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Christ the Builder - Mission Details
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Requirements for Participants
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Cost |
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 The cost of the trip is typically in
the range of $350-450, when traveling by bus. The cost covers bus
transportation to Saltillo, room and board for one week, and contributions for
the cooks, drivers and other helpers. Some participants may choose to travel by
air or by their own automobile. |
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Documents/Forms |
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A valid passport
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Picture ID.
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Diocesan Liability Release Form
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Christ the Builder Medical Alert Form
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Tourist/Visitor form (required by the Mexican government) - which will be
handed out on the bus or airplane when we cross the border (remember to keep it
with you to turn in to U.S. Customs on the return trip).
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Code of Conduct
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Remember you not only represent yourself as an individual there but also
represent Christ the Builder and the people of the Catholic Church of the
Archdiocese of New Orleans.
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The Mission trip is a work/retreat program and should not be seen as, or
misunderstood to be, a vacation.
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Everyone will be expected to participate and share in the chores and the
responsibility of housekeeping.
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What to Bring
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A general guideline to what to bring can be found
here. |
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Clothing for the Trip |
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It is customary while in Mexico to avoid wearing sleeveless tops, tank tops,
and shorts. However, shorts may be worn in the privacy of the mission. |
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Casual Wear
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You will want to bring jeans or other types of comfortable working clothes. You
may want to bring lightweight jackets and sweaters. In winter, the weather can
be cold and rainy (remember Saltillo/Arteaga is situated in the mountains at an
altitude of 5000'). The summers can be hot and dusty during the day and cool at
night. |
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Dress Clothes |
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Men do not need jackets or ties. Maybe a nice shirt for a Fiesta or a meal out.
The ladies might want a little nicer outfit for a Fiesta celebration. |
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Shoes |
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Good walking shoes, tennis shoes and socks are recommended. Sandals are not
recommended. |
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Personal Hygiene/Other Necessities |
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You should bring your own deodorant, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc. You should
also bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle (or small canteen or
thermos). You may also consider bringing your camera and film. Air freshener,
antibacterial hand wash, wet wipes, and skin lotion, along with a roll of
toilet paper, disinfectant, and bathroom cleaning items are necessities also. |
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Luggage |
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Bring one suitcase and one other small bag. For bus trips, you may also want to
consider bringing one or two bags or suitcases with old clothes to donate to
the mission. There is a washing machine at the San Miguel Mission, but it is
not modern and is recommended only for emergency use. (There is a more modern
washing machine at the San Isidro Retreat House.) By packing light it will
leave more room for us to bring other items to the mission. |
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Bed Linens/Towels |
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You may want to bring you own face cloth, pillow and pillow case for the trip.
At the mission there are towels and sheets, unless you prefer to bring your
own. If you can bring and leave any of the above items they would be
appreciated at the mission. |
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At the Mission
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Meals at the mission typically:
Breakfast: Consists of scrambled eggs, ham, rolls, fruit (when
in season), and cereal.
Lunch: Consists mainly of sandwiches.
Dinner: Meals are eaten at the Mission. Most evenings there
will be Mexican-style meals.
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Leaving the Mission Compound
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Never leave the compound without letting someone from the group know. Actually,
it is preferred that no one go outside the compound without the group,
especially at night. |
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Prayer Service/Reflection |
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Each day the group gathers for morning and evening prayer. We encourage you to
bring your prayer books, inspirational readings, music and any musical
instruments. |
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Daily Schedule
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Because we are guests of the Parish Priest and because of the culture, patience
and flexibility are needed.
The Following is a Suggested Agenda:
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| Sunday |
Arrive at the Mission and check in. Find assigned room and bring
your luggage there. Check with your trip leader to find out what the schedule
is for the rest of the day. This is a day for organizing and preparing for the
week ahead. There will be a meeting after dinner to finalize the schedule for
the next day(s). Following this there will be a prayer service. We usually
attend Mass with the local church on Sunday during the day
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| Monday - Tuesday
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Assemble at the scheduled time for breakfast and prayer. Gather, purchase or
load equipment as needed for the work projects of the day.
Activities can include:
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Building of dwellings or other such work.
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Cleaning or painting homes.
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Visiting the barrios or the ranchos.
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Visiting an orphanage in Saltillo.
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Other work and activities as the parish priest and the leaders determine to be
important.
Dinner is served at 6 pm followed by evening prayer and reflection.
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| Wednesday - Thursday
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Morning- building projects are wrapped up on Thursday so the
group may visit the ranchos, barrios, etc.
Afternoon-For those who are interested, we will usually set up
a shopping trip to downtown Saltillo on one of these two days which can include
a visit to the magnificent Saltillo Cathedral and other local points of
interest.
Evening-After shopping/sightseeing, there will be some time
for rest at the mission and clean up to get ready for dinner and Mass.
NOTE: Wednesday may be used for a day at the ranchos or for
shopping. We often have a Fiesta on Wednesday or Thursday evening. |
| Friday |
Clean rooms-strip beds and put sheets, pillow cases, blankets, towels;
Gather together for ease of washing.
Pick up trash, clean bathrooms, mop floors, etc.
Breakfast
Closing Mass and presentation of the gifts to the mission.
Load vehicle(s) or prepare for trip to airport/bus. |
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