A group of 18 students from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, accompanied by five chaperones, embarked on a transformative four-day service trip in Immokalee.
The group travelled about 40 minutes from their school to Immokalee, a short physical distance but a long spiritual journey that surprised many in how deeply it impacted them. In Immokalee, the young men and women learned about the rural Collier County farming community which has many food processing facilities and is considered one of the poorest in the country.
Delaying other fun summer plans, such as going to the beach or on vacation, or preparing for the next sports season, from June 2-5, 2025. These 18 student worked in Immokalee, assisting with local organizations, such as Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., Habitat for Humanity, Pepper Ranch Preserve, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee, and the Guadalupe Center. This volunteer work allows the students to make a tangible difference in the community.
The students stayed at the Bethal Retreat House and during their evenings they deepened their faith and friendships through Mass, powerful testimonies, prayer, and fun group activities. The experience offered a powerful combination of service, spiritual growth, and connection. It was a journey that not only impacted those they served but also transformed the hearts of those who participated.
One student said the service week allowed her to put aside her daily concerns and focus on others, putting what was learned about Catholic Social Teaching in the classroom to real world use.
The annual service trip was organized and led by Sisters Juliana Alfonso and Kaitlin Trokan, Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, both of whom are on the faculty at St. John Neumann. To start the week, they prayed each student would gain a renewed sense of Christian Service from their experience.
St. John Neumann students volunteer thousands of hours each year throughout Collier County. The 2025 graduates completed more than 12,000 service hours in their four years.
For more information about St. John Neumann Catholic High School, please call 239-455-3044 or visit www.sjnceltics.org.
