Los Angeles Immersion
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.
Application will open in the Fall 2026 semester.
What is the LA Immersion?
Through interactions with these agencies, we will be exploring issues of restorative justice, urban education, immigration, homelessness, and other social justice issues impacting the LA community. 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 our local communities in intentional and meaningful ways.
- 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 to practice a faith that does justice.
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 total cost is $80 and includes all meals, transportation, lodging, and donations to our community partners.
If you have any questions regarding financial aid or cost, please reach out to Kenny Van Tilburg at kvantilburg@sandiego.edu.
We never want the cost to prevent students from enjoying our programs. Because of this, financial assistance is available! If you would like to request assistance (100% or 50%), please click the "Request Financial Aid" option on the registration link and follow the steps to be taken for financial assistance. All requests will be honored.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Kenny Van Tilburg at kvantilburg@sandiego.edu.
Please email Kenny Van Tilburg at kvantilburg@SanDiego.edu if you have any questions.