SERES Leaders Visit: Sept 6 & 7 at Mass
This September, meet two incredible changemakers from our sister parish region in Guatemala.
On the weekend of September 6 & 7, our Guatemala Team is thrilled to welcome Abigail Quic and Antonio Cruz Sánchez, Co-Executive Directors of SERES, to speak at Masses at Holy Spirit in Kent and St. John the Baptist in Covington. SERES has been a longtime partner in youth leadership development in Guatemala and El Salvador, and they work directly with our sister parish, Unión de las Aldeas Corpus Christi.
This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about the transformational work being done in Central America and how our parish’s solidarity is making a difference.
About SERES
SERES is a non-profit organization based in Guatemala and El Salvador that cultivates youth leadership for sustainable development. Through transformative educational programs, SERES equips young people—especially indigenous and rural youth—with the tools to become changemakers in their communities. Over the past 15 years, SERES has empowered thousands of youth to create inclusive, climate-resilient solutions grounded in equity, sustainability, and collective leadership.
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Abigail Quic
Co-Executive Director, SERES
Tz’utujil Indigenous Leader | Sustainability Educator | Social Entrepreneur
Abigail is a proud Tz’utujil woman from Guatemala and a dedicated leader working at the intersection of gender equity, indigenous rights, and environmental justice. As Co-Executive Director of SERES, she has facilitated more than 70 leadership programs, reaching over 1,500 youth across Central America.
She is the founder of Casa Maya, an award-winning eco-social enterprise improving household sanitation in indigenous communities. Abigail has represented indigenous voices in international forums in Costa Rica, Germany, and Thailand, and is a fellow of the Global Diversity Foundation’s Conservation and Communities program.
Antonio Cruz Sánchez
Co-Executive Director, SERES
Anthropologist | Youth Mentor | Community Builder
Antonio, born and raised in rural El Salvador, is the co-founder of SERES and a lifelong advocate for grassroots leadership. With over 15 years of experience, he has inspired more than 2,500 youth through experiential education in Guatemala and El Salvador.
An anthropologist by training, Antonio combines cultural wisdom with systems thinking to support youth in creating sustainable, community-driven change. He has represented Central America at international summits in the UK, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, and beyond. In 2024, he stepped into the role of Co-Executive Director alongside Abigail Quic to continue nurturing a generation of empowered youth leaders.
Back-to-School Supply Drive 2025
August | Supporting Students in the Kent School District
As summer winds down and back-to-school shopping ramps up, we have an opportunity to help local students start the year with the supplies they need to succeed.
This August, St. John the Baptist is once again partnering with Communities in Schools to collect school supplies for students in the Kent School District who may not have access to basic classroom essentials. These supplies go directly to schools where counselors and coordinators can make sure they reach the students who need them most.
What to Donate
When you’re out shopping for your own family—or just passing the school supply section—please consider picking up a few extra items. All supply donations are appreciated, but the most-needed items include:
- Glue sticks
- Pre-sharpened #2 pencils
- Two-pocket folders
- Dry-erase markers (dark colors)
- Highlighters
- 24-count crayons
- Colored pencils
- Washable markers
- Sharpies
- Wide rule composition books
Please make sure all items are new and unused.
Where and When to Drop Off
Donations can be placed in the collection bin located in the narthex throughout the month of August. You’re welcome to donate throughout the month—each item helps make a difference!
Why It Matters
For some families, buying school supplies is a financial strain. For some students, not having their own pencils or notebooks can impact both their learning and their confidence. Through your generosity, we can ensure that every child starts the school year with dignity, support, and the tools to thrive.
Whether you donate a pack of crayons or a full backpack of supplies, your contribution tells a child: You matter. We believe in you.
School starts on August 27th. Let’s come together to support our neighbors and build a stronger, more caring community—one pencil at a time!