Apply to Be a Lay Missionary
“For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” - Acts 13::47
Interested in serving with us as a lay missionary?
We offer opportunities for short and long-term missionary service. Please first review the application process and minimum requirements listed below. Before you apply, we also encourage you to look at Discerning My Missionary Call and an Overview of our Mission to Asia.
Application Process & Requirements
Requirements
Minimum 23 years of age (24 years for year program)
Minimum B.A. college degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum 3 months of Asian language study highly encouraged
Previous international and cross-cultural living experience
Minimum 3 months' int'l experience required for year program
Active church involvement
Leadership, teaching or organizational experience
Ability to take strong initiative and work independently in an unstructured environment
Responsible and reliable with a solid work ethic
Two letters of reference (one must be from church leader or staff)
Ability to spend one month (spring/fall) or two months (year) in the U.S. for the duration of the formation program
If you're married, both spouses must apply and be accepted into the program. We are unable to provide support for dependents at this time.
Step 1 - Online Interest Form
For those interested in applying, timely submission of the Online Interest Form - located below - is required before the rest of the application can proceed. Thank you!
Spring/Fall Mission Experience
This unique 3-month program is intended to familiarize lay Catholics with the experience of missionary life in Asia. During your time in Asia, you will have the opportunity to engage in various short-term ministries with young adults, while serving as a bold and compassionate witness of your faith amidst the excitement and challenges of a foreign culture. Participation in the Spring (or Fall) Mission Experience is an excellent way to discern if you are called to serve as a novice lay missionary in our year program.
Step 1 - Interest Form
Fill out below (deadline April 20 for Fall; Oct 24 for Spring)
Step 2 - Written Application
Written Application (deadline May 10 for Fall; Dec 3 for Spring)
Step 3 - Interview + Add'l Screening
Screening of successful applicants
Interview
Letter of Suitability from local Bishop
Medical Physical exam
Step 4 - Formation Program
Successful completion of the above application and screening process will grant admission to our Formation Program (more info)
Intensive 3-week course schedule
Spiritual growth and discernment
Social justice service outings
Two spiritual direction interviews
Step 5 - Mission Service
3 months
Spring: February - May
Fall: September - December
Option to Extend or Renew
2 months into mission experience a retreat will be given during which time we will discern whether Christ is calling the lay missionary postulant to a full novice year of mission
Year Mission Program
Our regular year program trains and sends qualified Catholic lay men and women to serve as novice lay missionaries for 9 months in Asia. This more demanding missionary program is intended to help develop lasting and sustainable ministry programs as well as deeper relationships to help carry on the growth of the faith for years to come.
More extensive training is provided for those who have properly discerned to serve at least a year in the mission field. Serving Christ amidst the unique challenges and blessings that the mission field brings is an experience unlike any other. Lay missionaries who serve for a year or more will find their life forever changed by the beauty of joining so many others on their respective journeys of faith as you continue to grow in your own faith along the path to sainthood.
Step 1 - Interest Form
Fill out below (deadline March 25)
Step 2 - Written Application
Written Application (deadline April 20)
Step 3 - Interview + Add'l Screening
Screening of successful applicants
Interview
Letter of Suitability from local Bishop
Medical Physical exam
Psychological evaluation
Step 4 - Formation Program
Successful completion of the above application and screening process will grant admission to our Summer Formation Program (more info)
Intensive 2-month course schedule
Spiritual growth and discernment
Social justice service outings
Two spiritual direction interviews
Social team-building experiences
Step 5 - Mission Service
9 months: September - May
1 month: summer (Stateside)
Qualifying to Serve in the Mission Field
Applicants who meet all requirements and pass the written application, interview and screening process will be offered admission to our lay missionary formation program. Successful completion of the formation program is necessary to be considered to serve with our mission for a minimum commitment of either three months or one year of service.
To begin the application process, please fill out the interest form below.
All formal written applications received by the appropriate deadline will be considered for the upcoming formation program
We are accepting applicants on a rolling admissions basis. If you'd like to find out more, please contact our Vocations Director at vocations@laymissionary.org. Thank you.
We are all called to be ambassadors of Christ. So whether you join our family or find God leading you elsewhere, may we all pray for the wisdom and guidance to engage more fully with our faith and share God's love with others.
