Immersion Trips are an integral part of the Campus Ministry program. On these three to five day trips, students participate in service activities, nightly prayer and reflection, and live in solidarity with the people they serve. Students learn to live simply and in community with other trip participants. Additionally, they have the chance to gain awareness about social justice issues and the opportunity to put that awareness into action.
Immersion Trips are open to sophomore, junior, and senior students. Students must go through an application process in order to participate. Immersion Trips take place outside of school days, such as during Intersession, vacations, and summers, so that students do not have to miss school. Students earn community service hours for participation in Immersion Trips.
On this Service Immersion Trip, we'll be volunteering and staying overnight at Dorothy's Place, a Franciscan Worker Hospitality Center in Salinas, which is a day center for individuals and families who are homeless or living in poverty. We will prepare and serve meals in the soup kitchen, learn about issues surrounding migrant farm work, play with the children of migrant farm workers at an after school program, and visit an organic farm. We will share in nightly discussion and prayer, reflecting on how our service connects with our faith. Be prepared for a heart-opening and inspiring immersion experience!
Immerse yourself in the Tenderloin and Mission Districts of San Francisco. We'll volunteer with the homeless and poor of San Francisco at St. Anthony's Dining Room, help students at DeMarrilac School, play with the children at the Tenderloin playground, and visit a homeless shelter to serve dessert and play cards. We'll stay at a hostel and share in nightly discussion and prayer, reflecting on how our service and immersion experiences connect with our faith. Don't miss this unique opportunity to discover the beauty hidden behind the exterior in these San Francisco neighborhoods. Participants will earn 30 hours of community service.
Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? Travel with a group of NDB students to Tijuana, Mexico, where we will visit the U.S./Mexico border, learn about border and immigration issues, experience Mexican culture and food, visit an orphanage to play with the children, and work on community development projects. We will serve poverty-stricken areas of Tijuana by improving schools and playgrounds, primarily through mixing cement by hand. It is hard work but is very satisfying! We will share in nightly discussion and prayer, reflecting on how our service connects with our faith. You do NOT need to know any Spanish to participate, though it's a great opportunity to practice! Don't miss out!
SOA Watch is an independent organization that seeks to close the US Army School of the Americas through vigils and fasts, demonstrations and nonviolent protest, as well as media and legislative work. Every November SOA Watch gathers together thousands of people in Ft. Benning, GA (the location of the school) for three days of prayer, vigils, fasts and speakers. During this time participants can learn more about both sides of the issue and gather in solidarity with those who have been affected by military personnel trained at this school.
Faculty, staff and students from both Notre Dame and Serra High Schools travel together for this event. Along with participating in the activities offered by SOA Watch the group also gathers for in depth discussion and reflection about their experiences during the week. This is definitely an eye opening experience for all in the group!
- St. Julie Billiart, Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame
Campus Ministry Office
(650) 595-1913 x325
John Ottersberg
Director of Campus Ministry
(650) 595-1913 x350 (voicemail)
(click to email)
Kay Polintan
Retreat Coordinator
(650)595-1913 x287 (voicemail)
(click to email)
Father Stephen Howell
Campus Chaplain
(650)595-1913 x449
(click to email)