Dominican Republic Mission: July 7 - 14, 2008

This year we are not only attending Diocesan WorkCamp, but also starting a mission trip to a parish in the Dominican Republic. That trip will clearly be a bit more of an intense experience of poverty and small group community, and as such will be geared to upperclassmen. Please email me if you know you are interested in either trip! Dates:

Applications

Mission Banica application is due on December 3rd, with check and separate letter. If trips fill up, applications will be considered in the order received. Applications may be mailed or turned in to the parish office 9:30 - 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

•  Banica Mission 2008 Application & Information

Overview of Banica Mission Trip

Mission: To serve the Catholic community in Banica, while growing in faith together through the experience of Christian community and service.

• We will live simply, in solidarity with those we go to serve.
• Our service will be infused with our love for God in others, and supported by love for each other. We will spend time each day in reflection and prayer.
• This trip is as much about growing closer to God and each other as it is about practically helping the people of Banica. Each participant should come with an openness to that experience.

Itinerary: Monday, July 7th to Monday, July 14th 2008

• Leave early on the 7th, back late on the 14th
• Fly into Santo Domingo, and board a bus to Banica. Roughly five hour trip with dinner, arrive to Banica around 9:00 p.m., settle in and sleep.
• Tuesday-Saturday are full work days (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• Sunday we will explore the community more, visit the local Haitian/Dominican market, and have opportunities for hiking and tubing on the river.
• Monday we will leave early for the airport, and arrive back in DC in the late evening.
• Tuesday evening we will gather for photo sharing, story-telling and BBQ.

Where: Banica, Dominican Republic. Parish of San Francisco Assis de Banica

• We will fly into Santo Domingo, and stay in a parish center designed to accommodate mission groups.
• The parish is run by priests from the Diocese of Arlington, Fr. Gee and Fr. Murphy.

Typical Day:

• Mass at 7:00 a.m., twenty minute walk from El Centro (our dorm).
• Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. then leave for the work site
• 30 min lunch break, head back to center by 4:00 p.m..
• Time for swimming, relaxing, then dinner between 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Theological reflection time - process the day, discuss experiences, learn how our faith guides us in this work. Take time to pray. Adoration and confession on Wednesday.
• Lights out 10:00 p.m.

Work: Common projects include constructing chapels in remote areas for villages, painting and renovating existing structures, and building houses for poor people.

Notes:

• This trip will be a more intense service immersion experience. Many luxuries of home will be missing, and we will be living a simple lifestyle while we are there.
• Meals are prepared for us by the staff at El Centro. Clean, bottled drinking water is provided.
• The area is safe, and handles many volunteer groups from our diocese each year.
• There is a health clinic next door to El Centro, easily available in case of sickness.

Rewards of Participation

• You get to travel to another country, to experience an entirely different culture.
• Experience how the faith is lived in a different country and community.
• You get to interact with the people you are serving.
• Know that you are part of creating vital change in our world, and that the change happens in you as well as what you work on.
• See the smiles of the local children you get to play with.
• Knowing that God is present and working with you every day.
• You’ll probably pick up some Spanish
• Traveling by ourselves, you’ll have plenty of time to really bond with our group.
• Finding the space and time to relax and really connect with God through this experience of service.

Responsibilities of Mission Banica Participants

• Complete and return paperwork and fees in a timely manner.
• Participate in the preparation/community building meetings and fundraising activities, including a letter writing campaign to raise awareness and raise funds.
• Work to create a sense of community with all those attending from our parish.
• Obtain or renew a passport for international travel.
• Arrange for any immunizations or medical preparations you deem necessary.
• Be willing to share your experience with others, possibly the whole parish community at Sunday mass.

Selection of Participants

Participants will be chosen based on these criteria:

• Applications, which are due by December 2nd.
• Ability to attend all the required preparation (see next page for schedule)
• Must be actively involved in the Parish, whether in youth ministry or otherwise.
• Demonstrate an appropriate maturity level and ability to work in a group.

Payment

Our cost per person will be $700-$800. Each family is responsible for a $150 family deposit with the application. As a group, we will fundraise the rest of the amount that we need, and everyone is expected to fully participate in both individual and team efforts.

These costs are all inclusive, covering plane fare, work site materials, food and lodging.

Mission Banica 2007 Meeting Schedule

Mission Banica participants will meet on the following dates. Parents are invited to attend. It is mandatory for Mission Banica participants to attend. All meetings are MANDATORY. (Serious excuses will be considered). If you cannot attend a meeting you must contact Ed in advance at (703) 433- 6772 or via email at  erogers@ourladyofhope.net.

Teens and adults will cooperate to lead meetings, each participant will have a hand in organizing at least one preparation meeting.

Unless otherwise announced, meetings will be from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

• Jan 6 - Initial Organizational Meeting
• Jan 27 - Commitment to the Team
• Feb 24 - Servanthood – Social Justice/Social Action
• Mar 30 - Spirituality & Confidentiality
• Apr 27 - What to Bring & How to Pack
• May 18 - Tools & Safety Issues (extended event, time TBA)
• June - (Time and Date TBA) - Final Preparations
• July 7-14 - Mission Banica, Dominican Republic

 erogers@ourladyofhope.net