Preparing for Mission
An intensive lay missionary training and formation program will be offered annually for those who successfully pass the application and screening process. This program aims to provide a solid foundation and understanding of our faith, missionary work, living in a foreign environment, important life skills, and region-specific issues, while continuing the discernment process.
General Curriculum:
Missiology
Bible study
Catechism
Apologetics
Faith & life topics (young adult focus)
Called & Gifted charism discernment
Sowing the Seeds of Prayer (SSP) Ignatian prayer
Pastoral counseling
Catholic Social Teaching
Asian culture, social issues and politics
Foreign language
Mission-specific knowledge & security
Information technology
Sunday Mass & daily Mass
Liturgy of the Hours and Adoration
Weekly confession available
Fellowship praise & worship
Social justice service outings
Formation Program for Community Members
For those who are interested in just attending the lay missionary formation program during the summer, a select number of openings will be available for Catholics who wish to deepen their understanding of the faith with a special emphasis on foreign missions.
To apply for the formation program only, please fill out the form here.
Consideration will be given to those applicants who we feel will best suit the formative needs of our prospective lay missionaries.
Completed applications for the upcoming formation program must be received by May 15th for preferred consideration. The final deadline is May 31st.
NOTE: Those wishing to serve with us as lay missionaries in Asia must apply by the regular deadline relevant to your program. To apply to serve with us as a lay missionary, please click here.
Duration:
A 2-month summer formation program begins mid-summer for the Fall Year Program
A condensed intensive 3-week course is offered in late January for the Spring Mission Experience (late July for Fall)
Courses will be taught by both lay and religious at an academic level equivalent to the intellectual rigor and workload of a graduate studies program.
The full program features approx. 250 hours of class time, plus Mass, prayer, praise & worship, fellowship, and community service activities.
The program will be partially hosted in the San Francisco Bay Area by the Western Dominican Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and/or the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose.