Who can apply?
Applicants must be ...
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When can I apply? Is there a deadline?
We begin accepting applications on September 1st of the year prior to the year you would like to serve. Interviews will likely be around December-January, with final decisions made by the end of January. Applications will be open until all spots are filled.
Can I interview over the phone?
We prefer all interviews be done in person. However, if there is a significant distance or cost involved in an in-person interview, we will opt for a Skype or Facetime interview.
What do missionaries do?
The primary task of parish missionaries is evangelization and discipleship of our parish youth. The missionary team will work together and individually, to bring the Good News of Jesus to our parishioners, particularly the youth and young adults.
This will primarily be through one-on-one ministry, discipleship small groups and bible studies, leading weekly youth nights, retreats, and coordinating men's and women's ministry. In addition, there will be weekly formation, regular meetings with the director of the program and parish pastor, and team prayer. Missionaries typically get Saturday and Monday as days off from active ministry. Missionaries are active witnesses to the Gospel in every area of parish life. Missionaries serve in various parish ministries and also witness their commitment to Christ by host family ministry. Parish missionaries commit to daily Mass and a daily Holy Hour in front of the Eucharist. Missionaries also make a temporary commitment to poverty, chastity, and obedience. Missionaries recognize that charity and fruitfulness in ministry flows out of a living and committed prayer life. |
Is there training?
Yes, there is five weeks of initial training beginning in August. The first few weeks are intensive preparation for ministry and training in holiness, covering topics such as prayer, sacramental life, discipleship, the charisms, missionary life, and ministry skills. As the weeks progress, the missionaries begin to minister in the parish. There is a commissioning Mass at the end of the five weeks. Weekly formation will continue throughout the year.
Our top priority in training/formation is forming the missionaries themselves as disciples of Christ. Because of this, each missionary will be matched with a spiritual director or mentor to meet with regularly to continue the development of their prayer life.
Our top priority in training/formation is forming the missionaries themselves as disciples of Christ. Because of this, each missionary will be matched with a spiritual director or mentor to meet with regularly to continue the development of their prayer life.
How long do missionaries serve at the parish?
Parish missionaries serve from July to June of the following summer. A large portion of the summer is comprised of training, and missionaries are commissioned before the school year begins.
Will I be paid? Is fundraising required?
All missionaries receive a stipend to cover ministry expenses (such as coffee for a one-on-one) and travel expenses. All missionaries are reminded of their temporary commitment to poverty, and will attempt to live simply during their year.
Missionaries will be required to fundraise to support their missionary year. St. Therese Little Flower is not able to provide medical insurance or loan deferment. However, we can write a letter to your loan servicer to request that your payments be delayed until the time of your service has ended. |
Where do the missionaries live?
Missionaries will stay with parish host families during their year of missionary service. They will stay at one home for two to three weeks at a time. Missionaries will always stay with a teammate of the same gender. The goal of host families is to evangelize our parish from the inside out.
FAQs for Parishioners
How can I be involved?
We have many needs when it comes to the missionary program!
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