What is Austin CARITAS?
Austin CARITAS was founded by a group of Catholic university students called by Christ and the Blessed Mother to be the missionaries of our times. They felt a calling to help their own community through an inner-city mission right here in Austin. Eight years later, the missionaries volunteer at over twenty non-profit organizations over the span of five days. Additionally, this mission trip is also combined with spiritual formation such as daily Mass, spiritual talks, Adoration, and more.
When will Austin CARITAS be held in 2023?
This 5-day mission will begin Monday, December 11 and end on Friday, December 15. Missionaries will stay at St. Paul Catholic Church.
What is the motto for Austin Caritas 2023?
The theme of the mission for this year will be released soon!
Preparing for the Mission
How will I be spiritually prepared throughout the mission?
Through the Capital of Grace! The Capital of Grace is what we offer to the Blessed Mother in our strivings to be saints and service to the needy so that we may receive God's graces that she dispenses to us. This helps to sanctify our lives and the lives of those we serve.
What should I pack and bring to the mission?
Some services require volunteers to wear pants and closed-toed shoes, so be sure to pack that. Also, we will be sleeping on floors, so we encourage you to bring either an air mattress or multiple blankets for your sleeping bag.
Sleeping bag/air mattress, pillow, blankets
Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc)
Bath towel
Shower shoes
Clothing:
Please check the weather before you pack. Please be conscious of the appropriate outer-wear to take.
Attire you can work in and wouldn't mind getting dirty and are comfortable walking in: jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes, etc.
Close-toed shoes
Work gloves
Sleep clothes
Sunday Mass outfit
What if I do not have anywhere to stay the night the day before the mission starts?
We know that some students are traveling from outside of Austin or Texas and will be arriving the night before. If you have yet to find a place to stay the evening before, please email us at austincaritas@schoenstatt.us so that we can help with sleeping arrangements.
During the Mission
Where will I be staying during the mission?
Missionaries will be staying at St. Paul Catholic Church located at 10000 David Moore Dr. Austin, TX 78748. Directions can be found on the info page linked on the homepage.
What will we be doing during the mission?
At CARITAS you will volunteer at different places and non-profit organizations around Austin. In the past, we have gone to places like the Central Texas Food Bank, Micah 6, Street Youth Ministry. Every day you will have the opportunity to go on two volunteer shifts; one in the morning and another in the afternoon. We will also have Daily Mass, Adoration and formation talks every day, as well as team activities and games.
Will I need to bring my car?
We have designated team drivers that will help transport the teams to each service. If you have agreed to be a team driver, you should have been contacted by us. If you are not a team driver, you can still bring your car if you want but it is not required.
