Maryknoll Lay Missioners

You could be considered for a life in Mission if you meet these minimum requirements:

1. You must be Catholic, active in the U.S. church, and compelled to express your faith in service to the poor
2. You're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
3. You have the personal maturity and adaptability to work within different cultures and communities
4. You'll need to be in good physical and psychological health to meet the rigorous challenges of mission work
5. A willingness to make a 3-1/2 year overseas commitment
6. You're at least 23 years of age. Applicants over 55 years of age should have prior overseas and/or second language experience
7. A commitment to and apptitude for learing  a foreign language;
8. A Skill or talent that can serve people overseas;
9. You can be single or married. Mission families are limited to two children who must be 8 or under.  Religious (priests,brothers or sisters) are also welcome to join us in Mission. 
10. A desire to live a simple lifestyle.

Yes. Missioners are given 4 weeks vacation each year. However, you are encouraged not to go home the first year as you are adjusting to a new culture and a new language. Also, you may not be able to take all four weeks together depending on your ministry needs.

Absolutely! They are most welcome to visit and to see first-hand the work you're involved in. It's a great way to do educate our extended friends and family on mission and missionary work. In fact, we have an entire program devoted to arranging trips for groups that travel to mission sites. Visit the Friends Across Borders section of our website to learn more.

Each year our leadership determines what countries are in greatest need for that particular year. We do ask that you be open to those needs, but we look at your background, experience and interest and try to find the best fit for both you and Maryknoll Lay Missioners.

MKLM pays your transportation to and from your country of assignment. You will be provided with a small salary sufficient to cover housing, food, local transportation, and personal expenses based on the cost of living for that area.

We ask that you assist MKLM by arranging for and funding your transportation to our Ossining, NY headquarters during the interview process. If you are accepted into the program and invited to join us for the Orientation Program, we ask that you fund those transportation expenses as well.

You can usually obtain a deferment on student loans for up to 36 months. MKLM will provide any supporting documentation required by your lending institution to qualify for deferment.

Yes. We provide health insurance once you have completed the Orientation Program and have signed your missioner contract. Retirees who have health insurance are asked to keep their policy and use our coverage as secondary insurance.

While our minimum age requirement is 23, we do make exceptions based on the individual's background and experience.

Once you are assigned to a particular country, the Regional Coordinator for the assigned country begins preparations for your arrival. Single people might share a house or apartment with other single MKLM missioners; couples usually have a small house or apartment.