Frequently Asked Questions

Summer training is a unified start to the year where all Volunteer Missionaries receive shared formation in prayer, mission, and community life, and build relationships with their cohort before being sent to their mission locations

Missionaries receive holistic formation in four dimensions:

• Spiritual: prayer, sacraments, spiritual direction.
• Human: community life, virtue, leadership, responsibility.
• Intellectual: Scripture, theology, Church teaching.
• Apostolic: evangelization skills, ministry training, accompaniment.

Your primary apostolate depends on your mission location and its core mission. In addition to that primary apostolate, you may assist with other evangelizing ministries such as campus ministry, parish life, youth outreach, or works of mercy. Each location has a clear apostolic focus, with secondary ministries that support the broader mission of the Church.

Men and women live in separate missionary houses and form intentional Christian communities. Community life is a central part of the SJS VM year and your human formation.
With the support of a House Mom or House Dad, you will grow in friendship and teamwork through:

• Shared prayer.
• Managing a household and budget.
• Intentional community rhythms and formation.

Each Volunteer Missionary is responsible for fundraising the expenses for the mission year. After acceptance into the program, you will receive training and accompaniment in the fundraising process.
Your specific fundraising goal will be communicated to you by the SJS VM Program Coordinator based on your placement and personal circumstances.

You will be supported locally by mission leadership, priests, consecrated sisters, and your missionary community. You will also remain connected to the broader SJS VM Program team for formation, accountability, and support throughout the year.

You are responsible for securing appropriate medical coverage and planning ahead for prescriptions or ongoing health needs. If you have specific concerns, we encourage you to communicate early with program leadership so we can support you in planning well.

Yes. Missionaries maintain reasonable communication with family and friends throughout the year while also honoring the rhythms of mission, community life, and formation.

No. While some alumni go on to priesthood or religious life, the SJS Volunteer Missionary Program is designed to form lay disciples for lifelong mission, whatever vocation God calls you to.

Missionaries consistently grow in:

• Maturity and responsibility.
• Prayer and sacramental life.
• Leadership and teamwork.
• Confidence in living the Catholic faith.
• Freedom and clarity in discernment for future vocation and mission.

You can always reach out to the SJS VM Program team at vmprogram@socsj.org. We’re happy to help connect you with the right person at your mission location or walk with you through questions or concerns.