Launched in 1997 and named after alumnus and martyr Fr. Thomas J. Gafney, S.J. ’50, the mission trip program offers students an opportunity to directly encounter the poor and marginalized, just as Jesus did. Through domestic and international destinations participants practice prayer, service, reflection, learning and looking for God in all things, people and places.
Most trips are offered to students the summer before their senior year, but a couple trips also provide opportunities for rising juniors. Interested students must complete an application and, often, an interview, in order to be considered for a mission trip.
Financial aid may be awarded on the basis of the applicant’s financial need. Any student with a heart filled with faith and a desire to serve those most on the margins should apply, regardless of financial situation. Please see Mr. Tracy or Mr. Pacetti with questions.
To learn more about mission trips, please contact Mr. Michael Tracy.
Summer 2023 Offerings
Urban Challenge
WHAT? Want to better understand the issues of urban poverty and inequality that we see here in Cleveland? The Romero Center is an urban, service-learning, immersion experience rooted in the Catholic faith tradition where we look at issues of urban unemployment, housing and education from the perspective of our Christian faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church. For more info: romerocenter.org
WHO? 8 - 12 Members of the Class of 2025
WHEN? July 10 - 15, 2023
WHERE? Camden, NY and Philadelphia, PA
COST? $400.00
CHAPERONES? Mrs. Beth McDonnell and Mr. Mike Strauss
Rural Work Projects
WHAT? Join over 100 volunteers from all over the country at the Wayne County Work Camp in rural West Virginia. Since 1983, this camp has provided opportunities for volunteers of all faiths to put faith into practice by doing home repair for local families. You will get to know the family you serve as you live, work and pray with the people of the Wayne County community.
WHO? 10 Members of Class of 2025
WHEN? June 11-17, 2023
WHERE? Wayne County, West Virginia
COST? $250 per student
CHAPERONES? Fr. Reim, SJ and TBA
Gang Rehabilitation and Serving the Homeless
WHAT? Based out of Dolores Mission Catholic Church, the Jesuit parish in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, we will witness the ways this community is addressing its challenges by focusing on its gifts and not just on its problems. Visits will include stops at Homeboy industries, which has created numerous job opportunities for ex-gang members, and other ministries serving this Latino neighborhood.
WHO? 8-12 Members of Class of 2024 and 2025
WHEN? June 17-24, 2022
WHERE? Los Angeles, California
COST? $825 per student
CHAPERONES? Ms. Erin Conway and TBA
Mexican Border Experience
WHAT? Our group will travel to El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico to gain a new perspective on the ongoing refugee crisis on our southern border. We will partner with a Jesuit organization, Encuentroproject.org, to encounter the men, women and children living on the border who are impacted by this challenging situation and look at it principally from the perspective of our Christian faith.
WHO? 6-8 Members of the Class of 2024
WHEN? April 10-15, 2023
WHERE? El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico
COST? $1200 per student
CHAPERONES? Mr. Mike Strauss and Mrs. Elisa Bredendiek
International Immersion and Work Project
WHAT? If you are up for a challenge, we invite you to consider traveling to the Dominican Republic to stay in a rural community, live with a native Dominican family who will embrace you as their son, communicate in a new language and engage in a physically demanding work project. This is a truly rich and rewarding experience organized by ILAC, a Jesuit-sponsored organization.
WHO? 6-8 Members of the Class of 2024
WHEN? June 5-13, 2023
WHERE? Rural Dominican Republic
COST? $1900 per student
CHAPERONES? Mr. Rodney Gallaway and Mr. Dan True
We encourage you to apply today!