Our Orientation Program

Building on our 40 years of experience training and sending laity into mission, we provide an orientation program each year in Maryknoll, New York. The program lasts for 10 weeks and runs from mid-September through December.

The program includes daily prayer, accompaniment by our staff, time in retreat, and a variety of workshops and discussions. This period will help prepare you for mission, and, through a process of mutual discernment, it will enable both you and Maryknoll Lay Missioners to make a final decision on whether this is a good fit for you at this time.

During these weeks, you will participate in workshops and discussions that will help you

 Learn more about Maryknoll Lay Missioners and our approach to mission

 Explore the scriptural and theological underpinnings of contemporary mission

 Develop skills for engaging with people from other cultures in a spirit of partnership, mutuality, respect, and solidarity

 Learn and practice techniques for building community and addressing conflict

 Explore the realities in the region you have been assigned to

 Develop tools for staying physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy in mission

 Continue to develop your own faith as you reflect on your motivation and readiness for mission