Arrival +Orientation

Hotels

Near the volunteer house there is a Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, and Super 8 at Exit 25 off I-81 South. Near Assumption Church, the site of the Commissioning Mass, there is an Aloft and Embassy Suites at the Inner Harbor near Destiny USA (the mall). These are at Exit 21 off I-81 South.

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Saturday, August 6

Your FrancisCorps experience begins at the Volunteer House, the place you will call home for the next year. You can arrive anytime before 5pm to drop off your things and begin to settle in, but don’t get too comfortable!  At 5pm, we will have a welcome picnic at Christ the King Retreat House (500 Brookford Road, Syracuse, NY 13224), the site of our orientation retreat and the place you will call home for the next week.  When you arrive for the picnic, be sure to have a bag packed to stay overnight beginning that evening until the following Saturday, August 13th, when you will formally move into the volunteer house.  Orientation is generally a casual and relaxed event so pack comfortable and cool clothing but include a nicer outfit in case we are able to plan an opportunity that might require one. There is also a pool so feel free to pack a swimsuit as well!

Sunday, August 7

Breakfast will be provided at 9am and then you will head over to Assumption Church for the special Commissioning Liturgy at 10am. This is a special blessing for you and your fellow FrancisCorps 24 volunteers. Parents and family are also welcomed! After Mass you will say goodbye to your family and friends and return to Christ the King for lunch and the beginning of the Orientation Retreat.

Sunday, August 7 – Saturday, August 13

You and your fellow volunteers will be introduced to FrancisCorps and each other during this Orientation Week!

Monday, August 15

It’s time to get to work! This will be your first day of service at your site!