A Catholic Mission Immersion gives a small group of students or adults unparalleled opportunities to move beyond being merely tourists through the long-standing partnerships that Catholic Mission has built with Indigenous communities within Australia and communities around the world.
The purpose of an immersion is to allow participants to experience life, faith and justice from a new perspective and to inspire them to live a personal sense of their own Catholic “mission” when they return home.
A Unique Invitation
Within Australia…
Catholic Mission’s unique position and history of partnerships over many years means that communities, parishes, and schools throughout Central and Northern Australia are open to sharing their lives in ways that very few tourists or visitors ever experience.
Guided by local Elders and guides, days on‑country are spent exploring the natural beauty of the land, visiting sacred sights, and discovering the spiritual connection that the First Nations people have held for more than 40,000 years.
Each group has its own unique experiences and opportunities to connect with and learn about the local Indigenous culture from the people met along the way. Participants immerse themselves in the Aboriginal stories of these places and return with a deeper appreciation, which provides the base for future commitments to promoting reconciliation and change.
And Beyond…
Immersions are offered in partnership with Catholic Mission’s partners in:
- Cambodia
- Timor Leste
- The Philippines
- Thailand
Inclusions:
- Flights, accommodation, meals, and local transport.
- Insurance and Risk Management services.
- Local Guides, Elders and an accompanying Catholic Mission trained Facilitator for the duration of the immersion.
- All permits and entry fees.
- Donations and fair remuneration for Indigenous partners.
This is a 3-Phase Program
PHASE 1: A 6-hour preparation workshop held 4-6 weeks prior to departure, held at a time and place that is convenient for the group. The workshop is facilitated by Catholic Mission and prepares participants for what to expect, logistics, and how to sensitively and respectfully approach the experience to receive the most while on immersion.
PHASE 2: The on country immersion.
PHASE 3: A 3-hour review workshop facilitated by Catholic Mission in which participants debrief, discuss what they have learnt and review their experience. Participants reflect on what they are personally called to do with this new-found knowledge in living out their mission of cultivating a more just and compassionate society. They are particularly challenged to consider how they can promote reconciliation with their Indigenous sisters and brothers.
Vision of mission and immersion
Immersion is a powerful strategy in helping us understand and involve ourselves in Jesus’ mission. Through the immersion experience we come face to face with local people and recognise them as our brothers and sisters. We empathise with them and share their daily joys and sorrows, celebrating their richness and gifts, and feeling for their pain. We learn as much from them, possibly more, as they learn from us.
Guided throughout the experience by critical and prayerful questioning, we recognise that we are involved in and partly responsible for their reality in this global society
Security, safety and risk
The security and safety of all participants in immersions are the foremost priority in designing the immersion program. A suite of preparatory and precautionary measures are taken to ensure that risk is minimised as much as possible. Immersions will only proceed where risks can be managed to a satisfactory level.
Contact us
John Kerrigan Immersions Business Manager
Tel 02 9919 7824
mob 0400745390