A Catholic Mission Immersion gives a small group of students or adults unparalleled opportunities to move beyond being merely tourists through the long-standing partnerships that Catholic Mission has built with Indigenous communities within Australia and communities around the world.
The purpose of an immersion is to allow participants to experience life, faith and justice from a new perspective and to inspire them to live a personal sense of their own Catholic “mission” when they return home.
A Catholic Mission Immersion is an educational program designed to provide students the experience of immersing themselves for 8-10 days in a local community and culture, to gain an understanding and appreciation of cultures different from their own, viewed from a faith perspective. The students will spend time ‘being with’ the local people in their daily routines. The experience is designed to ‘be with’ others, listening and learning. We do not visit in order to help or ‘do for’ others. The experience is NOT designed around service work in the community. The actual day-to-day itinerary is developed in partnership with the hosting community. Catholic Mission commits to not over-burden local people with our stay.
The 3 Phase Educational Program
Phase 1: A 6-hour preparation workshop held 4-6 weeks prior to departure, held at a time and place that is convenient for the group. The workshop is facilitated by Catholic Mission and prepares participants for what to expect, logistics, and how to sensitively and respectfully approach the experience to receive the most while on immersion.
Phase 2: The on-country immersion.
Phase 3: A 3-hour review workshop facilitated by Catholic Mission in which participants debrief, discuss what they have learnt and review their experience. Participants reflect on what they are personally called to do with this new-found knowledge in living out their mission of cultivating a more just and compassionate society.
This is NOT a sightseeing tourism holiday. It is an educational, life changing, self-development program founded on Catholic principles.
Immersions are sold as a package; breakdown of costs and expenses will not be disclosed to respect the privacy and dignity of the recipients.
Within Australia…
Catholic Mission’s unique position and history of partnerships over many years means that communities, parishes, and schools throughout Central and Northern Australia are open to sharing their lives in ways that very few tourists or visitors ever experience.
Guided by local Elders and guides, days on‑country are spent exploring the natural beauty of the land, visiting sacred sites, and discovering the spiritual connection that the First Nations people have held for more than 40,000 years.
Each group has its own unique experiences and opportunities to connect with and learn about the local Indigenous culture from the people met along the way. Participants immerse themselves in the Aboriginal stories of these places and return with a deeper appreciation, which provides the base for future commitments to promoting reconciliation and change with their Indigenous sisters and brothers.
Package Inclusions
- Flights, accommodation, meals, and local transport.
- Phase 1, 2 & 3 sessions as described above.
- Insurance and Risk Management services.
- Local Guides, Elders and an accompanying Catholic Mission trained Facilitator for the duration of the immersion.
- All permits and entry fees.
- Donations and fair remuneration for Indigenous partners and local service providers.
Internationally destinations include…
- Cambodia
- Timor Leste
- The Philippines
- Thailand
Package Inclusions
- Flights, accommodation, meals, and local transport.
- Phase 1, 2 & 3 sessions as described above.
- Insurance and Risk Management services.
- Local Guides and an accompanying Catholic Mission trained Facilitator for the duration of the immersion.
- All permits and entry fees.
- Donations and fair remuneration for local service providers and partners.