Guatemala Outreach
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Looking back: Our 2024 Mission
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"For I know what I have planned for you," says the LORD. "I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope." Jeremiah 29:1
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Our Mission:
This ministry began here at Notre Dame in 2014. With our most recent mission this past August 2024, we have built 30 homes for 30 families needing shelter!
Our mission is to bring the Good News to our brothers and sisters in Guatemala by sending a group of disciples each year who will, in partnership with the From Houses to Homes organization, work for a week to build homes in one of the poorest areas of Guatemala. It is an extraordinary journey that changes not only the life of a deserving family but also the lives of those who choose to participate!
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Contact:
If you have any questions or need additional information regarding our Guatemala Outreach Ministry, please contact Cristina Folan at [email protected] / 973-538-1358, Ext. 105.
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Looking forward to 2025!We are excited to embark on another mission to build homes during the second week of August 2025! Please pray and consider joining us for this extraordinary experience! Come to our information session on Wednesday, March 19, at 7:00 pm, downstairs in the Resource Library.
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Support our Mission
Click HERE to make a donation to support our mission this August! Be sure to note Guatemala Outreach in the comments of the form!
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Requirements
- Volunteers must be 14 or over. Any volunteer under 21 must be accompanied by a parent.
- Your Time: The trip is planned for August. The work week is five days (Monday through Friday). Travel takes place the weekend before and after, depending on flight availability and cost.
- Your Will & Desire: From Houses to Homes assigns two workers to each worksite who will guide the project. It is not necessary that participants be knowledgeable in construction or carpentry -- they do need to bring a heart for service and a desire to help in any way they can according to each individual's personal capabilities.
- Your Heart: One of the most meaningful aspects of this mission is the opportunity to get to know the families for whom you will build the home. The more participants open their hearts to those families and to the experience, the more meaningful and fruitful the mission will be!
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Travel DatesCurrently, we estimate leaving Friday, August 8, 2025. We would spend the weekend acclimating to Antigua's beautiful culture, landscapes, and surrounding area. Our workweek will begin on Monday, August 11, and conclude Friday, August 15. We will head back home either Friday evening or Saturday morning. While flight arrangements are still being explored, these are the dates we are targeting.
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Expenses
The following is a list of estimated expenses (estimated for 2024). It is important to note that the ministry conducts selected fundraising events to help offset the cost of the $600 per volunteer donation.
- FHTH Per Volunteer donation of $600.
- Airfare: The current estimate is $600 (early commitment is necessary in order to secure a group itinerary).
- Lodging: We will plan to stay at Hotel Casa Antigua. The cost will depend on the number of people sharing a given room. Breakfast is included.
- Meals: Dinner and weekend meals (lunch & dinner) at local restaurants -- many options available to meet personal/expense needs. For weekday lunch, we pack sandwiches and snacks, which we bring to the worksite (we purchase bread, peanut butter, jelly, etc., at a local store).
- Excursions and other recreational activities, such as volcano climbs, zip lining, coffee plantation tours, etc., are available at additional expense on non-workdays.
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Fundraisers
Fundraising helps us offset the expense for the mission, particularly a portion of the $600 donation.
Shoprite Bagging - Saturday, July 5, 2025
Applebee's Pancake Breakfast - Saturday, June 14, 2025 -
Documentation Requirements
- All volunteers must access and complete the VOLUNTEER PACKET and submit it to Cristina Folan in the Parish Office.
- Volunteers 18 (by travel time) and over must complete VIRTUS REQUIREMENTS.
- Required by the Guatemala government: electronic traveler declaration immigration form
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From Houses to Homes: More Info...
Click here to access the From Houses to Homes website, which offers Volunteer FAQs: https://www.fromhousestohomes.org/volunteers
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