose. So God called, and I answered, and now I'm on my way to North Dakota!
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I look forward to growth: both spiritual and mental. As I have mentioned, I often struggle with feeling incomplete. I was on my own at 16, at the end of the day God is all I've had at times, and He has always been more than enough. That being said, in my personal relationships: I never feel valued. I feel replaceable. I never feel like I am enough. But I have decided it is time to conquer that irrational fear. It is time to ease my unrest. So my hope for this mission, is that by putting my gifts to use through service, I will feel valued, and I will refrain from questioning my worth. This mission is as much an internal one as it is external, and for that I am grateful.
Hometown: Mississauga
School: University of Waterloo
Major: Undecided
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Jordan Louise
Hometown: Mississauga
School: University of Waterloo
Major: Undecided
How I Found Out About the Camp: Rise Up Conference
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: What I hope to receive is to have an exclusive missionary experience surrounded by amazing people. Although we are called to be missionaries every day in our lives, it is not everyday that we get to shut off all distractions, step away from our life as we know it and be fully emerged in living our missionary identity.
What I am most excited about: I am really excited for the community and to see what God will do!
Hometown: Wausau
School: University of Mary
Major: Theology
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Kateri Huebner
Hometown: Wausau
School: University of Mary
Major: Theology
How I Found Out About the Camp: My roommate used to volunteer there.
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: Personal growth, a new life experience, and meeting new people.
What I am most excited about: Where ever God takes me and meeting new people!
Hometown: Eagle Pass, TX
School: University of Texas at San Antonio
Major: Public Health- Epidemiology and Disease Control
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Maria Itzel Aldape
Hometown: Eagle Pass, TX
School: University of Texas at San Antonio
Major: Public Health- Epidemiology and Disease Control
How I Found Out About the Camp: Through our SOLT Sisters during my formation
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I am anticipating to receive a spiritually enriching experience, where I will have the opportunity to see the transforming love of Christ in myself and others, an increased love for Our Lord through self-gift, admiring the beauty of the mission and culture, making graced friendships, and discerning where God is calling me next in my vocational journey.
What I am most excited about: I am excited to have the opportunity to serve and witness Christ's love, walk in communion and graced friendship with others, while striving for holiness together.
Hometown: Monmouth Illinois
School: Benedictine College
Major: Psychology
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Kyle Davis
Hometown: Monmouth Illinois
School: Benedictine College
Major: Psychology
How I Found Out About the Camp: From Father Dave in a spontaneous meeting before I was going to a class!
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I anticipate to receive some perspective about different people in their journeys of life, and to grow in fraternity and spirituality with those around me!
What I am most excited about: I am excited to be able to encounter and grow in fraternity with people form all different walks of life, and to be able to help serve at a fun summer camp experience with all who come to the camp for some adventure!
Hometown: Benque Viejo, Belize
University: John Paul II Junior College
Major: Liberal Arts Major
Daniel Rivera
Name: Daniel Rivera
Hometown: Benque Viejo, Belize
Where did you attend college and what is your major? John Paul II Junior College; Liberal Arts Major
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? School and many volunteers who came to serve to Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School and John Paul II Junior College.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? In my last year of studies at John Paul II Junior College, I had the opportunity to continue onwards in my life with three paths. I had the opportunity to serve in Colon, Queretaro, teach at Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School or to study at a higher education institution in Belize (I received a scholarship from the Government of Belize for this). I knew God was calling me to serve, but it was not clearly evident at the time. So I enrolled to study at UB (University of Belize), but one semester was enough to demonstrate me that I was not prepared for secular ideologies. When the semester was finishing, I shared my struggles with one of my previous professors at JPII and she invited me to consider volunteering with SOLT. I only had to follow. I'm currently in my third year of volunteering. God's timing and will are perfect.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I look forward to serving my students with the utmost enthusiasm and love of Christ. I look forward to sharing the faith with parish members. I look forward to seeing the will of God accomplished. I know that in the missionary community, we have so many different opportunities to serve with each other and grow in holiness as we continue to follow God's plan for our lives.
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
University: Benedictine College
Major: Management
Matthew Esserman
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
University: Benedictine College
Major: Management
Where do you serve now: Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize
How did you find out about SOLT: Benedictine College
How did God call you? Through prayer and experience as a volunteer in Belize during my spring break mission trips with Benedictine College.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? Growing closer to God in prayer and community life. I also look forward to hearing God speak into my vocational discernment.
Hometown: Shawnee, KS
University: Oklahoma State University
Major: Accounting
Haley Sloan
Name: Haley Sloan
Hometown: Shawnee, KS
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Oklahoma State University - Accounting
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I went on a FOCUS Mission Trip to Belize City the summer before my senior year of college. Sister Stella, who was at the mission at the time, told me and my friend Emily about the Volunteer Program in Benque.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I came back from my mission trip with plans to get a corporate job after graduation, but the thought of returning to Belize stayed on my heart. I ended up calling my friend Emily, and she said I should just get some information. Instead of receiving information, I was sent a link to apply. It all just happened in such a simple way that I knew it had to be God's call.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I am so excited to return to community life! I love living with other missionaries and SOLT religious, and getting to grow in my faith with them. I also can't wait to see my students, I miss them so much!!
Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
University: Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Major: Philosophy
Javier Ebertowski
Name: Javier Ebertowski
Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Philosophy
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? From being in SOLT
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? Through Desire
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? Growing in relationship with God and his people.
Hometown: Neenah, WI
University: Franciscan University of Steubenville
Major: Biology and Theology, minor in Chemistry
Concordia University of Wisconsin, Masters in Education
Maria Schmitz
Name: Maria Schmitz
Hometown: Neenah, WI
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Franciscan University of Steubenville- Biology and Theology, minor in Chemistry. Concordia University of Wisconsin, Masters in Education
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Franciscan Alumni in Evangelization Facebook Group
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? The seeds of the call to be a missionary were planted as a child. Mother Teresa and her love for those in need captivated my heart. Years later as a high school teacher I had the opportunity to go with students on a mission trip to Lurin, Peru. That experience awakened in my heart the desire to live in full time mission so I began exploring missions!
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I look forward to growing in relationship with Christ and those I will encounter.
Hometown: Cambria, CA
University: Hillsdale College
Major: B.A. in Classics
Laura White
Name: Laura White
Hometown: Cambria, CA
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Hillsdale College, B.A. in Classics
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I found out about SOLT through a friend at school. I expressed to him my desire to live abroad for a year and serve in some capacity (ideally by teaching) and he encouraged me to apply with SOLT.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? For many years I wanted to move to another country to teach, and the opportunity to serve with SOLT was, simply put, a huge gift from God. I graduated from Hillsdale with a degree in Classics and before I had even heard of SOLT. I was hoping to teach Latin, live abroad, and serve as a missionary for a year or two upon graduation. When I heard about SOLT, I was amazed that God presented me with an opportunity that combined all of those things and feel extremely blessed by His gift.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I look forward to becoming immersed in a different culture, growing and learning as a teacher, and living in community with other missionaries and the people of Benque.
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
University: Angelo State University
Major: Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science
Alia Cerda
Name: Alia Cerda
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Angelo State University; Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Summer mission trip to Belize with SOLT in 2019
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I was expecting to go back to school to become a physical therapist after finishing undergrad. After my summer mission trip to Belize I felt the Lord asking me to love him through mission and surrender my plans. His invitation was gentle and brought so much peace. Although the decision was uncomfortable, I chose to apply and The Beloved handled the rest.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I look forward to the community life. To be able to have other Catholic young adults that want to grow closer to the heart of Jesus through service and surrendering. I look forward to my heart being stretched through teaching students. I can’t wait to see how Jesus loves through all the teachers.
Hometown: Wahoo, NE
University: Benedictine College,
Major: Accounting and Finance, Minor in Theology
Kjia Meduna
Name: Kjia Meduna
Hometown: Wahoo, NE
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Benedictine College, Majors in Accounting and Finance, Minor in Theology
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I have been good friends with Fr. Mark Wendling for a while and new about the different SOLT Missionary Programs from him.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? During my senior year of college I would encourage my friends to apply to be a SOLT Missionary but never considered it for myself. It wasn't until I was on a 12 day mission trip with SOLT in Benque Viejo, Belize that I discovered this burning for foreign mission. God opened many doors during my time there, that it was as simple as walking through to make it possible for me to go back to serve full time.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I am excited to just be. To be in the presence of the Lord in the adoration chapel, be in an encouraging community with my peers, and be a service to the community and my students.
Name: Ally Tolkach
Hometown: Newtown
University: Franciscan University
Major: Theology & Catechetics
Ally Tolkach
Name: Ally Tolkach
Hometown: Newtown
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Franciscan University; Theology & Catechetics
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? My college, Franciscan University, sends a mission trip to Benque every year on spring break to help out in the schools in the area. Though I never went on the trip myself, I knew a lot of people who had gone and I always heard such great things about the people of Belize and the students in the schools in Benque. Throughout college I was always interested by the idea of serving there for a year, but I never thought I would have actually gotten the opportunity to do so!
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I was in the car with a friend driving to Mass the day after I graduated from college when I saw a text message from a friend of mine who had gone on the Belize spring break mission trip through our school. She explained that SOLT was still looking to fill some teaching positions for the following year and if I was interested I should apply. At that point in time, I had been scrambling to work out my post-grad plans and was not finding anything that gave me any sense of peace or even excitement. When I saw that text, and thought about the idea of living in Belize for a year and getting to teach there, I felt an immediate sense of peace and joy that carried me through the application process and made it super easy for me to accept the position once it was offered. God really just presented this gift to me at the perfect time when I was ready to accept it. Then, after about a year of service, once again God placed me in the perfect position to say another peaceful "yes" to a second year of mission!
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? In this second year of mission, I am really looking forward to growing in relationships with the SOLT community, the community in Benque and my students and their families. This past year it was wonderful to get to know the SOLT priests and sisters in Benque, my fellow missionaries, and my co-workers at the high school. I also really cherished getting to grow in relationships with my students and getting to meet some of their families. This year I am really looking forward to deepening those relationships and more!
Name: Sarah Hazen
Hometown: Muncie, IN
University: Ball State University
Major: Spanish Major
Sarah Hazen
Name: Sarah Hazen
Hometown: Muncie, IN
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Ball State University, Spanish Major
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? A friend of one my college roommates had previously served at the mission in Belize, so my roommate put me in contact with her and I applied as soon as she told me about her experience!
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? During my senior year of college I was praying for an opportunity to teach, work with high school students, and practice Spanish in the context of Catholic community. When I came across the SOLT mission in Belize, I remember praying, "Lord, I am going to say yes if this door opens. Please let it open!" When I discovered that I was accepted as a missionary to serve with SOLT, my answer was an ecstatic YES! I committed to a second year of mission with deep peace in my heart convicted that this is where God is asking me to serve Him for another year.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I am looking forward to all the adventures God has in store for us! I am grateful for our mission which is deeply rooted in prayer, and for all the other missionaries and our students we get to serve!
Name: Maria Santos R.
Hometown: San Jose Succotz Village
University: John Paul II Junior College
Maria Santos
Name: Maria Santos R.
Hometown: San Jose Succotz Village
Where did you attend college and what is your major? John Paul II Junior College
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I have been served by SOLT's missionary volunteers since high school so that is how I came to know about it.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? God called me through my parish priest who suggested that I apply to SOLT's missionary volunteers program as it would help me later on in my life. After some consideration, I decided that this was what God wanted me to do. I have been helped in so many different ways that I think that now is the time to help others.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? First of all, I look forward to deepening my relationship with Jesus. I also want to make good friends and be a good missionary in order to help others just as I was helped.
Name: Nick Sears
Hometown: Springfield, MA
University: UMass Amherst
Major: Finance and Sports Management
Nick Sears
Name: Nick Sears
Hometown: Springfield, MA
Where did you attend college and what is your major? UMass Amherst, Finance and Sports Management
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I originally found out because my neighbor suggested a two week service trip SOLT runs to Benque. Once I got down there we spent a lot of time with people from the mission and I learned a lot about the full year mission trip.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? When I returned from Benque after the two weeks I was not planning on going back. Turns out God was planning on me going back and I kept seeing that in little ways. For me it was a consistent small tug back toward Belize and it took a couple months for me to recognize it was a calling.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? More then anything I am looking forward to being back with the community. The people in Benque are incredibly down to earth and I really enjoy spending time with the students and families. I am also very excited for the faith aspect of the mission which helped me grow so much last year. There is something very special about a lot of young people coming together in pray and working to grow together in faith each day.
Name: Sintia Albeño
Hometown: Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize
University: John Paul II Junior College
Major: Associate in Liberal Arts
Sintia Albeño
Name: Sintia Albeño
Hometown: Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize
Where did you attend college and what is your major? John Paul II Junior College (Associate in liberal arts))
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? It's more like they found me really haha ;)
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? My Theology teacher at the time (she's now a SOLT novice) encouraged me to apply back in 2016
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? Meeting the new missionaries!!
Name: Grace Maurizi
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
College: Franciscan University
Major: Theology
Grace Maurizi
Name: Grace Maurizi
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Franciscan University, Theology
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo, Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I learned about SOLT Missionaries from a friend who went on a Spring Break Mission trip to Benque in college. He shared how impactful his experience was for him, which inspired me to look into serving with SOLT.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? God called me to SOLT little by little over a long time. In college, I was blessed to serve in Honduras in an underprivileged, isolated village. There I understood the universality of the Church and the Body of Christ. I fell more in love with God through coming to know the hearts of the people there. I knew I wanted to give my life completely to Christ in a radical way, although I was fearful. God continuously tugged at my heart senior year as I helped in the Missionary Outreach Office at my university to assist mission trips, although I resisted. When COVID caused me to be stripped of my comforts and attachments I had been holding onto, God in the quite of prayer softened my heart and showed me how to make a home in him, which allowed me to have the courage to say yes to him.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I look forward to growing in relationship with the people I encounter and growing closer to our Heavenly Father. I also look forward to moments of laughter shared with others and experiencing the beauty of the Belizean culture!
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
School: Benedictine College
Major: Elementary Education and Evangelization
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Mary Rose Fugger
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
School: Benedictine College
Major: Elementary Education and Evangelization
How I Found Out About the Camp: I heard about camp from a close friend of mine who is a missionary there now. After she shared her experience with me she told me about the Summer Camp and said that I should apply. Hearing her experience and praying about it, I decided to apply and here is where He lead me!
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I am open to any and all that He has to give me, because after all what He has in store for me will always be more than I could ever imagine.
What I am most excited about: What I am not excited about is the real question! I can't wait to have the opportunity to lead the kids this summer, to be in a new place with new people, serving with old friends and building relationships with those around me.
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
School: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major: Hospitality Management
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Carlena Lim
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
School: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major: Hospitality Management
How I Found Out About the Camp: I went on the 2019 Belize Mission Trip and I wanted to continue serving with SOLT!
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I am anticipating to encounter Christ through new people and experiences, deepening my relationship with God even more. I look forward to finding Christ through this fun and beautiful experience!
What I am most excited about: I am most excited to get away from the busy nature of life and have the opportunity to be more present with Christ. In addition, I am excited to meet new people to create fun memories with!
Hometown: Detroit
School: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Major: Architecture
Mission: Belcourt, ND
Esmeralda Orozco
Hometown: Detroit
School: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Major: Architecture
How I Found Out About the Camp: I found out about the camp through Sister Solanus Casey
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I'm anticipating to deepen my relationship with God and receive the joy that God gives me when I serve. I'm also anticipating to meet some new people and make some new friends.
What I am most excited about: I'm really excited to work with children, meet new people, and most importantly to work on my personal relationship with God as the pandemic hasn't allowed me to meet with my community and pray with them.
Hometown: Pendleton, IN
School: University of Mary
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Sarah Dudley
Hometown: Pendleton, IN
School: University of Mary
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
How I Found Out About the Camp: I met a SOLT missionary at an event on campus and they told me about the different service opportunities available through SOLT.
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I am expecting to receive a much greater appreciation for the gifts God has given me in my own life.
What I am most excited about: I am most excited to have the opportunity to serve others in a way that I have not previously had the chance to.
Hometown: Katy, Texas
School: St. Phillip's College and University Of Houston
Major: Associates in Radiology
Mission: Belcourt, ND
Ana Escobar
Hometown: Katy, Texas
School: St. Phillip's College and University Of Houston
Major: Associates in Radiology for Radiology Technologist and going to school for Bachelors in Health
How I Found Out About the Camp: Through friend/ SOLT website
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: Learning what it means to serve God, and becoming more selfless, and also learning more about who I am/vocation
What I am most excited about: Being able to help serve and bring kids to Christ!
Hometown: Olathe, KS
School: Benedictine College
Major: Journalism and Mass Communications
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Nathan Hall
Hometown: Olathe, KS
School: Benedictine College
Major: Journalism and Mass Communications
How I Found Out About the Camp: At a fair at my school. Fr. Baue told me about the Mission Trip
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I am hoping to grow in my faith through helping others grow in their faith.
What I am most excited about: I am most excited for this new experiences and meeting new people.
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
School: Southern Utah University
Major: Marketing with Minor in Music Performance
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Eric Castro
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
School: Southern Utah University
Major: Marketing with Minor in Music Performance
How I Found Out About the Camp: Through a virtual Come And See Vocation talk
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: Growing more into my faith and also discerning my vocation calling.
What I am most excited about: Getting to know new people and the summer camp to show the kids why I love Jesus
Hometown: Arvada, CO
School: Benedictine College
Major: Theology and Business Management
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Julie Hyde
Hometown: Arvada, CO
School: Benedictine College
Major: Theology and Business Management
How I Found Out About the Camp: My marching band teacher!
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I am anticipating to live in community fully dedicated to Christ and serving those around us!
What I am most excited about: I am excited to work with kids!
Hometown: Austin, MN
School: Saint John's University
Major: Computer Science
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Nathan Drees
Hometown: Austin, MN
School: Saint John's University
Major: Computer Science
How I Found Out About the Camp: A visit
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: Solid formation in the faith and friends
What I am most excited about: I am excited to be back and to have access to so many beautiful prayer spaces and a community that support the faith.
Hometown: North Kingstown, Rhode Island
School: Franciscan University
Major: Theology and Psychology
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Bethany Deacutis
Hometown: North Kingstown, Rhode Island
School: Franciscan University
Major: Theology and Psychology
How I Found Out About the Camp: Father Dave Brokke told me about it and I saw it on the instagram page. We went to college together at Francsican University and I served as a SOLT volunteer in Belize with him several years ago.
What I am anticipating to receive from this experience: I am hoping this will serve as a spiritual refresher for everyone involved: the participants and volunteers alike. It is a real gift to encounter Jesus in new people, nature, and celebration. I think this will be a great opportunity for joy and peace after a very trying year.
What I am most excited about: Time with God, new people, and outdoor adventures!
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Mission: Belcourt, North Dakota
Molly Gallagher
Name: Molly Gallagher
Hometown: Seattle, WA
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Belcourt, North Dakota
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? From a SOLT Sister
Hometown: Bremerton, WA
University: St. Martin's University, Religious Studies
Major: St. Martin's University, Religious Studies
Sarah Moore
Name: Sarah Moore
Hometown: Bremerton, WA
University: St. Martin's University, Religious Studies
Major: St. Martin's University, Religious Studies
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Instagram
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I was looking through Instagram for work. I followed the link because I was always looking for things to recommend to my students post high school. Later in the week I prayed "God you have permission to do whatever in my life." A week later I lost my job. The next morning I applied to be a volunteer. In the span of 24 hours I found out that I didn't get 2 jobs I had been a final candidate for, but I did get offered the opportunity to serve in Belize.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I hear Belize has some yummy avocados! However I'm more excited for the opportunity to love and serve God's people. I love people and can't wait to meet both students and community members.
Hometown: Hartington, Nebraska
University: University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Major: Economics
Anna Brodersen
Name: Anna Brodersen
Hometown: Hartington, Nebraska
Where did you attend college and what is your major? University of Nebraska - Lincoln, majored in Economics
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I found out about SOLT Volunteer programs when I was talking with the SOLT sisters at a FOCUS conference. They told me about the mission in Benque and suggested I consider applying.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? God "cancelled" my plans after I graduated college! I noticed a lasting desire to teach, to serve, receive more formation, and live in community. After meeting members of SOLT, I noticed an attraction to their hearts and I wanted my heart to look like theirs. So when they offered me a way to spend a year serving with them and learning from them in Benque, it was such an obvious response to the desires God saw in me. However, it took another year of work before I believed it and said yes!
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I am so excited to help my students become more of who they were made to be. I look forward to being a missionary where I get to watch the Holy Spirit lead.
Hometown: Steubenville
University: Franciscan University
Major: Theology and Catechetics, Minor: Youth Ministry
Isabella Asci
Name: Isabella Asci
Hometown: Steubenville
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Franciscan University, Major: Theology and Catechetics, Minor: Youth Ministry
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Through past volunteers
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I had always dreamed of going on mission like the great saints and during my senior year of college I thought God might be calling me to mission rather than youth ministry in the US. The only mission I could remember hearing about was a mission in Belize that Abraham Cane and Mary Rose Feely had told me about. They had come to Franciscan my sophomore year of college to do some recruiting for Belize mission. They encouraged me to do mission while I had the chance if it was ever something God put on my heart. I looked through Abe’s Facebook page till I found something about his mission in Belize because I couldn’t remember which organization he had served with. Once I found his posts about Benque, I googled SOLT Belize. I fell in love with SOLT’s charism and applied. As soon as I submitted the application a deep deep sense of peace accompanied by joy and zeal entered my heart and it hasn’t really left since (although of course there are ups and downs). I’m still so excited to follow Jesus in Belize as I go into my 3rd year of mission.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? Getting to know the students at the junior college and walking with them in their journey with God.
Hometown: University Heights
University: Thomas Aquinas College
Major: Liberal Arts
Andrew Meluch
Name: Andrew Meluch
Hometown: University Heights
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Thomas Aquinas College - Liberal Arts
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? My college friend, Joan Short, now Sr. Joan, found the junior college in the alumni job listings for Thomas Aquinas College, signed, up, and went. I remained in correspondence from school, and thus found out that she was already a dean!
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I wanted to be a volunteer at the Junior College from the first moment I heard about it. It sounded fun, interesting, and like a good way to serve people with as much of my abilities as anything I could cook up. I prayed routinely through the time I applied and applied again (team was full the first time), but I cannot say for sure that God called me except through this desire.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? Among other things, to do a good job teaching after two years of practice, and seeing old friends in Belize and Guatemala from previous years.
Hometown: South Hadley, Massachusetts
University: Merrimack College
Major: Health Science
Mary Lavallee
Name: Mary Lavallee
Hometown: South Hadley, Massachusetts
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Merrimack College, Health Science major
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I found SOLT through family members who have previously served with SOLT in years past!
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? During my junior year of college, I was constantly wondering what my next step was going to be. I knew I didn't want to go to graduate school right away, but I also didn't know what kind of full-time job I wanted. A friend from school introduced me to the idea of taking a gap year and completing a full year of service. Once the idea was planted in my head, I was sold. Soon after, I found SOLT and felt an immediate calling to serve in Benque. What helped me feel the most assured that I was supposed to serve in Belize was my support system back home. My family and friends loved the idea of me living in Belize and serving for a year. Without their support and encouragement I don't know if I'd have the confidence to go through with this calling.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? During this year of missionary service, I look most forward to meeting the people of Benque Viejo and seeing how they live their day-to-day lives. I am so intrigued by new cultures and communities and I am so fortunate to have this opportunity to be welcomed into the Benque Viejo community. As busy as it can be to serve throughout missionary life, I would love to be able to slow down and genuinely get to know the people that I will be living with, the people that I will be serving, and in some cases, the people that will be serving me.
Hometown: Lenexa, KS
University: Drake University
Major: Secondary Ed and Environmental Science
Katie Dulek
Name: Katie Dulek
Hometown: Lenexa, KS
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Drake University. Secondary Ed and Environmental Science
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I served as a missionary with FOCUS (The Fellowship of Catholic University Students) for three years and met SOLT Religious at a FOCUS conference.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I was (and still am) discerning Religious Life. After going on a come-and-see visit to the women's formation house in Seattle, I knew the Lord was inviting me to discern further with SOLT. In my mind, the next logical step in discernment would be to enter aspirancy with SOLT, but I felt like that door in my heart was shut. I experienced a very clear and deep confirmation in my heart that Jesus was inviting me to serve in Benque as a lay volunteer. I thought, "This is crazy! I'm moving to Belize!" I had not even applied to go to Belize yet but I knew that was where He was calling me. I remember sitting in the sister's chapel in Seattle, feeling giddy and trying not to bust out laughing at the thought.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I am looking forward to the many relationships that will be formed over the course of the year, both with other missionaries and the people we serve. I am also looking forward to the many challenges that will inevitably come at us, because challenges make us grow. I want to grow as a disciple of Jesus.
Name: Kimberly Schulte
Hometown: Sioux Falls
University: Benedictine College
Major: Math and Secondary Education
Kimberly Schulte
Name: Kimberly Schulte
Hometown: Sioux Falls
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Benedictine College, Math and Secondary Education
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benedictine College Vocations Fair
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? It was an emotional roller coaster. It was senior year of college, and I was looking for a job. It felt like I got offered all the jobs I didn't really want and was turned down from all the jobs I really did want. All the while, I slowly completed the application process for the SOLT mission. Eventually it came down to the choice between an offer I finally wanted and Belize, and I chose Belize.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? Improving my teaching to better serve my students and getting to know all the new missionaries!
Name: Andrew Collart
Hometown: Covington, GA
University: The University of Dallas
Major: Philosophy
Andrew Collart
Name: Andrew Collart
Hometown: Covington, GA
Where did you attend college and what is your major? The University of Dallas | Philosophy
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I went on a very blessed mission trip to Belize in my Junior year of college with SOLT and now, having been accepted for a year of Aspirancy with SOLT vocations, have the great opportunity to spend a year volunteering at the mission there in Benque Viejo. Growing up in Georgia, my family was involved with the SOLT community in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? God called me to discern a possible religious vocation with SOLT through a maturing of my experiences and relationships through high-school and college. He has given me a desire to give my life to Him in what I hope will be a true gift of the best that I have to offer from who he has made me to be. Times where I have especially felt Him speak to me are when I have been able to serve others and been living my prayer life faithfully. So, I am glad that this year will give me the opportunity to take advantage of both of these ways of encountering God!
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I recently read a book that really spoke to my heart called "Why Celibacy? Reclaiming the Fatherhood of a Priest." The idea of Fatherhood is something very beautiful to me. One of my favorite professors at the University of Dallas said in a class on Pope John Paul II's writings that to become a true father is how a man fulfills Christ's call to "be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect." I have just spent a year teaching in Colorado and look forward to doing so in Belize as well. I hope that through this experience and living in a graced community with other children of God that God will teach me more about how to be a father!
Name: Patrick Walsh
Hometown: Newport News, VA
University: University of Richmond
Major: Computer Science
Patrick Walsh
Name: Patrick Walsh
Hometown: Newport News, VA
Where did you attend college and what is your major? University of Richmond, Computer Science
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? A friend of mine spent a year as a missionary with SOLT and told me to consider it.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I was headed in one direction; He put obstacles in that path and opened the door to this one.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I really look forward to living in a Christ-centered community as we work together to reveal the goodness of God to the people we serve.
Name: Kelli & Joe Carvalho (Gabriella, Elijah, Tobias)
Hometown: Ocala, FL
Where did you attend college and what were your majors? University of Florida/Nursing (Kelli) and University of Athabasca/Art (Joe)
Kelli & Joe Carvalho (Gabriella, Elijah, Tobias)
Name: Kelli & Joe Carvalho (Gabriella, Elijah, Tobias)
Hometown: Ocala, FL
Where did you attend college and what is your major? University of Florida/Nursing (Kelli) and University of Athabasca/Art (Joe)
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? We met while serving with SOLT, In Benque, the 2000/01 school year
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? He asked us to sell our business and our house and to return to Belize with our children, to once again serve where it all began
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? Looking forward to a flattening of the COVID curve, the return of the other missionaries to Benque, and the opening of the Cafe/Youth Center!
Name: Luke Morris
Hometown: Springfield VA
University: The Catholic University of America
Luke Morris
Name: Luke Morris
Hometown: Springfield VA
Where did you attend college and what is your major? The Catholic University of America
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Belcourt, North Dakota
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? My sister served in Belize in 2016.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? I agreed to serve with the Salesian’s lay missionaries but our departure was pushed back. On the day I found that our Sr. Caritas emailed me saying SOLT was still taking volunteers.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? Learning from a different community than my own.
Name: Katie Seiwert
Hometown: Wichita
University: Benedictine College
Major: English & Education
Katie Seiwert
Name: Katie Seiwert
Hometown: Wichita
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Benedictine College, English & Education
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I find out about SOLT through a Spring Break mission trip to Benque when I was at Benedictine College.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? Through my time in Benque and lots of prayer.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? Choco-bananas & leaning into the rhythms of community and prayer life at the mission.
Name: Megan Case
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
University: Franciscan University of Steubenville
Major: Theology
Megan Case
Name: Megan Case
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Where did you attend college and what is your major? Franciscan University of Steubenville, Theology
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Benque-Viejo Belize
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? I heard about it from Franciscan graduates while I was still in college.
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? God has given me a heart for mission. Since graduating college, I have cared for the elderly, special needs children, and teens. For the last 6 months I have been discerning missionary work, and SOLT really stood out to me, especially the community life! I know this will be extremely beneficial for my growth in holiness, and I am excited to get to Belize (God willing) very soon!
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? Getting to know the people of Belize, showing them the love of their Heavenly Father, and living in community with my fellow Missionaries!
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
University: The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Mark Wathen
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Where did you attend college and what is your major? The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Mechanical Engineering
What location are you serving at with our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Belcourt, North Dakota
How did you find out about our SOLT Missionary Volunteer Programs? Online
How did God call you to be a SOLT Missionary Volunteer? He called me mainly through my desires and through conversations with the people around me.
What do you look forward to during this year of Missionary service? I look forward to leaning into relationship with God in new ways, learning from Him as I experience and encounter a new culture and people.