July 13 - 19, 2024
Embark on a week-long transformative journey to El Paso, Texas, and Juárez, Mexico, where you'll immerse yourself in the pressing realities at the US/Mexican border. Engage firsthand with immigrants seeking refuge in the US, sharing meals and listening to their stories, while gaining insights from Church workers, Border Patrol, and others. Guided by principles of social justice and spirituality, this unique trip encourages participants to reflect on their beliefs through prayer and the Gospel. Explore the intricacies of migration, better understand the impact of U.S. immigration policies, and discern meaningful responses to these urgent issues. Tailored for educators, catechists, parish, and diocesan ministers, this experience is open to all eager to learn and share perspectives. Join us on this meaningful journey of learning, compassion, and advocacy at the border.
Trip Includes:
- Onsite visits to a migrant shelter (to prepare and serve a meal), Hope Border Institute, Diocesan Migrant Refugee Program, the border wall, and other places.
- Encounter and relationship-building with individuals, families, and communities in Ciudad Juarez, MX.
- Orientation to the social, political, and economic realities of the border through visits with those who are working there.
- Opportunities for daily prayer, reflection, and faith sharing.
- Ongoing missionary discipleship support and formation before, during, and after the trip
- Learn what others said about this trip: “I discovered all sorts of beautiful human beings and I found Jesus shining through their eyes. Everyone in our group was open and willing to be touched by this experience, but most importantly, I feel like many of us became activated. I trust that whatever we can do, even if it seems negligible, we will do it. It was transformative to see people care, think, get angry at injustice, express their feelings in different ways and dream of solutions. We need dreamers like that in our world.” 2023 Border trip participant
Participant requirements:
- Acceptance at Maryknoll’s discretion
- Participants must arrange and pay for their own air travel to the international airport in El Paso, TX , and back during the designated time frame. In-country transportation will be provided during the trip.
- Accommodations and meals are provided
- Current passport with an expiration date exceeding at least 6 months from trip date and Visas as required. Check U.S. State website for more information.
- Suggested donation of $1,075 to cover trip costs (subject to change)
- Non-refundable deposit of $100 due upon acceptance
- Limited scholarships are available for those unable to make the full donation
- Trips require a minimum number of participants to proceed
Visit https://www.maryknoll.us/mission-trips for more information or contact Zahira Sandoval at zsandoval@maryknoll.org or (773) 493-3367 ext.263
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