“I am excited about an opportunity to live intentionally in a faith and service community, similar to the apostles of Jesus,” said  Fr. Jordan when discussing NDA’s spring break mission trip.

The change from the Canton, Mississippi, trip to Birmingham, Alabama, was because after 20+ years Canton, Mississippi, will no longer be able to support the school’s service trip there.

The organizer who ran the home improvement/repair outreach program in Canton is retiring. In addition, with the cost of liability insurance for hosting minors under 18 years old, Father Jordan said the cost is too much for many small programs that reach out to the poor and marginalized.

Consequently, Fr. Jordan chose the new site after doing a lot of research online and reaching out to people in charitable organizations. 

YouthWorks, he decided, was the best option on such short notice and was in compliance with the Diocese of Green Bay’s safe environment policies.  

“I think it would be good to go somewhere warm and have a similar feel to Canton, Mississippi.  Birmingham, Alabama, will provide an opportunity for our group to learn more about the civil rights movement and racial tensions in our nation,” said the priest.

Since this is a new trip, Fr. Jordan is not entirely sure what the students will be doing, but some  suggestions from the organization YouthWorks included home improvement projects like painting as well as serving the homeless.

The number of students will depend on how many adult chaperones are willing to go and help out. 

“I’m hoping to take 15 students but may be able to take as many as 20,” said Fr. Jordan. Fr. Pat, he added, is considering making the trip.

The cost of the trip, which is affected by going through a service organization that sets up a service site and lodging for the group, will be between $500 on the low end but possibly up to $600. 

So far Fr. Jordan has received 20 applications from students interested in making the trip.