MISSION POSSIBLE 2003 

" LIGHT OF CHRIST" MISSION 

" d LIGHT OF CATHOLIC HANDS REACHING IN SERVICE TOGETHER"

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in our 2003 mission. This is the beginning of a wonderful journey in faith and service, which will remain with you and your youth group the rest of their lives. Encouraged by the La Salette Fathers it is our hope that together we shall one day, incorporate "Mission" everywhere our La Salette Missionary priests bring the word of our Lord throughout the United States. 

As there are only 100 available spaces, let me introduce you with as much information as possible for you to make this life challenging decision for your group. Of course a more detailed information manual will be sent directly upon deposit receipt. 

What is Light of Christ Mission?

Light of Christ Mission is a Catholic-prayer based, exciting, weeklong experience of social justice through service of participating older youth and adults. Learning and acting together on justice, cultural sharing, prayer and recreation, adults and youth experience the grace and power of working in teams serving people of need. This valuable learning experience impacts their individual families and local faith communities as works of mercy and acts of justice become integrated so positively in their lives. 

What/ who make up the teams?

Teams are made up of your young people. They can be as small as 4 or 5 participants,

but not more than 20. For every five young people there must be an adult leader. A team with six young participants that include both sexes must include both male and female leaders. The adult leaders you choose must be at least 23 years of age and enjoy working with youth, as you are not just a chauffeur or disciplinarian. They must be committed to work as a team and to help prepare the young people for the selfless team experience. 

Define youth.. . what ages are we talking about here?

Light of Christ Mission targets young people 15 thru 21 years of age, who must have completed the ninth grade prior to taking part in the mission. They must be able to work in a team setting, can put up with occasional discomfort, and be flexible. They must be able to go with established rules in the best interest of the larger group, yet if the task seems forbearing they would be the first to keep commitment strong. Young people open to a growing relationship with the Father and the church community.

What about participants of non-Catholics?

Principles of Catholic social justice teaching, the celebration of Eucharist, and the Rosary are the roots of the Mission of Light, which is dedicated to Our Lady of LaSalette. Non-Catholics who are interested in participating in Mission of Light, need to be aware, in advance, that this mission is Rooted in catholic beliefs and we are asking you to be open to participating as fully as possible in all segments of the summer mission. 

Where are the young people going to be housed?

Our mission base will be at Camp Wi Ta Union, forty-five acres of beautiful forest, which is located on the Calcasieu River. It will house one hundred missionaries and their adult leaders in somewhat primitive but comfortable cabins. There will be a chapel, dining /meeting hall, infirmary and guesthouse. There is a swimming pool and courts for basketball and baseball. It is centrally located to all work assignments. 

How about travel to and from worksites?

All travel to and from worksites as well as to the Mission of Light is the responsibilities of the adult leaders of their individual parish communities. All of your drivers must be 23 years of age and will be responsible for transporting members of their teams only.

You are responsible for insurances needed to cover all vehicles. Most everyone would be covered under his or her parish insurance, as this is a church/cyo function. 

What is this going to cost? And when are the payments due?

Our program cost has been kept down to $250. per person for this eight day event. This includes program resources, lodging, meals, journals, T-shirts, work materials and supplies, cultural and recreational events.

An initial non-refundable registration fee of $50 per team member (adults and youth) reserves a space towards the best decision made in 2003. due by April 25. A second payment of $75 will be due by May 25, for each team member A Final payment of $125 per team member must be received by June 25. 

Because there are only 100 positions to fill and in hopes of having these position filled by early spring as to secure the jobsites necessary, when you apply through registration other teams and individuals are turned away. Programs cancellations in the months just prior to this mission have serious implications for the program's viability and success. In order to guarantee that Mission of light reaches as many participants and honors its financial commitments to individuals and agencies, there are Cancellation, Refund, and transfer policies in place.

Individual transfers (female transfer for female and/or male transfer for male participant) may be made as late as May 25. Transfer of the opposite sex permissible only if space allows. Individual cancellations after April 25 but before May 25, is subject to a cancellation fee of $50 plus non-refundable registration fee. No refund possible for cancellations received less than 15 days start of the mission. 

Mission of Light is dedicated to helping teens "Full fill their baptismal call to serve the poor becoming the hands heart and arms of the Lord" There will be dynamic speakers,