Romero Immersion Program
East LA Immersion Trip
Spirituality. Solidarity. Simplicity. Social Justice.
Come meet the people of Dolores Mission, a thriving faith community in East LA established by immigrants, impacted by gang violence, struggling with economic and social inequities, and committed to hope. On this immersion, we will be staying at Dolores Mission Parish and serving at various organizations including Homeboy Industries, the LA Catholic Worker, Midnight Mission, Guadalupe Homeless Project, and other community partners.
Applications are currently closed and will reopen in the Fall 2022.
What is the LA Immersion?
Through interactions with these agencies, we will be exploring issues of restorative justice, urban education, and homelessness. There will be opportunities to participate in liturgy, prayer, and reflection throughout the trip. Students of all faith traditions are welcome to participate.
Kinship is not serving the other, but being one with the other. Jesus was not a man for others, he was one with them. There is a world of difference in that.
Why go on Immersion?
- To learn more about the impact of injustice in our local communities.
- To encounter the people of God in an intentional and meaningful way.
- To deepen our spirituality and faith through a commitment to justice.
- To begin looking at the world through a critical, justice-oriented lens.
- To understand that the work of service and justice is a lifelong commitment.
- To go forth from this experience and practice the values of spirituality, solidarity, simplicity, and social justice in our everyday lives.
An invitation to work for ‘the culture of encounter’, in a simple way, as Jesus did: not just seeing, but looking; not just hearing, but listening; not just passing people by, but stopping with them… allowing yourself to be moved with compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost for the immersion experience is $80 and includes transportation, meals and lodging.
Financial Aid:
We never want finances to be a source of anxiety or to get in the way of anyone attending an immersion. Because of this, financial assistance is available. If you are in need of any financial assistance, please fill out this request for financial aid. If accepted, this request will be honored.
If you have any questions regarding financial aid or cost contact Sr. Maria Dela Paz (mdelapaz@sandiego.edu).
Many of the people who we encounter throughout the trip speak in Spanish. People communicate in many different ways other than using their native language. That being said, we will translate what is necessary. Even if you don't know any Spanish, you can still have meaningful encounters with the people of Dolores Mission.
- Everyone must be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine to be able to attend. This is to ensure the safety and protection of our community partners and all those attending.
- A negative COVID test must be provided 48 hours before departure
- Students will need to get tested on their own.
- The County of San Diego Public Health Department has a COVID-19 testing site on the University of San Diego campus.
- Additionally, the County of San Diego offers scheduling services for no-cost COVID-19 testing, with several locations in the San Diego area.
- Most major pharmacies (e.g. CVS, Rite Aid, etc.) provide testing
- Rapid antigen testing (i.e. over-the-counter home testing kits) will not be an acceptable form of testing
- The County of San Diego Public Health Department has a COVID-19 testing site on the University of San Diego campus.
- Students will need to get tested on their own.
- Students who feel unwell leading up to the immersion must contact University Ministry prior to departure.
- Sleeping accommodations will be in an open floor format. Everyone will be sleeping on the floor in the same room with sleeping bags.