Join the Office for World Mission as we journey to celebrate how we are united at the heart with our sister parish in La Sagrada Familia. Share faith and friendship as you meet and learn about the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic.

Trip Details:

Our focus for this experience will be the Year of Mercy.  We will use The Holy Year of Mercy:  A Faith Sharing Guide throughout our time together, which the Mission office will provide for each traveler.  Our reflections will be based on key elements from this resource..

Travel Information:

The 2016 Pilgrimage of Mercy to La Sagrada Familia will leave Milwaukee on Tuesday March, 1 and return on Monday, March 7.   We can accommodate up to 20 people on this trip.

While flight details may change, our current itinerary is as follows:

• Departure: March 1, 2016 from Milwaukee at 5:45 am, arrive Atlanta at 8:50 am.  Depart Atlanta at 9:50 am, arrive Santo Domingo, DR at 2:00 pm
• Return: March 7, 2016 from Santo Domingo at 3:11 pm, arrive Atlanta 5:49 pm.  Depart Atlanta at 7:31 pm, arrive Milwaukee at 8:38 pm

Once in the Dominican Republic, we will learn more about the history and culture of the country and of our sister parish through visits to various people and projects in the parish. A more detailed trip plan will be shared at the orientation sessions (see trip preparation, below)

Cost and Payment Information:

The all-inclusive price will be around $1,400.00*.  This covers airfare, ground transportation, programs, guides, translation service, communal reflection and retreat, simple meals and accommodations. 

A non-refundable deposit of $200 is due February 10, 2016, with the balance due by February 26^th. Cash, check or credit cards are acceptable forms of payment.

*Please note: This is an approximate cost. The final cost will be announced when all trip details are finalized. The cost of the trip relies heavily on flight prices and could be subject to change should airfare costs increase. Financial assistance will be available to eligible participants.  Please contact the Mission Office for more information at 414-758-2282.

Application:

You will need to fill out a brief online application, which is also due by February 10th.  Please click here to access the application.

Guides and Translators:

Once in the Dominican Republic our guides will be Fr. Juan Manuel Camacho and Fr. Esteven Redolad, the pastors of La Sagrada familia, and Dolores Puertolas, the pastoral associate.

Accommodations:

You will be assigned a host family to stay with during our time in the parish. More details will be provided during the orientation sessions.

Trip Preparation:

To ensure the best possible experience, international mission trips require careful planning on the part of the World Mission Office, the parish, and every participant. Please read and consider the following items carefully.

Trip Orientation Sessions:

The trip will have two orientation sessions. These sessions offer us a vital opportunity to prepare for our pilgrimage, meet our companions for the journey, pray together, get an overview of the country and the parish, attend to practical questions such as "what to bring?"; and to begin the "inner journey" of mission preparation.  It is very important that you attend both sessions. (If you are unable to attend one of the sessions but would still like to take part in the trip, please call 414-758-2282 for options.)

Session 1: Monday, January 25: 6:00--7:30 p.m.,
Cousins Center 3501 S. Lake Drive, St. Francis WI 53235

Co-Pastor of La Sagrada Familia Fr. Juan Manuel Camacho will  join us for this informative opening session.  You will also turn in your hold harmless agreement at this meeting (you can download the form by clicking on the link; we will also have blank forms at the orientation session).

Session 2: Monday,  February 15th: 6:00--7:30 pm,  (location TBD)

Final trip details, including flight and trip itinerary, will be shared at our second session.

Passport:

If you already have a passport, please check its expiration date.  It is now required for many countries that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of the trip.

If you do not have a passport, or your passport expires before September 7, 2016,  you can visit http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

Please note: Be sure to check the passport processing times, listed below the "get started" link, to ensure your chosen processing method will arrive in time.

Health Information and Requirements:

The climate in the Dominican Republic is quite hot and you must be comfortable walking some distances as well as getting in and out of trucks and larger vehicles. Please consider your individual health needs and abilities. This ensures an enjoyable time for you and others who will be traveling with you.

Individual health needs vary so it is important to consult your health care provider regarding immunizations, medications you might need while traveling, and if it is advisable to participate in such a trip.

Trip/Accident/Health Insurance

It is important that all travelers have insurance in force that will respond to a medical emergency, accident, or trip complications.  The World Mission Office does not provide medical, accident or trip insurance for participants on this pilgrimage.  We strongly recommend that you contact your homeowner's insurance agent or a travel insurance specialty company to purchase insurance that will protect you on this trip and that you speak to your health insurance provider about your coverage and options.

What to Pack:

You will need to pack modest clothing and some supplies for your trip. Please click here to download a list of what to pack and prepare.

Questions?

Please call our office at 414-758-2282 to speak to Antoinette Mensah, our director. Or e-mail wmo@archmil.org