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Become a Lay Missioner: Frequently Asked Questions What are the requirements to become a Maryknoll Lay Missioner? (Age limits, do you have to be Catholic?) All interested applicants to Maryknoll Lay Missioners need to meet the following requirements: | 1. | Catholics, active in the U.S. church, who express their faith in service to the poor; | | 2. | U.S. citizens or permanent residents; | | 3. | Personal maturity and adaptability; | 4.
| Good physical and psychological health; | | 5. | Willing to make a 3-1/2 year overseas commitment; | | 6. | General age: 23 and older (Applicants over 55 years of age preferably should have prior overseas and/or second language experience); | | 7. | Commitment to learn a foreign language; | | 8. | Skill or talent that can serve people overseas; | | 9. | Singles, married couples, families with no more than two children, 8 years old or younger; priests, brothers or sisters; | | 10. | Desire to live a simple lifestyle. |
Return to top Will I be able to come home during my contract? 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.
Can family and friends visit me overseas? 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. Return to top How is placement decided? Can I choose what country I go to? 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.
What are the financial arrangements? Is there a stipend? 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. Return to top I have student loans; can I get a deferment? 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. Will I have health insurance? 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. Do I have to be Catholic? Yes. Our lay missioners go overseas representing not only Maryknoll Lay Missioners, but the U.S. Catholic Church as well. Return to top I'm only 22 years old; can I be considered? While our minimum age requirement is 23, we do make exceptions based on the individual's background and experience. What are the living arrangements for lay missioners overseas? 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. Return to top |
