Families across the United States are discovering new ways to grow in faith through hands on service. The SOLT Family Mission Experience invites people of all ages to join short term trips to places like Belize, where they help communities in need and build lasting bonds.
What is SOLT Family Mission Experience
This program stems from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, known as SOLT. It focuses on missionary work that brings families together to serve others.
SOLT operates in eight countries and emphasizes spiritual growth through action. The family mission experience started as a way for lay people to join in this work. It offers trips that last one to two weeks, making it easy for busy families to participate.
Participants range from young children to grandparents. They work in areas with deep needs, such as poverty stricken neighborhoods. The program aims to deepen faith while creating positive change in the world.
A Georgia Family’s Inspiring Journey
Cristina DiMarzio, a mother from Roswell, Georgia, wanted to keep her son Luca engaged after his confirmation. She found the SOLT program through social media and decided to take action.
They joined a summer trip to Belize City. This choice came from her own childhood memories of living in Honduras. DiMarzio saw it as a chance to build on spiritual graces.
In Belize, they connected with another Georgia family. The kids shared interests like baseball and soccer. This added joy to the experience and formed new friendships.
DiMarzio noted how the Holy Spirit seemed to guide the whole trip. It turned into more than service. It became a time of personal growth for everyone involved.
Daily Activities and Community Impact
Mission trips involve a mix of spiritual and practical tasks. Families dive into local parish life and help where it matters most.
One key activity is running Vacation Bible School for children. Volunteers also visit nursing homes to spend time with residents who feel forgotten.
They join rosary walks in poor neighborhoods and feed the homeless. Some trips include building projects, like fixing homes for families in need.
These efforts address both physical and spiritual needs. Participants often describe feeling transformed by the people they serve.
- Teaching catechesis to local youth groups
- Praying with the elderly and sick
- Distributing food and supplies to those in poverty
- Joining community events to build relationships
Upcoming Trips and How to Join
SOLT plans several missions each year. Families can choose dates that fit their schedules.
A winter trip runs from January 8 to 15, 2026, in Belize. It focuses on dynamic service and faith building.
Another option is the summer trip from May 17 to 30, 2026. This two week adventure includes hands on projects and cultural experiences.
| Trip Name | Dates | Location | Key Focus | Participant Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Belize Mission | January 8-15, 2026 | Belize City | Service and prayer | 14 people (7 men, 7 women) |
| Summer Belize Mission | May 17-30, 2026 | Belize | Catechesis and building projects | Open to families |
| Family Trip to Mexico | Various dates in 2026 | Colon, Mexico | Community outreach | Groups of all ages |
To sign up, visit the program’s website or contact leaders directly. Costs cover travel and materials, with fundraising options available.
Positive Reviews from Past Participants
Many who join these trips share glowing stories. One volunteer from a 2022 Belize mission talked about the joy found in simple acts.
He described rebuilding a home for a grateful family. The experience highlighted the value of community and hope.
Another participant noted how the trip strengthened her own faith. She saw poverty up close but also witnessed unbreakable spirits.
Families often return with new perspectives. They report deeper bonds and a renewed sense of purpose.
Lasting Benefits for Families and Faith
These missions go beyond short term help. They foster lifelong habits of service and prayer.
Parents like DiMarzio see their children grow in empathy. Kids learn to appreciate what they have and give back.
The program ties into broader trends in faith based travel. More families seek meaningful vacations that align with their values.
In a world full of distractions, these trips offer a reset. They remind people of the call to love and serve others.
Share your own mission stories in the comments below. If this inspired you, pass it along to friends who might join a trip.
