The Catholic University of America
The Office of Campus Ministry
Mission Trip Program
Information Sheet
MISSION STATEMENT
In fidelity to the Gospel call to love others as Christ loves us, the goal of CUA mission trips is to share in and learn from the lived experience of our brothers and sisters around the world. By sharing in the faith, work and culture of those who welcome us, this experience becomes a life-changing moment in the participants’ spiritual, educational and mental formation. This experience challenges participants to integrate the values of the Gospel and the social teachings of the Church into their lives and to encourage change in the lives of those around them.
MISSION LOCATIONS
CUA Mission teams will be going to Jamaica & Ecuador during Spring Break (March 2-10, 2013) and to Belize & Jamaica (May 21-June 4, 2013). Each mission trip will be spiritually based involving daily reflections and prayer. Each team will be serving the needs of the community, which might include helping in schools, manual labor, or spending time with children and the elderly. The mission trip is a physical, spiritual, mental, social and financial commitment. Only those who are willing to make these commitments need apply.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Any CUA student is welcome to apply for a team. ALL UNIVERSITY RULES APPLY ON EACH TRIP and please note: all mission trips are non-alcohol events. Other requirements include: Application, interview, fundraising and team building activities. All selected team member’s acceptances are pending until approved by the Dean of Students.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT
CUA mission trips are an integration of the spiritual and academic experience. Because of this all summer mission team members must participate in International Mission Experience, TRS 158. This is a mandatory class and as such this requirement cannot be waived. Any applicant that cannot participate in the course will be disqualified as a possible team member for a summer trip.
PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS
There are several key components to the CUA Mission experience, the most important of which are education, service, cultural immersion, and reflection. In order to create the most meaningful and memorable experience on a CUA Mission, participants are required to commit to all aspects of preparation, participation and follow-up. Because the CUA Mission Trip program is a group travel experience, a particular emphasis will be placed on the development of strong group dynamics (building community).
MANDATORY MEETINGS AND EVENTS
· TRS 158 International Mission Experience (Summer Mission Trips only!)
· 3-4 pre-trip orientation & community building meetings
· Fundraising events
· Re-orientation/follow-up meeting upon return
· Martin Luther King Day of Service January 21, 2013 (as individual teams)
· Mission Retreat overnight for ALL Mission Trip participants - February 1-2, 2013 (Melwood)
· Evening of reflection for Spring Break Trips only – March 18, 2013
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Attend and actively participate in meetings and reflections before, during, and after the trip
· Respect and adhere to CUA mission and goals
· Remain sensitive at all times, respecting the customs and culture of the host community
· Engage in education, service, and reflection throughout trip
· Continually communicate with group and group leaders for unity and safety
· Have Fun!
Selection Process
1. Application
Applications are due on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 9:00 pm in the Campus Ministry Office. Please be sure to make an appointment for your interview when you turn in your application.
2. Interview
Interviews will take place on Friday and Saturday, November 9-10.
Be sure to sign up for an interview when you submit your application.
3. Notification
Participants will be notified of selection via mail or email during the first week of November so that you will have time to include the mission class in your spring schedule.
Important Dates
· Info Sessions:
Tuesday October 9 after House Mass (House Lounge);
Wednesday October 17 at 10:00 pm (CM Lounge)
Sunday October 21 after 9:00 pm Witness Mass (St. Vincent’s Chapel)
· Applications Due:
Wednesday, November 7 by 9:00 pm in the Campus Ministry Office.
· Interviews:
Friday, November 9 & Saturday, November 10. Sign-up for an interview in the Campus Ministry Office.
Expenses & Due Dates
$1,200 for spring break & $1,400 for a summer trip; fee includes: airfare, travel within country, room, board, and insurance. Fee does NOT include: medical vaccinations, other spending money.
Fundraising will be required for all participants. The $1,200/$1,400 fee will be paid in increments at the end of the fall semester and during the spring semester. Please note: no refunds will be given.
Spring Break Trips (Jamaica & Ecuador; March 2-10, 2013):
First Payment December 7, 2012 $400.00
Second Payment January 14, 2013 $400.00
Third Payment February 8, 2013 $400.00
Summer Trips (Belize & Jamaica; May 21-June 4, 2013):
First Payment December 7, 2012 $400.00
Second Payment January 14, 2013 $400.00
Third Payment February 8, 2013 $400.00
Fourth Payment March 14, 2013 $200.00
Mission Trip Application
Due on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 by 5:00 pm in the Campus Ministry Office
Name (on your Passport/ State ID):______
Name (you prefer to be called if other): ______Student ID # ______
Cell Phone:______Email address: ______
Mailing Address:______
Sex: M F Year: Fr So Jr Sr Gr
Please circle which trip(s) you are interested in:
All Belize-(Summer) Jamaica-(Summer) Ecuador-(Spring Break) Jamaica-(Spring Break)
Do you speak Spanish? Yes No If yes, how much experience?
The cost of the trip is your own responsibility ($1,200/$1,400). If chosen, would you be able to participate regardless of the expense. Yes No
*Please answer the following questions on a separate typed sheet of paper and staple to the back of this page*
1. Why would you like to go on this mission trip?
2. We grow from all of our experiences. Please explain how you imagine you will grow from this experience. What would you like to learn from this experience?
3. Community is a key component of the mission trip. What experiences have you had working on a team before, i.e. sports, academics, other organizations? How would you describe your role working as a part of these teams?
4. Mission trips are an opportunity to grow in your relationship with God. By going on this trip, how might you expect to grow in your relationship with God?
5. Have you participated in any other mission trips or had any similar experiences? If so tell us about them.
6. Are there any medical/physical conditions and or serious allergies that we need to be aware of if you are chosen to go on this trip? Please list any medications you are currently taking.
7. TRS 158 is a mandatory class therefore there will be no waiving of the requirement for participating in this class. Do you see any problem with making this commitment?
8. Feel free to add any additional information that may help us make our decision.
*Please make sure you sign-up for an interview time when you drop off your application. Applications will not be reviewed without a scheduled interview.
If you have any questions please contact Brother Jim Moore ()
or all Campus Ministry, 202-319-5575.
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