Mexico Mission 

Mexico High School Mission

Celebrating 30 Years of Building Homes and Hope

A Legacy of Mission at SSJ Cathedral

In December 2026, SSJ Cathedral will return to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico with our high school teens to build homes serve families and celebrate 30 years of mission as a Cathedral community.

Since 1996 SSJ Cathedral has faithfully sent teens on house building missions to Mexico forming generations of young disciples who have learned that faith is lived through service prayer and sacrifice. Our very first mission was led by Carol Caruso † whose vision love for young people and deep faith laid the foundation for a legacy that continues today.

Over three decades this mission has been faithfully sustained through three youth ministers, five rectors, and countless associate pastors yet one thing has never changed the steadfast commitment of this parish community to forming teens through mission and generously supporting their call to serve.

What This Mission Is

The Mexico High School Mission is a Catholic mission of service rooted in prayer community and hard work. It is not a trip or a vacation. It is an invitation to encounter Christ by serving others building homes and living the Gospel in a real and tangible way.

Each day teens work together to build safe homes, pray as a community, and reflect on how Christ is calling them to love more deeply. Through this mission teens discover that hope is built one nail at a time and that their faith has the power to change lives including their own.

Who Is Invited

We are inviting every high school teen to take the next few months to pray and discern whether God is calling them to serve on this mission. No construction experience is needed only a willing heart openness to growth and a desire to serve.

If you feel that quiet nudge in your heart we encourage you to take the next step and invite your parents into the conversation.

Mandatory Parent Meeting

All teens interested in participating must attend a mandatory parent meeting with a parent or guardian.

Sunday, August 9
Immediately following the 9:00 AM Mass
Donuts will be provided.

This meeting will cover mission expectations safety preparation cost and important dates.

Ready to Take the Next Step

If you are feeling called to serve now is the time to begin preparing.

Travel Documents
Make sure you have a valid passport or passport card. If you do not currently have one please begin the application process as soon as possible.

Mission Video
Each teen is asked to submit a one minute video sharing
Why you feel called to serve on the Mexico Mission?
How your faith inspires your desire to serve others?

This video is part of the discernment process and helps us walk with you intentionally as you prepare for mission. Please only use your first name.

Paperwork
All required paperwork must be completed and submitted on time. Details deadlines and forms will be shared at the parent meeting.

Building the Next 30 Years Together

As we celebrate 30 years of building homes and hope we give thanks for every teen who has served, every family who has welcomed us, and every parishioner who has supported this mission through prayer, generosity, and encouragement.

We look forward with hope to what God will continue to build through the young people of SSJ Cathedral.

May Christ continue to form our teens into disciples who serve with courage compassion and joy.