Catholic Disaster Relief Trip: SJE's Mission from California to New Orleans

From California’s wildfires to Louisiana’s hurricanes — how St. John the Evangelist's mission trips are providing disaster relief by rebuilding lives, restoring hope, and answering God’s call to serve.

A quick group photo of SJE missionaries on site providing disaster relief

From the Ashes of California: A Summer Mission of Service

As we recall details of the summer mission trip to California, plans are already underway for the spring mission trip. Read to the end to save those dates!

On July 28, 2025, a total of 13 generous parish partners took off for Los Angeles for five days of fire relief work—and just enough free time to remember they were in sunny California.

In conjunction with Catholic Mission Trips, Inc. and the guidance of Hope City Disaster, the SJE crew rented two vans, settled into the Rosemead Retreat Center, and got right to work. “Right to work” meant 6 a.m. Mass every morning—because nothing says “mission trip” like worship before the sun’s even had coffee.

SJE missionaries starting their service day with Mass

Rolling Up Sleeves and Restoring Homes

After breakfast, they hit the road before 8 a.m., cleaning homes damaged by fire: washing walls, scrubbing ceilings and floors, organizing belongings, and helping families breathe easier again—literally—all for free, work that would have cost thousands.

For example, washing walls, ceilings and floors took three steps—first a careful dry wipe, then a soapy wash, followed by a bleach disinfectant. This was all so much of a team effort, powered by prayer and joy.

Lunches were packed by a resident chef (complete with vegetarian and gluten-free options — it is California, after all).

Between meals and mops, conversations turned into relationships, prayers over families at day’s end, and photos as keepsakes of hope restored.

“God Brought the Right People”

Coordinator Brookelyn Skrezyna, SJE’s Pastoral Associate for Discipleship and Service, said God answered all her prayers for this trip—from the small to the big. From giving the group great weather for work to just finding the right people.

The trip itself was possibly going to be canceled until Brookelyn truly gave it to God to “Bring the right people that You want on this trip.” And He sure enough did!

The group bonded quickly—no personality clashes—which was in itself a gift from God. UNO became the evening game of choice (card sharks beware), followed by dinner, evening prayer, and programs with music and testimonies. Music truly was instrumental in drawing them closer together—pun intended.

A Lightning Bolt Moment

Mission veteran Isaac Cohen, SJE’s pastoral associate of discipleship, who has previously served in Costa Rica and Guatemala, called the last day a highlight—his “lightning bolt moment.”

While praying at the retreat center, he felt God speak: “You can pray. You do not have to be afraid.” That new habit of consistent prayer, he says, has come home with him!

When Mission Work Becomes a Heart Lesson

The group also worked in a couple garages. Brookelyn recalled that a garage was all that one family had left after their home was consumed by fire. She was humbled because she had come to the property that day ready to roll up her sleeves and get right to work.

However, this was the last of their belongings—this one small garage was all they had left. “This is everything they have! I needed to stop rushing to get the job done and let them have the time they needed. What an eye-opener.”

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Next Stop: New Orleans — Hurricane Relief 2026

Want to join the SJE mission crew on their next stop?

We will be going to New Orleans in Spring 2026 for hurricane relief — and maybe a detour for beignets.

New Orleans - The damage caused by multiple hurricanes means there is a lot we can do to help those who have been displaced and still in need of help.

✈️ Save the Dates & Join the Mission

🗓 March 23–28, 2026

📍 New Orleans, Louisiana

🛠 Hands, hearts, and hammers welcome!

Be part of something bigger than yourself. Join the St. John the Evangelist Mission Crew as we bring help, hope, and healing to those rebuilding after disaster.

👉 Email Isaac Cohen today at icohen@stjohnparish.org to reserve your spot or learn more.