Southern Maryland Roots Youth Group

“I first met Theresa when she came to my office to discuss SOMD Roots and her desire to have our young people experience a pilgrimage to St. Clements Island. During our conversation, I asked her what brought her to my office that day and remember her enthusiastically replying that it was the Holy Spirit. I grew up spending time on and around St. Clements Island was confirmed and married at St. Francis Xavier Parish so I have a strong background and understanding of the history of Catholicism in Southern Maryland. The work of SOMD Roots to offer this incredible opportunity to our youth is unmatched and I appreciate the many efforts of this organization to offer unique opportunities around our community. I am grateful to have participated in some of these events and thankful that I have the opportunity to help and represent such a committed group of volunteers working for the future of District 29.”
 
Senator Jack Bailey
District 29 - Calvert & St. Mary’s Counties

I was beyond thankful to be able to attend and speak at the 9/11 Memorial Event hosted by the  Southern Maryland ROOTS Youth Group, on St. Clements Island. I had never been to St. Clements Island  before and to say the island was beautiful and full of history would be an understatement. Not only did  this event honor those who selflessly sacrificed their lives on that tragic day in history, but it also created  an atmosphere of thankfulness and hope. To see the youth of the Southern Maryland ROOTS Youth  Group so immersed in culture and faith was beyond inspiring. I’ll never forget this day. It was hands  down one of the best days of my life and my career. Thank you for such an amazing opportunity!  

Sergeant C. Ruth #6188 
Maryland State Police 
Leonardtown Barrack

The St. Clements Hundred is firmly committed to the preservation of St. Clement’s Island, its history and culture.  On September 24, 2022, The Southern Maryland ROOTS Youth Group’s plan to hold a high school youth pilgrimage that not only supports our mission and embraces the Island’s history and culture but will also focus their experience on celebrating the historical religious heritage of the Island.   Since the Island is the site of the first Holy Catholic Mass said in the new world in 1634, it’s the perfect location for the ROOTS Youth Group to offer a high school youth experience steeped in culture, history, religion and community!  We support and welcome them to our Southern Maryland treasure!   

Joe St. Clair 
President
St. Clements Hundred

I first met Theresa and the Southern Maryland ROOTS Youth Group on St. Clements Island when they hosted a day of prayer.  This past year I was once again blessed with the opportunity to attend and speak at the 9-11 Local Heroes event there.  

While opening the Lighthouse, a young man asked if he could help me get the Lighthouse ready for guests.  It was during this time that I had the opportunity to talk with him and learn about his interests and goals.  Later that day, I stood and watched the young men and women gather on the front porch of the Lighthouse to ask local lifelong residents about their memories of the area, history of the Island, and stories of their youth.  These young men and women were excited to learn about the past.  I witnessed the youth sharing their faith, thanking our local heroes for giving back to the community, interacting positively with one another, and embracing history.  I’m thankful that we have an organization that inspires youth in our community. 
Rita Weaver
St. Mary’s County 
Board of Education

On September 11, 2021, the Southern Maryland ROOTS Youth Group hosted the 9/11 Memorial Event celebrating local heroes in St Mary’s County. This memorial was held on St. Clement’s Island to recognize all emergency service personnel in St Mary’s County. I was honored to accept recognition on behalf of the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad. The ROOTS group put in a lot of hard work to recognize the various local public safety organizations.

On September 24, 2022, The Southern Maryland ROOTS Youth Group is planning to hold a high school youth pilgrimage to St. Clement’s Island where they will learn more about their faith. The Ark and the Dove set sail from England on November 23, 1633 with an estimated 150 Catholic and Protestant passengers seeking religious tolerance in the New World. They departed on the Feast Day of St. Clement and entered the Chesapeake Bay in March of 1634, landing on a 455-acre island in the Potomac River. The island was named for St. Clement, the patron Saint of mariners, and to this day remains the official birthplace of Maryland. 

The Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad is a proud sponsor of the ROOTS Youth Group and their endeavors. We support this pilgrimage and hope it is a great success!!

Chief Matt Colliflower
Seventh District Vol. Rescue Squad
Avenue, MD

"The High School Youth Pilgrimage to St. Clements Island will be an absolutely incredible experience. To be able to walk in the footsteps of those who attended the first Mass in the new colonies, where the very concept of religious freedom was first expressed, will be a powerful encounter.  St. Clements Island provides the most beautiful location possible and allows for a sense of separation from the outside world while really not being very far away at all. To be surrounded by the majesty of God's creation in such an important historical location makes this an experience that everyone should take part in.”
Eric Colvin 
St Mary’s County Commissioner

The 2021 9/11 Memorial Event celebrating local heroes hosted by the Southern Maryland ROOTS Youth  Group was a transformative day. I revere history, particularly that of St. Clements Island and the Office  of the Sheriff in St. Mary’s County. St. Clements Island is the site of the first landing and the  establishment of Maryland. It became the stronghold for the freedom of conscience, a cornerstone of  our great nation. The Office of Sheriff in St. Mary’s County is the oldest in the country and second to  none in the service it provides to her citizens. I have had the privilege of being a part of this tradition for  28 years.  

The Southern Maryland ROOTS Youth Group 9/11 Program blended the significance of our history and  the sacrifices made by so many on that tragic day, by offering prayers, rendering honor, and giving  thoughtful gifts to public safety representatives present. Most impactful for me was the involvement of  the youth in the event, who made it clear they proudly keep God first in their lives and hold the love of  country and those who protect it in their hearts.  

Captain Steven A. Hall 
Sheriff’s Office 
St. Mary’s County, MD