Spring Break Trip Application

St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center is currently sponsoring four spring break experiences.

• Appalachian Immersion in Williamsburg, KY. Assist in projects for the Friendship Center and residents of Williamsburg and the surrounding area. Time spent at Cumberland Falls.
• Inner-city plunge, Chicago, IL. Live at a Catholic Worker house. Work in ministries to homeless, poor children, and more. Brief time to explore Chicago life and culture may be included.
• Tornado Relief, Joplin, MO. Help the residents of Joplin rebuild their homes in the wake of the devastating EF5 tornado that ripped through Joplin last May. Citizens will be rebuilding their homes and lives for many years to come – you can play a part in their peace of mind! Work for United Way and stay at Joplin Nazarene Church.
• Honduran Immersion at our sister parish, Dulce Nombre de Marνa, in the Copan region (departs Wednesday or Thursday, returns Sunday or Monday). Preference given to those who attend Honduras Ministry Committee meetings, and who speak Spanish to some degree. Passport required, some immunizations recommended.

All groups will live in very simple conditions and assist in service, cultural immersion and/or learning experiences about poverty, homelessness or other appropriate subjects. Prayer and reflection are essential aspects of these immersions. Programming is somewhat flexible and may be able to be arranged to suit the desires of participants.

Participants are required to participate in:

• Three organizational meetings before their trip, including some kind of service together.
• The fundraising dinner on January 29, 2011 and its preparation.
• Post trip presentation, TBA (and preparation for that).

APPLICATION and DEPOSIT DUE November 1, 2011

• Honduras deposit: $250 – Total cost approx. $1,100
• Joplin deposit: $50 – total cost approx. $250
• Appalachia deposit: $50 – total cost approx $280
• Chicago deposit: $50 – total cost approx $250
• Fundraiser may significantly lower cost to participants.

Please return the application to Shari Reilly at St. Thomas Aquinas, 2210 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014. Electronic submissions are preferred – send to Shari@staparish.net. Submissions are not considered complete until deposit is received.

Call Shari at 515-292-3810 ext. 15 or e-mail for more information.