Do you desire to answer Pope Francis’ call and serve alongside those who are economically poor and socially marginalized? Would you like to grow spiritually by living simply in an intentional community and amongst peoples of rich cultures and great wisdom in Latin America or the Caribbean? Apply to our Overseas Lay Mission Program.

We support lay Catholics (21-65+) as they become missioners willing to encounter and be transformed by Christ found in the margins! Embrace with us your baptismal promise to follow the Gospel wherever it may lead and work for peace, justice, and hope.

Our missioners serve with a posture of humility, supporting locally-run ministries, and do not go to “fix, change or lead,” but rather to develop authentic cross-cultural relationships that focus on mutuality and accompaniment. Our missioners receive extensive training and individual support as they serve in the spirits of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, treating each person as a child of God.

Ministries include: providing pastoral care, engaging in sustainable agriculture, offering educational and emotional support for those abandoned and abused, helping youth with disabilities, participating in prison ministry, teaching English classes, tutoring students, assisting with parish ministries, etc. Whenever possible, Franciscan priests and sisters serve as missioners’ local points of contact and support.

Missioners (single, married, or divorced) serve for at least two years and are renewable for up to six years. Benefits covered include extensive training program, language school if necessary, travel to and from mission site, comprehensive international health insurance, monthly living stipend, vacation stipend, retreat stipend, ongoing formation stipend, and resettlement allowance. Our current site placements are Bolivia, Jamaica, and the US/Mexico border region. Apply now to help us sustain our ministries! Without incoming missioners we cannot upkeep our continual presence and accompaniment.