1. Transportation?
Catholic Mission Trips, Inc., arranges ground transportation for all international mission trips. Airfare and transportation is otherwise not included in the cost per person. If you are registered for a domestic mission trip and need assistance in finding a rental location, we are happy to help you coordinate transportation for your group.
2. What type of work will we do?
Every Catholic Mission Trips, Inc., site is unique. We have some destinations that are “labor intensive” and others that are less labor intensive and more geared toward cultural immersion. Each destination is unique. Your group also has the opportunity to choose the type of work they would like to do by choosing the destination. If you would like a site that involves heavy manual labor then you might like some of our International or South Texas trips. If you would like to work in an orphanage then you might consider an International trip. We really leave it up to you to decide what type of trip you would like to go on.
3. Will we be working with other groups?
Unless your group reserves all of a week’s spaces (usually 50-60), your group will have the wonderful opportunity of serving alongside other Catholic youth. Your youth will be divided into work teams. These teams may consist of youth from other Catholic churches. There will be 2 adults assigned to each group. It is also possible for your group to be the only group signed up for that week.
4. Are the sites safe? Food, water etc…
All students will be with adult chaperones while on any mission trip. We carry a 5 to 1 youth to adult ratio. Catholic Mission Trips, Inc., Staff are trained in CPR and First Aid. We also have every group go through a Safety Orientation that addresses safety concerns pertaining to the mission location and projects.
5. Who leads a Catholic Mission Trips, Inc. trip?
Catholic Mission Trips, Inc., has staff members at each mission site. Our summer mission trips are fully staffed with a Summer Program Team. Our spring break mission trips will have a Mission Trip Site Coordinator who will take care of all of your group’s needs during the trip. The staff is responsible for everything including food, lodging, ministry opportunities, work projects, and supplies.
6. How many adults can we bring?
Adult leaders play an important leadership role on our trips. A leader is to be at least 20 years of age and to be someone who is coming to minister to the teenagers in your group. We require a ratio of 1 adult leader for every 5 high school students. Because everything we do is geared towards youth, and we do not want to disrupt the work and feel of the week, we ask that you stay as close to this ratio as possible. If you bring students of both genders, you must have accompanying leaders of both genders. Each Adult (18 or older at the time of the mission trip) will have to go through the Safe Environment programs within their respected Diocese to attend. Verification of Safe Environment standing must be presented for every adult by May 1 for summer mission trips or at least one month before fall, winter, and spring mission trips. Groups will need to provide Catholic Mission Trips, Inc., with a letter from the pastor, principal, or chaplain verifying that all participants 18 or older at the time of the mission trip are in full compliance with diocesan safe environment policies.
7. What dates are available?
Catholic Mission Trips, Inc., mission trips start on Monday evenings and end on Saturday mornings. Visit our upcoming trips page for more details.
8. What does a mission trip cost?
Catholic Mission Trips, Inc., trips are amazingly affordable. Domestic trips are $450 per person. International trips are $1000 per person. Cost per participant includes lodging, meals, project supplies, a t-shirt, and CMT Staff. Transportation is only included on international mission trips and free day expenses are not included. Don’t let the cost of a mission trip prevent you from arranging life-changing events for yourself or your parish youth! Most people get their trips paid for by doing fundraising or getting sponsors. There are many people out there who are willing to donate to help such a worthy cause.
9. What do we need to travel internationally?
Per the U.S. Department of State travel website, “On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.” To learn more, please visit their website. For ease of travel, we recommend that each person obtains a passport.
10. Do we need to get vaccinations if traveling to another country?
Please check the CDC website or consult your doctor on their recommendations for travel to a foreign country.
11. Is there a minimum age allowed?
All participants must be at least 14 at the time of the mission trip. We recommend that all students have finished their freshman year in high school.
12. Can individuals register for mission trips?
A group must consist of at least 10 participants, chaperones included. We are unable to register individuals or groups smaller than 10 for mission trips.
13. What is evening program?
The CMT Program Team runs evening program Monday-Friday night of your mission trip. Evening program consists of CMT Olympics, praise and worship, talks given by CMT staff, small group reflection, and prayer. We also have adoration and Confession one night during the week when a priest is available.