Mission Trips
Upcoming One Week Trips
Trip Information
Location
La Victoria is located just north of Santo Domingo, the capital. We fly into Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ). La Victoria is one of the poorest areas of the Dominican Republic. The center of town is a block away. It is modest but welcoming. Most of our visits to families will be a short drive to the campo. This is the diverse rural area nearby. Look for “Santuario Vírgen Schoenstatt, Calle San Antonio, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic” in maps.
Accommodations
•Schoenstatt Shrine Retreat Center (food, water, and lodging) •Schoenstatt Shrine & Schoenstatt Sisters Of Mary •The compound for the sisters is called the sanctuary.
Mission Goals
Immerse yourself into the culture, pace of life, food, music, and language. Recognize what we can learn from the community of La Victoria. Understand their needs. Not what we think they need. Build Friendships and Relationships. Understand and observe local economics and our effects.
Mission Work & Projects
Delivering Food Baskets to the neediest families Visiting the children at the Nutrition Center. Visiting the English Immersion Schools. Learning about community building Helping families by working on construction projects such as pouring cement floors, painting, etc. Praying with the families of La Victoria Focusing aid as directed by the sisters Distributing shoes and books to local schools Assisting with facility maintenance as needed
Pilgrimage
Learn about our hosts, Schoenstatt Sisters Of Mary Capital of Grace; Transformation of Heart, Hospitality, Apostolic Zeal For The Lord Attend daily mass in the Shrine, which is on the Retreat Center Campus Attend adoration & mass at the local parish, St. Anthony of Padua Explain why we are helping and the benefits of faith
Costs
Costs will include room, food and local ground transportation. Funds will be wired in advance. Airfare will be acquired individually, or coordinated by your group's leader. Ground transportation will be arranged by PWLV unless otherwise discussed, and cost will be finalized shortly after final roster of missionaries.
Fundraising
Fundraising is recommended and done on an individual basis. Teens are encouraged to collaborate. It will help with project expenses. Focus is helping the biggest needs, only as directed by sisters. It's amazing how we always recognize an unexpected need, no matter what our plans are. Additional money is important.
Health and Safety
Travel Health: Consider pre-trip consultation with your physician or travel clinic - passporthealth.com is a local Tampa travel clinic that provides evaluation and medications/vaccines as needed. -Precautions: Covid, Zika virus, malaria, other mosquito borne illnesses - it is recommended to use bug spray. Sunscreen. The closer proximity to the equator can result rapid and severe sun burns. Bring lots of SPF and apply frequently. Drinking Water: Only drink water and ice that is bottled. This includes brushing teeth. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill with treated water, which is provided by the nuns in the dining room of the retreat center Food: We only eat food prepared at the retreat center. We will let you know when exceptions are safe. Regarding food and water, the local people have adapted to bacterias that are unfriendly to visitors Behavior: remember we are guests and ambassadors representing Americans, the Church. Clothing: Visits include churches. It is necessary to be dressed appropriately. These are not suggestions. Men must wear long pants. Women must cover shoulders and knees. We honor their culture. Revealing attire is not welcomed. Common sense safe practices will be discussed regarding traveling safely outside the retreat center etc.
Communication while in La Victoria
Download Google translate. Regardless of phone carrier, cell service is intermittent. Several carriers offer an upgrade so you can have service in the DR. Most of the area is rural. It's rarely worth the frustration. There is free wi-fi at the Retreat Center for all guests. WhatsApp is a helpful app that functions as free texting over wi-fi. Download WhatsApp before traveling and practice using it. Most travelers use this to communicate with friends and family who remain in the US. Our local drivers have cell phones in an emergency. We suggest turning your cell phone to airplane mode when leaving the retreat center to avoid draining your battery searching for a signal.
Immersion
Learning from LV Community
Building friendships
Boosting their economy
Pace of life
Experience culture
Mission Work
Painting
English Immersion School
Building homes
Nutrition Center visits
Community building
Food Baskets
Pilgrimage
Cathedral visits
Praying together
Sharing our Catholic Faith
Daily Mass & Prayer