2025 Summer Mission Trip Recap
November 17, 2025
by Ildri Weber '26
This past summer, God blessed me with the incredible opportunity to go on the Campus Ministry mission trip to Nashville, Tennessee. Going into the trip, I had no idea what to expect. When we arrived in Nashville, I was placed in a group of people I had never met before. We were all from different states, with completely different backgrounds. This was definitely a little bit outside of my comfort zone. But, from that very first day, I realized that God had put me in that group for a reason. We quickly grew close through working together and commuting on the hour drive to our work site, praying and sharing stories of faith on the drive.
Our service project assignment was repairing a house for a woman named Lavern. There, we repaired and painted her shutters, front door, and porch. We cleaned her gutters, organized and got rid of unnecessary things in her shed, chopped down bushes and trees, trimmed overgrowth, and even did some drywall repair inside of her house. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met - so full of gratitude and joy, even in difficult circumstances. Every morning when we showed up to work, she greeted us with a smile and words of encouragement. Seeing her faith and positivity really opened my eyes to how powerful gratitude can be.
Throughout the week, we had Mass every single morning. Starting my morning with Mass made my days full of joy and gratitude. We also had different activities at night, such as Eucharistic Adoration and confession. I had no idea how much these moments of prayer would affect me, but they did significantly. I had never truly experienced God in the way I did the evening of Adoration. Sitting in Adoration with everyone quietly singing and taking time just to be still with God was one of the most peaceful and powerful experiences I have ever had.
There was also a woman who gave us a talk every evening. Her talks helped us to reflect on our faith and our purpose. Her words helped me to think more deeply about how God is present not just in the big events, like the Mission Trip, but in every single part of my life, the good and the bad, the joys and sorrows, and the wins and the losses.
As the week started to end, I felt closer to God than I ever had before. And even though my air mattress deflated every single night and the showers were absolutely freezing, this trip reminded me that faith is not just something that we practice on Sundays, it is something that we live out through service, community, and love for others every single day. It showed me that when we step outside of our comfort zones and open our hearts, God meets us there and transforms us in ways that we would have never imagined.
This Mission Trip did not just change the house that we worked on, it changed me. It deepened my faith, strengthened my trust in God, and helped me see how powerful it can be when we serve others with joy and humility.
I would like to leave you all with one thing: At the end of the week, Lavern wrote me a letter. When I opened it, it read, “Write the vision and make it plain.” Now, if I am being honest, when I first read this, I was super confused, so I looked it up. What I found was amazing. This is a Bible Verse, Habakkuk 2:2, that means writing down your vision is a way to show God that you believe He will help you accomplish what He has called you to do.
So BK, write the vision, and make it plain.
For Immediate Release Tulsa, OK — Bishop Kelley High School has announced the hiring of Holly Beers as the next Head Volleyball Coach, beginning with the 2026–2027 season. Beers brings a strong background in both high school and club volleyball, along with a commitment to student development that aligns with Bishop Kelley’s mission of forming young people in excellence, character, and leadership. Most recently Beers coached with Oklahoma Peak Volleyball Club in Oklahoma City, where she led multiple competitive teams and was selected by the Oklahoma Region Volleyball Association to coach Oklahoma’s U13 team at the USA Volleyball All-Star Championship in Madison, Wisconsin. She previously served as Head Varsity Volleyball Coach at Norman High School after two seasons as a varsity assistant coach. Beers has also contributed to athlete development through skill clinics with Oklahoma Peak and summer volleyball programming connected to the University of Oklahoma. Originally from Owasso, Beers attended Rejoice Christian School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in advertising with a minor in Spanish from the University of Oklahoma. “We are thrilled to welcome Holly to Bishop Kelley,” said Athletic Director Lance Parks. “She has been uniquely prepared for this opportunity through her experiences in high-level club and high school volleyball, and through the work ethic and tenacity she has demonstrated in all levels of coaching in Oklahoma. When the right person and the right moment come together, it inevitably turns into a blessing for us and the students in our programs. Holly’s passion for developing young women as competitors, leaders, and people of character makes her a perfect fit for Bishop Kelley.” Beers said she is honored to join the Bishop Kelley community and lead a program with such a proud tradition. “Bishop Kelley Volleyball has long been respected for its competitive spirit and strong culture,” Beers said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to build relationships with the student-athletes and help them grow both on the court and in life.” As head coach, Beers will oversee all levels of the Bishop Kelley volleyball program and work to continue the tradition of excellence established by previous generations of Comet athletes and coaches. In addition to leading the Comets volleyball program, Beers will teach in the Business Department at Bishop Kelley. About Bishop Kelley Volleyball The Bishop Kelley Volleyball program has a proud tradition of competitive excellence and leadership development within the OSSAA. For decades, Comet volleyball has been known for disciplined play, strong team culture, and student-athletes who compete with integrity while representing Bishop Kelley’s mission on and off the court. The program has produced numerous postseason appearances and continues to develop young women who pursue success in athletics, academics, and service. Through a commitment to teamwork, work ethic, and faith-centered leadership, Bishop Kelley Volleyball strives to prepare student-athletes for success long after their playing days are over. About Bishop Kelley High School Bishop Kelley High School is Oklahoma’s largest private high school and is considered a life-preparatory institution. It offers a faith-based education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development. The school features a rigorous curriculum, including more than 40 honors and AP courses across a wide range of disciplines. With an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1260, Bishop Kelley graduates are well prepared for college, with 90% attending four-year institutions. More than 65% of Bishop Kelley students participate in athletics, and the Blessed Stanley Rother Academic Support Program provides individualized assistance to students with diverse learning needs.
For Immediate Release Tulsa, OK — Bishop Kelley High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Zach Stephens as Offensive Coordinator for the Comets football program beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Stephens joins Bishop Kelley after serving on the coaching staff at Bixby High School, one of the nation’s premier high school football programs. During his time with the Spartans, Stephens worked primarily as the varsity wide receivers coach while also serving as an offensive coordinator at the junior high level. He’s played a key role in developing players within a championship-caliber program that has captured multiple Class 6A state titles throughout his tenure. “Zach brings outstanding experience from one of the most successful football programs in the state,” said Bishop Kelley Athletic Director Lance Parks. “He understands what it takes to develop players, build strong relationships with student-athletes, and contribute to a winning culture. We’re excited to welcome him to the Bishop Kelley football family.” At Bishop Kelley, Stephens will oversee the Comets’ offensive system and contribute to the development of the program across multiple levels. In addition to coordinating the varsity offense, he will assist with freshman football, track and field, and will serve as a member of the Math Department. Stephens is widely recognized for his emphasis on offensive strategy, skill development, and fostering accountability and teamwork among student-athletes. He has strong previous experience coaching and developing wide receivers while collaborating with the offensive staff to implement structured practice plans designed to maximize player performance and execution. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management from Oklahoma Christian University. Stephens will join the Bishop Kelley community this summer as preparations begin for the 2026 football season. Bishop Kelley Mission Bishop Kelley is a Catholic diocesan high school, inspired by St. John Baptist De La Salle, that carries on the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ by preparing students’ hearts and minds for a purposeful life. About Bishop Kelley Football Bishop Kelley Football competes in OSSAA Class 5A and forms young men of character through the discipline, brotherhood, and accountability that the game demands. Rooted in our mission, the program challenges student-athletes to pursue excellence while growing in faith, integrity, leadership, and respect for others. Comet players are called to compete with honor, support their teammates, and carry the values of Bishop Kelley long after their final game. About Bishop Kelley High School Bishop Kelley High School is Oklahoma’s largest private high school and a life-preparatory institution rooted in the Catholic tradition. The school offers a faith-based education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development. Bishop Kelley features a rigorous curriculum with more than 40 honors and Advanced Placement courses across a wide range of disciplines. With an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1260, graduates are well prepared for college, with 90 percent attending four-year institutions. More than 65 percent of Bishop Kelley students participate in athletics, reflecting the school’s commitment to developing the whole person through competition, teamwork, and leadership. The Blessed Stanley Rother Academic Support Program provides individualized assistance for students with diverse learning needs.
