Seventy Saint Ignatius students switched their typical summer vacation plans for immersion trips across various locations. Students returned with more than just memories from their experiences working with these communities.
Immersion trips, which are hosted each summer through the school’s Formation and Ministry department, are typically weeklong experiences where students are able to live and learn in communities that face economic and social challenges. The students traveled to eight locations across the country this year.
Unlike mandatory school service, immersion trips are optional experiences, allowing students to participate out of interest rather than obligation.
For many participants, the trips were eye-opening. Senior Maggie Toney, who attended the “Sacred Heart Southern Missions” trip in Holly Springs, Mississippi, said “At first I was hesitant entering this trip, but by the end I developed numerous connections.” Toney reflected, “My trip taught me that it’s the littlest things in life that I can do to bring true joy to people”.
Additionally, interest in immersion trips continues to expand. Junior Charlie Kuzmich, who has not yet attended one of these trips, shared, “I want to attend an immersion trip because it will help me adapt by challenging me to step out of my comfort zone.” After hearing stories from the class of 2026, his curiosity increased. “Hearing stories about the connections many of my closest friends made, inspired me to want to attend something like this”.
These trips are a key part of Saint Ignatius’s mission, teaching students to live out the Grad at Grad values and connect classroom learning with reality, preparing them to become leaders of the future. Director of Student Formation and Ministry Peter Corrigan said that these trips showed students “the presence of unjust situations and amazing, inspirational people who are demonstrating commitment and resilience to fight against the presence of sin in the world.”
Later this semester, applications will open for summer 2026 immersion trips. Students are highly encouraged to apply early and consider how entering a new community could push them to develop.
