Mission trips are very common church group trips. Are you looking for a way to serve the communities around you? Often people think of mission groups as going to far away countries. But if you stop to think about it, the communities that are closer to us are also often in deep need. Your mission trip might go to a local soup kitchen or a food bank. Other common locations to consider: nursing homes, daycares, and after-school programs. There are numerous opportunities to do mission work.  

A Sunday School group might be looking for a small field trip to help solidify teachings or to visit a landmark of import. Sunday school groups usually consist of children and chaperones traveling shorter distances. A day trip can be the perfect opportunity to hone in on what a monastery looks like or to participate in stations of the cross or other devotional prayer.

When the majority of your time is in service of others, it’s important to remember to take time out of your schedule to connect with your peers and to recharge. Groups of clergy, whether you’re talking about religious communities or about colleagues who work together, can find it useful to take educational trips or to take retreats and pilgrimages together. Sharing time with those who understand your work and ministry challenges allows you to return to your congregations refreshed and renewed.

Retreats are a much-needed respite from the day to day challenges that face us all. The opportunity to reflect on our lives, to break bread with others, and to gather in prayer, is one that nourishes and recharges. Retreats can occur in centers or in holy places. Spiritual locations often offer an anchor to the retreat time. Traveling on a bus to a retreat location presents time for both individual or communal prayer.  

This Catholic basilica is Canada’s largest church and one of the largest church domes in the world. It was founded by Saint Brother André in 1904, and over the years has seen many expansions. The basilica is dedicated to St. Joseph, who Brother André said was responsible for all of the healings and miraculous works that he did. Pilgrims, including non-Catholics, from all over the world visit the Oratory which boasts varied cultural programs, such as the Art and Music concert series, in addition to regular Masses. The basilica is surrounded by grounds of nearly 1.1 hectares, making it a lovely place for quiet walks and reflection, as well.

The Cathedral Notre Dame is one of Canada’s most visited attractions.  The main construction of the cathedral occurred between 1824 and 1829, the exterior facade was completed in 1865, and the interior finished in 1879. To visit the basilica, you’ll have to pay an entry fee of CAD $10, unless you are attending Mass. If you’re looking for something a little different, consider going in the evening and attending “Aura” which features sounds and lights that show off the beauty of the architecture. Tickets for Aura range from $24.50- $14.80. Whether you go during the day or at night, make sure to look for the stained glass windows. Unlike those in most churches, these don’t portray biblical scenes. Instead, they show stories from the religious history of Montreal.

The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue is home to the oldest Jewish congregation in Canada and it has had four homes over the course of its history.  The congregation is more than 250 years old, and has been in its current building (on St. Kevin and Lemieux) since the final stone was laid in 1960. During services, there are three congregations praying together under one roof: Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Lebanese. The synagogue has hosted speaker series featuring films and rabbis and is home to a diverse group of congregants who hail from all over the world. It’s known for its tolerant and welcoming approach.

This cathedral (and minor basilica) nestled in the heart of downtown is the third largest church in Québec. Its construction began in 1870 and spanned nearly 25 years — it wasn’t consecrated until 1894. The building was modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, however the statues that surround the exterior represent what was the 13 parishes of Montreal at the time, rather than the twelve apostles. If you plan on exploring the entire building, you’ll want to allow for about an hour to appreciate the different statues, paintings and chapels. The church’s dome is made of green copper, making it an easy landmark to spot from around the city.