Robert Daly playing Bingo this summer with a student in Montego Bay Jamaica.
My family has a long history with Christ the King. My parents grew up attending weekly Mass here, and later got married in our church, as did several other relatives. My grandmother arranged the flowers for Mass each week for 20 years, and walking to church with my family as a child is still one of my favorite memories. These connections make Christ the King feel like home.
Last year, when I became interested in joining a mission trip, I realized that Christ the King didn’t currently offer one. That’s when I felt called to take the first steps toward starting one. In June, I led Christ the King’s partnership with Christ Our Light and attended their mission trip to the Mustard Seed orphanage in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with Father Jon. The orphanage serves children and teens with special needs, and my goal was to experience the trip firsthand so that I could invite fellow parishioners to join when we return in the summer of 2026.
My mission trip to Jamaica was an amazing experience! I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people in a beautiful country. I was able to see that although people may live different lifestyles, look different, or act differently, we can come together in practicing our faith. The experience highlighted that it’s our faith that unites people around the world, and being able to see the children in Jamaica celebrate their Christianity really touched my heart. Although spending time with the children was a blessing, listening to the caregivers and the staff was incredibly eye-opening. They devote their lives to these children and make great sacrifices, demonstrating that God truly works everywhere across the globe. Being able to attend Mass with the children was equally meaningful. They sang their hearts out, and some offered to lead the Mass with Father Jon.
Looking back on this, I am grateful I said “yes” to God’s call. As a rising junior at Haddonfield Memorial High School, stepping away from academics and sports to serve in Jamaica gave me the opportunity to grow spiritually, build fellowship, and experience profound gratitude—for the love I witnessed and the blessings I find in Jamaica.
Reflection by Robert Daly.
Contact Kate Braunstein at the parish office for more information on youth mission and ministry opportunities at CTK.