Travel to Haiti - Immersion Retreats

Each year, two immersion/retreat trips to Haiti are planned and designed to give the participants a firsthand experience of conditions in impoverished countries. Participants are introduced to the history, culture, economic, political and spiritual aspects of Haiti and are given an opportunity to begin to establish relationships with Haitian people. These experiences are called retreats because they are done in the context of prayer and reflection. Retreats are taken in Haiti because, as the economically poorest and most densely populated country in our hemisphere, it is the officially designated outreach area of the Diocese of Richmond. The trip will include meetings with people who live and work in Haiti and can share their knowledge and perspectives; visits to parishes and projects who are twinned with parishes in the Diocese of Richmond; and if available an overnight home stay with a Haitian family.

Upcoming Date

  • November 29-December 6, 2008

Cost

$1,400 (including all travel, food, and lodging, the pre-retreat orientation and the debriefing session). A $100 refundable deposit must accompany the application (check made payable to the Diocese of Richmond); the balance must be paid one month prior to departure.

The airline tickets are non-refundable, so if the applicant cancels after the ticket is issued, the applicant will be responsible for the cost of the ticket.

Requirements

Applicants must:

1) Participate in the Orientation Retreat which is an overnight retreat at a retreat center and in the Debriefing Session. Date scheduled below:

  • Date to be announced

2) Hold a current U.S. passport.

Applications

Download an application (includes fundraising ideas and the information on this page)

Return with a $100 deposit check to
Patrice Schwermer
Office of Justice and Peace
7800 Carousel Lane
Richmond, VA 23294-4201

Applications and deposits must be received by:

  • September 30, 2008

Applications must have one letter of recommendation (from a teacher, employer, priest, or other minister) sent directly to us endorsing your participating in this retreat.

For further information, call 804/622-5129 or email pschwermer@richmonddiocese.org