Carondelet High School
Campus Ministry
Ven a Ver Immersion Application
Due: Tuesday, September 6th in Campus
What is Ven a Ver?
Ven a Ver is Spanish for the phrase “come and see.” Jesus invited his disciples to “come and see” what he was
all about. Today, Jesus continues to invite us to spend time walking in the shoes of the poor, homeless,
powerless, and voiceless.
Ven a Ver Salinas is an immersion into the reality of homelessness and the migrant farm worker community.
Students will travel to Salinas, CA to get a glimpse of the lives of those on the margins of our society. We will
spend our days cooking and serving food for the homeless, tutoring children, harvesting vegetables with
migrant farm workers, and in prayer and reflection, among other things. The goal of this trip is for students to
have a personal encounter with the poor. We hope this encounter will enhance their understanding of the
Catholic concepts of Human Dignity and Solidarity. Juniors & Seniors may apply.
Ven a Ver San Diego is an immersion into the reality of the US/ Mexico border and immigration. Students will
travel to San Diego, CA to experience the border first hand. They will meet with humanitarian aid workers,
migrant day laborers, border patrol agents, and Catholic Charities social workers to more fully understand the
experience of immigrants. Through prayer and sharing, students will reflect on these experiences. The goal of
this immersion is for students to have a personal encounter with the border, while looking through the lens of
faith, in order to have an informed opinion about immigration. Juniors & Seniors may apply.
Ven a Ver Washington D.C. is an immersion into the reality of social injustice and political advocacy. Students
will travel to Washington D.C. to participate in the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice with other high school
and college students from across the country. Students will hear from experts and theologians about our
responsibility to respond to the needs of our time. Students will have the opportunity to advocate for justice by
going to the capitol and talking with elected congresspersons. The goal is for students to understand that faith
and justice are intricately linked and to experience a personal conversion toward living a life of advocacy for
and solidarity with the poor and marginalized in our world. All grades may apply.
Please complete steps 1 – 7 in order to apply for Ven a Ver:
1. Name: ____________________________________________ Grade: ______________
Email: _______________________________________ Phone: _________________________
Have you applied for Ven a Ver in the past? yes/ no
Have you attended Ven a Ver in the past? yes/ no
If yes, which Ven a Ver? _______________
2. Which Ven a Ver trip(s) are you applying for? (please circle all that apply)
Ven a Ver Washington D.C. – November 11-14, 2016
$565.00
Open to all grades
Ven a Ver San Diego – March 7-12, 2017
$350.00
Open to juniors & seniors
Ven a Ver Salinas – April 5-8, 2017
$250.00
Open to juniors & seniors
3. List the names of two CHS faculty, staff, or administrators who would recommend you for Ven a Ver.
1. _________________________
2. _________________________
4. On a separate sheet of paper type your responses to the following questions. (should be 1-2 pages double
spaced)
A. How would you describe yourself? What personal gifts and characteristics do you bring to the
Ven a Ver experience?
B. Why do you wish to participate in Ven a Ver (please specifically address each trip you are
applying for… San Diego, Salinas or Washington D.C.)? What are your personal goals and
objectives for the experience?
C. What experience(s) have you had serving others, especially the poor?
D. What do you believe will be the most enriching and challenging parts of the Ven a Ver
experience for you?
E. The Catholic Church’s approach to social justice is clear about two important principles:
1. Every person has God-given human dignity and worth (Genesis 1:27).
2. “Whatever you did for one of the least brothers or sisters of mine you did for me.” (Matthew
25:31-46)
What does each of these passages mean to you? How do these two concepts inform your desire
to participate in Ven a Ver?
5. Turn in this application to Campus Ministry by Tuesday, September 6th. When you turn in your
application, you will also need to sign up for an interview.
6. Ven a Ver Parent Permission (parent/ guardian must fill this out):
Name of Student: _____________________________________________________
Parental signature/ permission to apply: ___________________________________
Parent email: ______________________________________
Do you support your daughter’s desire to participate in the Ven a Ver experience? Please explain. (You may
want to comment on what you see as the potential outcome of your daughter’s involvement and what hesitations
you have for her involvement.)