Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Mystery Trip?"

Mystery Trip is a movie. A full-length, Catholic reality film, to be exact. It documents the experience of sixteen teenagers who embark on a journey without knowing the duration or the destination in hopes of discovering more about themselves, God and the real ways they can trust Him. The story is told from the vantage point of four of the teens and their specific experiences.↑ Return to Top

What is "Mystery Trip LIVE?"

Mystery Trip LIVE is the outreach through which we are currently sharing the movie in communities regionally, nationally and internationally. The message of Mystery Trip - relationship with and trust in Christ - is not something that can just be "watched." It must be lived. Mystery Trip LIVE provides a space for that authentic encounter with Jesus. In addition to viewing the film, participants also encounter Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration, a short keynote talk, a Q&A session and personal Mystery Trip booklets which help them take the next step in their faith as they go home.↑ Return to Top

Who is Mystery Trip LIVE for?

It's for you. It's geared primarily toward the young Church, junior high through college, but we've seen it impacting people of all ages. Mystery Trip LIVE is perfect for your youth group, Catechesis program, junior high or high school event, youth retreat, rally or conference.↑ Return to Top

Is "reality TV" an effective mode of ministry?

Yes. Mystery Trip relates the Gospel in a way that is already extremely familiar and inviting to even the most disinterested and unchurched teens. Reality TV is the primary type of media teens absorb on a daily basis, and using it as an evangelization tool is a way to meet young people exactly where they are. Check out the testimonials section of the website to see what the teens themselves are saying about Mystery Trip.↑ Return to Top

How much does it cost to host Mystery Trip LIVE in my community?

We're hoping you'll be surprised by the extremely low cost of bringing Mystery Trip LIVE to your area. Here's the breakdown: $975.00 pays for Mystery Trip film, keynote talk, live worship music, Q&A, personal Mystery Trip booklets and facilitation of the entire experience. Just add travel expenses for one team member to that and you’ve got your total. You can certainly add on to your event with things like a guest speaker, a full band for worship, additional resources or activities etc... If that’s too expensive, then read the next question...↑ Return to Top

What if my community can't afford the cost of hosting Mystery Trip LIVE?

The most important thing to know about us is that we desire to serve you from a missionary heart. For this reason we will work closely with you to come up with a financial plan that’s comfortable and realistic for you. Some scholarships are also available to communities that cannot fund this on their own. We’re not going to let money be the reason we don’t get to serve you, and we hope you won’t either!↑ Return to Top

How will Mystery Trip LIVE serve the unique needs of my Community?

We want to celebrate each community’s diversity and serve in the way that best suits your group. Instead of bringing a rehearsed event to you, we want to listen to you and tailor an authentic experience of Christ that is as unique and unrepeatable as the community we’re serving. Dumb Ox Productions’ staff members are ready to pray and work closely with you to make your experience of Mystery Trip truly one-of-a-kind.↑ Return to Top

What’s a typical Mystery Trip LIVE schedule look like?

Schedules can run as tight as 2 hours or as long as a whole day. We’ve had events that included Holy Mass, guest speakers, a concert, a retreat day built around the film, and collaborations with other ministries. Feel free to dream. Imagine what would best serve the needs of your community, and we’ll work and pray with you to make it happen!

These are merely some examples of schedules we’ve used for past events:

1. High School Assembly

8:00 a.m Welcome Address
8:05 a.m. Mystery Trip Screening 
9:25 a.m.  Brief Keynote
9:35 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration and Worship
10:05 a.m. Open Q&A Forum
10:15 a.m. Closing prayer/Song of Worship
Distribution of Take-Home Booklet as Teens Leave 2

2. Youth Group/Youth Rally

6:30 p.m Live Concert
6:55 p.m. Welcome Address
7:00 p.m. Mystery Trip Screening
8:20 p.m. Brief Instructions for Eucharistic Adoration
8:25 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration and Worship
Priest or Deacon Delivers Brief Meditation within Adoration
9:00 p.m. Open Q&A forum
9:30 p.m. Closing Prayer/Songs of Worship
Distribution of Take-Home Booklet as Teens Leave

3. Vocations Event

5:45 p.m. Gathering Songs of Worship
6:00 p.m. Welcome Address by a Priest, Religious or Seminarian
6:20 p.m. Mystery Trip Screening
7:40 p.m. Brief Instructions for Eucharistic Adoration
7:45 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration and Worship Eucharistic Procession with Priests, Deacons and Seminarians
8:15 p.m. Q&A with Panel of Ordained, Religious, Married and Singles
8:45 p.m. Closing prayer/Song of Worship/Goodnight Distribution of Take-Home Booklets as Teens Leave
Resources from Vocations Office with Priests and Religious Available to Answer Questions
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As a youth minister, teacher or pastor, can you mail me a copy of the film to watch first?

Unfortunately, no. There is no way for us to meet this request without seriously compromising our ministry. But, with Mystery Trip LIVE events being booked across the country, we can let you know when a nearby event occurs so you can experience it for yourself. We also offer a number of descriptive resources, video clips, testimonials and references that will give you enough info so you don’t even need to prescreen it. And of course, the Dumb Ox Productions staff is an easy phone call or email away to respond to your questions and to provide solutions to any concerns you may have.↑ Return to Top

I want to go on a Mystery Trip; will there be another one soon?

At present, we do not have another Mystery Trip like the one in the movie scheduled. We are receiving a high volume of requests for this, so we are in the early planning stages of offering another Mystery Trip of some sort. We are currently taking information from those who wish to participate in a future Mystery Trip. Just enter your name and contact information on the “Request more information” section of the website, and specify that you’re interested in taking a Mystery Trip. After that we’ll keep you updated with any additional info and let you know when we have another Mystery Trip officially scheduled.↑ Return to Top