SUPPORT A PROGRAM — Move a Mountain Missions

About Us

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Pittsburgh, the Mission Center serves as a place of hope and action. We are a dynamic, mission-inspired organization, rooted in the Catholic faith, committed to bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and building relationships that foster holistic community wellbeing. Our mission is to ignite change by connecting people with the realities of urban life through direct service, learning initiatives, and spiritual reflection.

Gift of Mary is an extension of Move a Mountain Missions which includes pillars of service at Brother Andre’s Café, Mustard Seed Community in Jamaica, and Red Door Ministry.

The Red Door ministry began during the Great Depression era. From its humble beginnings of serving a simple meal, it has greatly grown over the years to seek to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in need in the Pittsburgh area. Today we are serving over 300 people daily.

Gift of Mary has a Day Center for women at Red Door, offering food, clothing, showers, laundry, and relationship building. Our mission center expands upon the long-standing work of Red Door and the years of experience and relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness. Our mission center offers a welcoming space for all who seek understanding, compassion, and transformation. Whether you are a youth group, campus ministry, or corporation team eager to make a difference, we invite you to join us on this journey of service and solidarity.

Programs and Opportunities

We offer a variety of programs tailored to diverse groups and interests. Each experience is designed to foster deep learning, personal growth, and meaningful connection with the urban community.

Urban Immersion Weekends: 3- and 4-day short-term programs for groups to experience city life, volunteer with local partners, and reflect on social justice issues.
Extended Service Retreats: Multi-day or week-long immersion experiences, including hands-on service, workshops, and community dialogues.
Youth and Young Adult Engagement: Specialized programs for high school and college students focused on leadership development, vocation exploration, and urban ministry.
Corporate and Congregational Partnerships: Customizable experiences for businesses and churches to foster team building, corporate responsibility, and faith in action.

What to Expect

An immersion at our center is more than just a service trip—it’s an invitation to see the city in new ways, challenge preconceived notions, and grow in empathy and purpose. Participants can expect:

Direct service projects with local nonprofits, shelters, and advocacy groups
Community meals that celebrate the city’s diversity and foster connection
Guided reflection sessions to process experiences and consider next steps
Engagement with community leaders, activists, and residents
Learning modules on urban challenges, assets, and solutions
A supportive, inclusive environment where every voice is valued

How to Register

Visit our Leader Registration LINK to explore upcoming immersion experiences, availability, and pricing. After a date is confirmed, leaders will be sent links for individual participant registration. Our online registration system makes it easy to sign up, and our staff are available to answer any questions you may have.

Stories of Transformation

Every immersion experience builds bridges between people and plants seeds for change. We have several volunteers and 5 missionaries working in our Day Center and helping to run the Urban mission trips. Here are just a few stories from our community:

“Gift of Mary is a place of being ‘on mission’ for the Lord.” -Mission trip participant
“I have been on many kinds of mission trips with our parish youth group. All of these experiences have been serving internationally or in rural impoverished areas. We are excited to be able to serve our very neighbors, right here in Pittsburgh, our sisters and brothers in Christ!” - Youth Group Core team member
"I would absolutely recommend this experience to others because it pushes you to reach beyond yourself to share God’s unconditional love for His poor.” -Mission Trip participant
Contact Us
Have questions or ready to take the next step? Reach out to our team—we look forward to connecting with you.
Gift of Mary Urban Immersion Mission Center
Move a Mountain Missions
Phone: (412) 634-6964
164 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Email: Erin Phillips [ephillips@moveamountain.org]
Join the Movement
The City of Bridges is calling. Discover your purpose, deepen your compassion,
and be part of a movement that builds bridges and transforms lives—one immersion at a time.
The journey begins here.

Gift of Mary

Urban Immersion Mission Center

Transforming Lives Through Service, Learning, and Community

About Us

Programs and Opportunities

What to Expect

How to Register

Stories of Transformation

Contact Us

Join the Movement