Sophia Vacca: 15 Catholic young adults who inspire us

MENA

Sophia Vacca was an active leader in the diocese’s Youth Advisory Council and Search retreats. She was also very involved in youth events at her parish, St. Agnes Church in Mena. 

“My parents are the youth leaders,” the 18-year-old said. “My mom does junior high, and my dad does senior high. So I’ve been involved with my parents throughout the years helping with our Vacation Bible School and helping with different events that the church puts on. If something happens, I’m usually there with my family. It’s created such amazing memories and good learning experiences as well.”

Vacca has helped lead VBS for years and is passionate about helping children at her parish form their faith early. 

“Ever since I was in sixth grade when I got out of the age of attending, I’ve been a helper,” Vacca said. “And I plan to work with kids when I grow up, so this has always been something that I love to do. And I usually try to just help out with either interacting directly with the kids or help put on some of the skits. This year, I’m doing the photography aspect of it.”

This fall, Vacca is attending the University of Dallas, planning to study psychology. She wants to become a child therapist or social worker.

“I just know I would like to work with kids,” Vacca said. “I have always loved being around kids. … There are so many kids around Arkansas that need help, so that is something I’ve always wanted to do. Being involved with Vacation Bible School and different camps with the sports that I do has really led me to see that there are issues that need to be addressed within the community of children here.”

If you could go on any pilgrimage, where would you go?

“I think Lourdes would be amazing. I think it’s such a beautiful story… I’ve heard so many stories about people going there, and I’ve watched a movie about it, and it was very inspiring. I’ve always wanted to do something like that.”

More stories will appear in our 15 Young Adults Who Inspire Us 2024 Section as they are posted online.

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