Mission Ideas and Trends
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. New Endeavors Include: Immersion ExperiencesThese provide individuals 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. The Texas Mission Council has developed " Guidelines for Mission Experiences" that could be useful for any group planning a short mission trip. Twinning RelationshipsThese 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 Diocesan Mission ActivityMission activities vary in different dioceses. An increasing number of dioceses have mission educators on staff who are available to schools and parish groups. Many dioceses support short-term mission experiences and twinning/partnering relationships. Over 120 diocesan priests work in global and cross-cultural mission activity. Short-Term MissionOne of the latest and most popular trends in mission activity, short term mission, is currently receiving a good deal of attention. Areas of mission that fall into this category are: immersion Experiences, Service Learning, medical missions and exchange visit with partners in twinning projects. More information on Short-Term Mission is available in the Publications section of this site. | 