These trips, which attract participants of a variety of ages from teens to senior adults, provide an opportunity to live out the Gospel through service to others who are particularly in need or marginalized in some way.

Beyond the immediate assistance they are able to provide, mission trips also offer a deeper experience of the life of faith. This service is not solely about material help but contains an aspect of sharing the Gospel through evangelization. Mission trips enable participants to embrace both aspects.

While it is one thing to read about charity and service, it’s another to actively live them out. Mission trips turn these into tangible acts, reflecting both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Some trips focus on the corporal works through caring for the sick, feeding the homeless, or repairing damaged buildings in communities. Others focus more on the spiritual works through organized Bible studies, spending time with the mentally ill, or sharing Jesus with those who have not heard the Gospel before. 

With initiatives like the Acts of Mercy Challenge currently underway in the Diocese, mission trips are one impactful way to put faith into action. While they make a difference in the lives of those being ministered to, these experiences often transform participants, deepening their faith life and commitment to serving others.

Do you feel called to share the Gospel with others and serve those in need? Do you desire to deepen your own faith while performing works of mercy? Consider signing up for a mission trip whether it be within the U.S. or abroad.