Immersions | Mission & Ministry | Saint Francis High School

IN THIS SECTION

Immersion experiences offer Saint Francis students the unique opportunity to see the world with new eyes, learn about economic, political, social, historical and cultural factors that contribute to injustice both locally and globally and translate their experiences into action in the world.

Through immersion experiences, students are encouraged to consider how their hearts and minds can serve the world and be agents of change. Immersion opportunities are available to current juniors and seniors. An information night for interested students and their families is held each fall.

“Our mission sends us across borders of every sort. Often we must make ourselves at home among more than one people or culture, reminding us again that the farther we go in giving the more we stand to receive. Our broader experience allows both the appreciation and the critique of every culture and the disclosure that no culture of this world can be our abiding home.”

Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, 2:17

Immersion Applications

Important Dates for Immersion Applications

October 6 Immersion Information Night
October 7 Application Link sent to Juniors and Seniors
October 24 Completed Applications Due
November 12 Accepted and Waitlisted emails sent
November 17 Immersion Tenet Night
November 21 Signed Contracts Due to Campus Ministry
February 2026 Tuition Account Payment for Full Immersion Fees

Apply to be a Immersion Student Leader

Apply for an Immersion

Trips We are Offering

Get the Immersion Program Information Sheet

February Break
East Los Angeles February 13-16, 2026 The Dolores Mission Immersion Program provides high school and university students the opportunity to grow in solidarity and relationship with the men and women of Dolores Mission. Students travel to East Los Angeles, California to be immersed in the Boyle Heights neighborhood. Students learn about Homeboy Industries, the nation’s largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. Students will work with the Guadalupano Homeless Project preparing and serving meals to shelter residents, and will prepare and serve meals at Midnight Mission.
Easter Break
Washington, D.C. April 4-10, 2026 Students will travel to our nation’s capital where they will learn about food insecurity and homelessness in the DC area. Participants will engage in service opportunities with organizations on the front lines of the fight to end homelessness, increase access to affordable housing, and create a healthy, sustainable, and accessible food system that is equitable for all. There will be a mix of direct service as well as learning about advocacy and listening to personal stories. Partners include The National Coalition for the Homeless, Martha’s Table, So Others Might Eat, ONE DC, and DC Central Kitchen. There will also be an opportunity for museum visits, sightseeing, and recreational activities.
New Orleans Immersion April 3-9, 2026 Students will be working in New Orleans, Louisiana to assist in relief efforts after the devastation of several hurricanes. Students will be working with Saint Bernard Project of New Orleans, working with Americorps volunteers on either house repair or demolition, and there will be opportunities to visit significant locations in the local area.
Guatemala Immersion April 3-12, 2026 Students will partner with Courts for Kids to help build a sports court alongside the community of Xolja, Guatemala. Throughout this experience, they will deepen their knowledge of Guatemala and gain a meaningful understanding of the people—their lives, histories, and hopes for the future—while forming lasting relationships. The group will work hand-in-hand with local residents and be fully immersed in Guatemalan culture by sharing authentic meals, learning traditions and customs, and experiencing daily life in the community.
Summer Break
Holy Cross Immersion June 1-5, 2026 Five students from each of the five other Holy Cross Schools in the former Southwest Province will travel to the host school for this immersion. This will be an experience of service work and living in Christian community with students from other Holy Cross High Schools. This is an opportunity that includes learning about the common values experienced by students in Holy Cross High Schools, combined with service to the local area where we are staying. This year’s Holy Cross Immersion will take place at Notre Dame Sherman Oaks High School in Los Angeles, CA. This is a great opportunity to share in the community of our larger Holy Cross family
Pine Ridge Reservation Immersion May 27-June 2, 2026 Students will be connecting with the Lakota community on the Pine Ridge Reservation and staying in Allen, SD. Students will have the opportunity to learn about Lakota life and culture, work on a community-led service project, and explore the natural beauty of the area. Cultural and recreational activities may include visiting cultural museums, visiting nearby landmarks, learning from local Lakota about family land use, traditional arts, and sampling traditional foods.
El Salvador Immersion Dates TBD Students will work with the organization Crispaz (Christians for Peace in El Salvador) to develop a greater knowledge of El Salvador as a whole and to develop an understanding of the people (about their lives, histories, and hopes or the future) and to build relationships. The group will visit the martyr sites, grassroots organizations, a rural community (where they will spend several days in homestays with families), fair trade crafts and cultural activities, and will hear speakers on history, politics, economics, and current issues in El Salvador.
Brazil Immersion Dates TBD Students will work to support the Holy Cross Brothers in their work located in Campinas, Brazil (affiliated with Parõquia São José de Jaguaré and Colégio Notre Dame de Campinas). Students will work with a variety of organizations, including working at the two CECOIA community centers run by the Brothers of Holy Cross. Students will have the opportunity to connect with other Holy Cross students from the Colégio de Notre Dame as well as learn about the cultural, political, and economic realities that face Brazil. Through this immersion, students will help to grow our Holy Cross Family.
New Orleans Immersion May 29-June 4, 2026 Students will be working in New Orleans, Louisiana to assist in relief efforts after the devastation of several hurricanes. Students will be working with Saint Bernard Project of New Orleans, working with Americorps volunteers on either house repair or demolition, and there will be opportunities to visit significant locations in the local area.
Philippines Immersion Dates TBD We will be partnering with Moreau Catholic High School to travel to the Philippines. Students will spend several days in homestays, doing service projects with the Diocese of Laoag Catholic Education System. We will also spend several days in Manila where we will be working with the Tondo community by providing meals as well as participating in an educational drive project. We will assist local community members with various service projects in the capital. There will be opportunities to visit significant locations in the local area.