Short-term Mission


Although the Mission remains the same, how it is carried out is constantly evolving. USCMA tracks the latest trends and ideas in mission studies and practices through on-going research and collaboration with other mission-focused organizations.

Short-term mission is currently receiving a good deal of attention.  Areas of mission which fall into this category are: Immersion Experience, Service Learning, Medical missions and exchange visits with partners through twinning projects.

Immersion experiences provide people with brief cross-cultural experiences ranging in length from one week to six months. Some programs are designed as work projects while others have a more educational focus. While not all immersion experiences are designed as "mission" endeavors they can serve as good cross-cultural preparations and wake-up calls to a dormant baptismal calling. Service learning programs and medical missions are examples of this type of experience.

Twinning projects offer dioceses and parishes the opportunity to share in the life and culture of another diocese or parish here in the United Stated or around the world. These relationships can be mutually beneficial leading those involved to a tangible experience of solidarity with the Universal Church and a culture other than their own. Small Christian Communities also engage in these relationships.

Seminar on Short-term Mission Service

A one-day seminar on Short-term Mission was presented by Julie Lupien and Sr. Kathryn Pierce prior to the opening of Mission Congress 2005. A resource booklet on short-term mission (e.g. exchange visits for twinning partners, medical missions and service-learning endeavors) was used in this "training the trainers" workshop addressing issues such as mission motivation and theological perspectives on mission and culture, practical preparation prior to the mission experience as well as pointers for those leading the experience.

Julie Lupien who has authored a resource booklet, "Remaining Faithful," of guidelines for the returning group of short-term missioners had developed concepts needed for those debriefing the journey and bringing the experience to their churches and communities at home. The implementation of this phase of the mission experience is developed through a number of gatherings spaced at intervals to help the participants in making the mission experience a truly foundational faith experience.

For more information about this seminar and the available materials, as well as future guides contact Julie Lupien, Executive Director of From Mission to Mission.

Also see more information about Short-Term Mission in the Publications section.

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