Formation Program

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.

Proposed curriculum:
  • Missiology
  • Bible study
  • Catechism
  • Apologetics
  • Faith & life topics (for young adults)
  • 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 other Prayer
  • Weekly confession
  • Fellowship praise & worship
  • Social justice service outings
Duration: 8-week summer program beginning in late June
 * a shortened intensive 2-week course is offered for the Spring Mission Experience in late January

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 program features approximately 250 hours of class time, plus Mass, prayer, praise & worship, fellowship, and community service activities.



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 30th.

NOTE: Those wishing to serve with us as lay missionaries in Asia must apply by the regular deadline of April 20th (Dec. 3rd for the Spring Mission Experience).  To apply to serve with us as a lay missionary, please click here.