Frequently Asked Questions
What is IGNIS USA?
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 community through an inner-city mission right here in Austin. Eight years later, the missionaries volunteered at over twenty non-profit organizations over five days. Additionally, this mission trip is also combined with spiritual formation such as daily Mass, spiritual talks, Adoration, and more. After 10 years of growth and service, we have rebranded to IGNIS to better align with our mission. The motivation behind this change stems from the Jubilee of Hope, a year of grace and renewal. For us, it is a reminder of the fire within us – a flame that purifies, transforms, and ignites our hearts as pilgrims of hope, carrying God’s light into the world through our service.
When will IGNIS USA be held in 2025?
This 5-day mission will begin Monday, December 15th, and end on Friday, December 19th.
What is the motto for IGNIS USA 2025?
Spirit of fire, send us to spark hope.
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. Here is a link for a more depth packing list.
- 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 ignis@schoenstatt.us so that we can help with sleeping arrangements.
During the Mission
Where will I be staying during the mission?
What will we be doing during the mission?
At IGNIS 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