Disclaimer: Though these opportunities are extended to NACN-USA members — Please note that these are independent trips and are not sponsored by NACN-USA. Volunteers represent themselves and are not representing NACN-USA.
Short Term Opportunities
In Lourdes, European “Hospitalities” help travelers from their countries make pilgrimage to Lourdes.Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers (often referred to as Lourdes Volunteers) is the Hospitality in the Americas recognized by the Sanctuary at Lourdes. A non-profit charitable organization and a Public Associati
on of the Christian Faithful (status under the Vatican), Lourdes Volunteers operates several pilgrimages to Lourdes each year, making it possible for hundreds of people to travel with us as pilgrims or volunteers. Welcomed are those healthy companions and medical professionals wishing to volunteer, those seeking healing (including those who cannot travel with many of the organized tour companies because of special travel needs), those university students wanting to make a difference in the world around them. All are welcomed. [Read more]
Special Needs Pilgrimages (June/October)
To serve as a nurse, companion, caregiver or as a pilgrim, contact: info@lourdesvolunteers.org.
Application
Medical & Leadership Meeting – Annually a weekend in February/March – North American Lourdes Volunteers holds a Medical & Leadership Meeting. This meeting provides an orientation and overview for medical professionals who may want to volunteer to accompany special needs pilgrimage to Lourdes. For more information: www.lourdesvolunteers.org
Sponsored by the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA and the Knights of Columbus, non-wounded, wounded, disabled or sick military personnel travel from the United States and Europe to Lourdes for a time of rest, prayer and participation in the International Military Pilgrimage. The 7-day retreat consists of a number of spiritual events, including special Masses, Eucharistic Procession and Benediction, a visit to the baths at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a candlelight vigil and a closing ceremony that draws tens of thousands of troops to the sacred shrine every year. The pilgrimage occurs in May each year and the deadline for application and payment is January 31st. Healthcare professionals are needed to assist. For more information email: Lourdes@KofC.org or visit Warriors To Lourdes Website
Annually Mid-May Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage- Annual International Military Pilgrimage.
12624 Everglade Road
Abbeville, LA 70510
337-893-6111;
serve.familymissionscompany.com
FMC’s primary mission is evangelization: to lovingly share Christ’s message of salvation, expecting nothing in return, while profoundly respecting the freedom and dignity of every person and culture. We do this through engagement and dialogue with those we serve. We live with them. We pray and study the Bible with them. We share Jesus with them and learn from them. We faithfully work to meet the material needs of those we serve. Our ministries provide children, the elderly, the infirm and imprisoned, the dispirited and the unemployed with home visits, food, education services, building projects and medical assistance.
P.O. Box 8, Greeley, CO 80632, 970-616-0411
www.imfmission.org
The IMF is a Catholic non-profit organization dedicated to serving the suffering Christ in the poor while offering parishioners a spiritual immersion experience through Parish2Parish partnerships with developing nations.
Just over 50 Years ago the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Missionary.
Just over 50 Years ago the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church (Ad Gentes) proclaimed that, “The pilgrim Church on earth is missionary by its very nature,” resounding the call for all of us to be on mission. Pope Francis has said that “Those who follow Christ cannot fail to be missionaries…” and that we need to get out of the house…and go to the margins…and that “mission is a passion for Jesus and at the same time a passion for his people.”
In response to this call, YOU are invited to share your “passion for Jesus with some of his people” – some of our least brothers and sisters in Christ at the Mustard Seed Communities mission in Kingston, Jamaica – just as some of our NACN members did during the trip offered in 2016 (see NACN Summer 2016 Newsletter for details). The mission is home to hundreds of residents – from newborn to age 40 – who are vulnerable and marginalized – who have been abandoned by society. Mustard Seed Communities residents are those with various disabilities and conditions, some of which include profound birth defects, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, cystic fibrosis, HIV, mental and behavioral health disorders, along with pregnant teen girls who have been victimized.
If you feel the call to expand your horizons, have wondered what it would be like to go on a mission trip and serve those living in impoverished conditions in a developing country, or just want to see what the Lord may do in your life as “the hands of Christ” to “his people” – get out of your comfort zone and come experience being missionary!
Ask if God is calling you…then contact Cheryl Hettman hettmanca@hotmail.com
Long Term Opportunities
Do You Know of Other Opportunities Abroad?
If you know of any opportunities for Catholic Nurses to serve in their professional capacity assisting those in need through a Catholic organization, please provide information through our Contact Us page.
