January 31, 2026 //
In January, a group from St. Stephen’s returned from another amazing mission trip to Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro Town, Belize. This year, nine team members participated for a week, with an additional fifteen joining for two days, making it a joyful time of work, worship, and connection.
St. Stephen’s has been involved with Holy Cross since 2007 through financial support, mission teams, and parishioners serving as board
members of the Holy Cross Education Foundation. That long-standing partnership continues to shape the life of the school and deepen relationships across the years.
During this visit, team members completed maintenance and repair projects around the campus and attended worship in the school’s new church building. A special highlight was welcoming The Right Reverend Philip Wright, Archbishop of the West Indies, who joined the community for worship, toured the campus, and spent time with our mission team.
The team was warmly cared for throughout the week, enjoying daily breakfasts and lunches prepared by Dora and her staff. They also celebrated the retirements of longtime staff members Freddy Trejo and Rosalia Trejo during a joyful gathering at the Purple Pelican restaurant. Additional highlights included watching construction begin on a new covered fútbol field, participating in the graduation of the second SPICE (San Pedro Institute of Culinary Education) class, and spending time with students on campus.
Above all, the trip was about presence – being with the students, staff, and wider community of San Pedro Town. The team extended heartfelt thanks to Principal Mrs. Torres, Ms. Viviana, and the entire school staff for their warm hospitality. As Holy Cross celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, it was especially powerful to see graduates of the school working across the island and making a difference in their community.
For more information about Holy Cross Anglican School or future mission trips, contact Jim Bizal at 952-649-1525 or jim.bizal@bizalbuilt.com. Financial contributions may be made at www.hcefoundation.org.
