Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Think about this in 2 parts: the travel part, and the costs of food, transportation and lodging once we get there. The cost of the food, transportation and lodging is $350 for the week, and there is no way around that, since the fees are due to Mustard Seed, who provides the food and cook, the bus, driver and security, and the lodging on site. As for travel costs, if you have frequent flyer miles, coupons, etc, you are free to use them, and if you can do that it eliminates the $450 in round trip airfare. Furthermore, last year, 2 people car pooled from here to Atlanta, saving the airfare from here to Atlanta, so they paid only the airfare from Atlanta to Jamaica. As you can see, things are flexible.

When is the money due?

Basically, the money is due as we need to pay for things such as airfare, food/transportation/etc. A $50 non-refundable deposit will be due by December 21. Airfare will be due by early February, if you don't use frequent flyer miles, and the $350 for food, transportation and lodging will be due in mid-February.

What airlines do we use?

Air Jamaica/Delta Airlines is preferred, since they have the best group rates, and because Mustard Seed has been able to contract with Air Jamaica for reduced rates. Furthermore, Air Jamaica will let us take more luggage/boxes of donations without paying extra. If you are using frequent flyer miles, you may use them on whatever airline you prefer.

Where should I send my payments?

Make all checks made payable to St. Matthew Catholic Church.   You can use all payments (including airfare) as tax deductions!

Send money to:   

St. Matthew Catholic Church 
1001 Mason Road 
Durham, NC 27712 
Attention: Sandy

Directions to the Short Journey Center in Smithfield.

Directions to the Doggett Center at NCSU in Raleigh.