Catholic search party finds migrant remains in desert
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Heidi Cerneka, an immigration lawyer at the border, joined Jesuits and other volunteers on a sobering mission.
MKLM Executive Director Elvira Ramirez preaches for All Saints’ Day on Catholic Women Preach
Preaching for Solemnity of All Saints, Elvira Ramirez invites us to become our best selves—with the help of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God.
‘Guided by God’: One woman’s journey from refugee to a life of giving
Thu Tam Hoang went from being a refugee herself to helping refugees and becoming a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in Cambodia. She was profiled by Union of Catholic Asian News.
Podcast spotlights Maryknoll missioners Anita and Curt Klueg’s years in Kenya
Anita and Curt Klueg, who served in Kenya with Maryknoll Lay Missioners alongside their two daughters, are featured in a recent episode of the “1 Christian 1 Topic” podcast. The couple discusses their ministries with children and families, the challenges of raising a family overseas, and the lasting impact of their mission experience on their lives back in the United States.
Maryknoll Magazine: Holy ground in Kitale
Maryknoll lay missioner Theresa Glaser follows her calling to Kenya, where she serves as a teacher for children at risk of homelessness.
National Catholic Reporter: 50 years on, Maryknoll lay missioners celebrate lives changed by service
Maryknoll lay missioners from across the globe were invigorated by messages of hope during a weekend gathering in Ossining, New York, that culminated a yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.
OSV News: Maryknoll Lay Missioners mark 50 years doing ‘a world of good for a world in need’
In an era of conflict and division, it’s an intriguing and empowering invitation: “Do a world of good for a world in need.” It comes from the Maryknoll Lay Missioners — a Catholic mission-sending community that tirelessly spreads a message of nonviolence through “prevention, intervention, reconciliation, and the restoration of all creation.”
Vision magazine profiled Sr. Deirdre Griffin, Maryknoll lay missioner at the border
Sr. Deirdre Griffin, an immigration lawyer in El Paso who accompanies asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, was featured in the latest issue of the publication of the National Religious Vocation Conference, highlighting her deep commitment to justice and human dignity.
FaithND reflection by Notre Dame alum highlights Maryknoll Lay Missioners’ work in El Paso
In a recent FaithND Gospel reflection, Notre Dame alumnus James Luk recounts his time with Maryknoll Lay Missioners in El Paso, where he witnessed the power of faith lived out through daily service to migrants at the border.
Le Monde diplomatique highlights Maryknoll lay missioner’s witness to Honduran land rights struggle
Missioner Sarah Bueter contributed as a source to an article in international newspaper Le Monde diplomatique that recounts the life, activism, and tragic murder of Honduran environmental defender Juan López, who was killed in September 2024 amid ongoing conflicts over mining and land rights in the Bajo Aguán region.
Kenya missioner Francis Wayne profiled by hometown Kentucky newspaper
The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer delved into Francis’ life story, call to mission, and current ministry in vocational training, remedial academics, and prison ministry.
Returned missioners Celine and Don Woznica featured by National Catholic Reporter
The Woznicas have been leaders in organizing assistance for migrants in their hometown of Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago. Their ministry has served some 15,000 migrants in the last three years.
Global Sisters Report announces Maryknoll Monarch Initiative, a collaborative of Maryknoll Lay Missioners and Maryknoll Sister
A project of National Catholic Reporter that covers the the mission and ministry of Catholic women religious around the world reported on the newly formed Maryknoll Monarch Initiative, based in El Paso, Texas, an education and training program with a focus on Care for the Earth, Human Migration, and Nonviolence among other priorities.
Maryknoll lay missioner Marj Humphrey featured in Gonzaga Magazine
Marj Humphrey’s return to mission to East Africa earlier this year was covered in the Spring 2025 issue of Gonzaga Magazine, the publication of her alma mater.
Maryknoll Lay Missioners featured on Chicago Archdiocese broadcast & podcast
The Global Mission Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago hosts a monthly program on the spirit of mission around the globe. Host Megan Mio sat down with returned Maryknoll lay missioners Celine and Don Woznica, as well as Jennifer Tomshack, communications manager, and Daniel Lizárraga, mission services manager, at Maryknoll Lay Missioners.
“Love & Speak the Truth” podcast interviews Maryknoll lay missioner Heidi Cerneka
Podcast host Sr. Brenda Eagan, IBVM engages in conversation with Heidi Cerneka about faith, justice, and the courage it takes to act on your convictions.
Maryknoll lay missioner Sr. Deirdre Griffin featured by Congregation of St. Joseph
Maryknoll lay missioner Sr. Deirdre Griffin, SSJ, an immigration lawyer in El Paso, was joined in January by a delegation of Sisters of St. Joseph from across the country to volunteer at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Maryknoll Lay Missioners featured in Living City magazine
Maryknoll Lay Missioners made the cover of a special issue on migration, published by Focolare Media. MKLM communications manager Jennifer Tomshack reports on the work of current and returned missioners, including Bill Hallerman and Linda Savio (Venezuela 1986-1990), at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Maryknoll Lay Missioners featured by Pilgrim Center of Hope
Maryknoll Lay Missioners was featured on the podcast of Pilgrim Center of Hope, a Catholic evangelization ministry based in San Antonio, Texas. The “Journeys of Hope” weekly audio broadcast & podcast program interviewed James and Betty Keller, returned Maryknoll lay missioners (Mexico 1989-1996), and Daniel Lizárraga, Maryknoll Lay Missioners’ mission services manager.
Catholic Worker features Maryknoll lay missioner Marj Humphrey
The website of the global Catholic Worker Movement (CatholicWorker.org) and its email newsletter Roundtable featured Maryknoll lay missioner Marj Humphrey and her upcoming return to mission to East Africa.
United in Mission
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Ana Morales, details the realities of living in mission and serving the TIPNIS communities of Bolivia.
United in Heart and Prayer
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Joanne Blaney, reflects on two women she recently witnessed sharing their love of others.
A Reflection on Migration
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Gabe Hurrish has spent more than 33 years serving in 12 countries across...
Modelling Patience
What do you do every day? I ask this of myself frequently with the arrival of the rainy season,...
CRUEL FATE
"And God said, Let there be light, and there was light." Genesis 1:3 Gusts of wind whirl cement...
Soul House: Maryknoll Lay Missioners Presents 2026 Bishop McCarthy Spirit of Mission Award to Steve and Laura Brown of Charlottesville, Virginia
Returned Maryknoll lay missioners Steve and Laura Brown founded the Casa Alma Catholic Worker community after returning from mission in Chile. Their commitment to the unhoused, mission and justice is now being honored with the 2026 Bishop John E. McCarthy Spirit of Mission Award.
United in Mission
Your support makes historic moments possible—like sending forth new missioners from El Salvador to serve in Bolivia. Because of you, hope is crossing borders and reaching communities most in need.
The Many Ways We Accompany: Faithful Responses to Migration
The Maryknoll Monarch Initiative recently held a hybrid event presenting migration not as a policy issue, but a social issue.
Meet Ernesti the Carpenter
A humble carpenter sets the tone in a Tanzanian retreat house. Meet Ernesti and the impact he has on visitors and lay missioners alike.
Wonders of Creation
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Hang Tran, shares the story of two Cambodian brothers who found each other and as strangers became one family.
Sharing the Faith
Gabe Hurrish shares an update on finding and beginning ministry in Thailand’s Bangkok region.
Beginning Encounters
James reflects on the summer theme in light of completing his Brasilian mission formation and beginning his mission work.
Mission Begins with a SMILE
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Coralis Salvador, tells the stories behind the smiles she sees regularly in mission along the border of USA and Mexico in El Paso, Texas.
The Costs of War in Tanzania
Mike Lattanzi in Tanzania recently walked by a funeral of a local man killed from a bomb during the Iran war.
The Most Precious Gifts
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Juan Gomez, reflects on his experiences as a chaplain and in a world full of consumerism, his patients only want life.
Sewing Hope
Jana Schiemenz, reflects on the willingness and ease of students at the Huruma School to assist one another without judgment.
Joy is a Choice
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Joanne Miya, reflects on the privilege she has witnessing joy in numerous encounters while in Tanzania.
Bond & Rocha Summer 2026 Update
Maryknoll Lay Missioners, Kathy Bond and Flavio Focha, provide details about the upcoming EcoRetreat in Monrovia, CA they’ll be facilitating.
My SMILE Moments in Mission
Julie Lawler discusses the healing power pottery had recently with a group of DDP students in Cambodia, and the smiles that it created.
Finding Grace… or is it Grace Finding Me?
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Susanne Beentjes, reflects on how grace can be found if you’re looking, even on those “bad days.”
Children of Prayer, Children of Peace
Rick Dixon, shares the beauty he recently witnessed while leading a prayerful retreat with children in El Salvador.
God is Good
Rich Tarro, shares a reflection of helping a family receive solar energy, and while not perfect, is still very good.
Joy Matters
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Theresa Glaser, shares her recent experience visiting a Kenyan family’s home and the joy she witnessed.
Maryknoll Monarch Initiative celebrates their 1st Anniversary
The Maryknoll Monarch Initiative recently celebrated their first anniversary.
Making All Things New
Josh Sisolak reflects on the experiences of the first disciples after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the similarities he has seen as a Maryknoll lay missioner.
Nonviolence Prevention in Cambodia’s Deaf Community
Julie Lawler shares how naming the realities in Cambodia helped her recognize additional prevention techniques to support nonviolent living in her deaf ministry.
Trapped by False Promises
Migrants seeking safety and opportunity often encounter exploitation hidden behind false promises. Through the work of Maryknoll Lay Missioner Heidi Cerneka, survivors are finding protection, dignity, and hope.
Hope is Alive in Lebanon
Coralis Salvador, shares her recent experience while on assignment in Lebanon at the Arrupe Migrant Center in Beirut.
Angela’s Plight
With a year’s time, a widow mourns the loss of her husband, gives birth to their fifth child, loses her middle son and is powerless when it comes to treating an illness that ultimately kills her oldest son. Miraculously, she and her children have found HOPE.
Preaching Hope. Living Peace
Gabe Hurrish reflects on his 8 years in South Sudan and how lucky he was to not be surrounded by media during that time.
The Echoes of Suffering
As the Cambodian government cracks down on ‘forced scamming’ operations, traumatized victims of human trafficking are left wandering the streets. TT Hoang tells the story of 10 Indonesians she helped return to their home country.
Matter of Life and Death
Hang Tran, reflects on Jesus’ friendship with Lazarus, and his sister’s response to his death.
Everyday Mission
Listening to a recent podcast, Sarah Bueter recognizes the work of her father back home in Indiana was an example of mission all along.
Facing Reality
New lay missioner, Jana Schiemenz, returns to Tanzania and begins to meet the people she will be walking with in her new ministries: a neighborhood special needs school, and a parish that serves those with mental illness.
Sweet Transformation
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Theresa Glaser, offers an update and reflection on her work at the St. John Bosco Rehabilitation Center in Kenya. This recently included the transformation of a dilapidated room into a a new library.
Our Lady of Lebanon, the Pope, and the Power of Music During War
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Dee Dungy, is serving in Lebanon as a special assignment. She shares her experiences assisting the migrants fleeing war, the recent conflict, and how Pope Leo XIV’s visit a few months ago impacted the area.
Easter Gift
This sacred season of Easter reminds us that hope is alive, and through faith and service, lives are renewed each day.
Peace & Love, even in Challenges
Joanne Miya reflects on recent developments in her mission. Filled with new challenges, she continually finds peace, love, and joy in her work, and with those she encounters.
Going Forward
After a series of delays in getting into Brazil with the appropriate visa, new Lay Missioner, James Pawlowicz, arrives and shares his happenings that first week.
Witness Brazil
Maryknoll Lay Missioners, Kathy & Flavio, are looking forward to celebrating 50 years of Maryknoll’s presence in Brazil this July, and they hope you will join them.
A Mother’s Unconditional Love
Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Juan Gomez, shares a reflection of the unconditional love expressed by Juanita to her epileptic son and his multiple seizures a day.
A New Chapter in a Familiar Story
After 6 years in Tanzania, Susanne Beentjes thought she knew the area and culture. With her new outlook through the lens of MKLM, she’s experiencing it in a whole new way.
You Are Not Alone
Veteran Lay Missioner, Joe Loney, recently got to observe the ministries of one of our newest lay missioners, Wilber Montoya. He shares a beautiful reflection of his observations with us here.
A small village, a wider world
From Ordinary Time to extraordinary resilience, missioner Sarah Bueter reflects on what it means to live alongside a community in El Salvador shaped by memory, faith, and unfinished hope.
A life shaped by mission and friendship
An early co-director of Maryknoll Lay Missioners, Chuck Lathrop helped guide the organization through its earliest years while carrying a lifelong commitment to mission across continents. He is remembered with gratitude by family, friends, and missioners around the world.
Catholic search party finds migrant remains in desert
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Heidi Cerneka, an immigration lawyer at the border, joined Jesuits and other volunteers on a sobering mission.
An elder’s mission to form good men
As he balances graduate studies by Zoom, missioner Francis Wayne continues his mission in Kenya—walking alongside incarcerated youth and men in recovery, offering steady presence, practical skills, and hope rooted in dignity and community.
Learning to see possibility
At the Home of Hope in Cambodia, small, patient acts of accompaniment help young people with developmental challenges discover new confidence, connection, and joy.
A shared “yes” to mission
Maryknoll Lay Missioners sent forth eight new missioners to serve in communities across the Americas and Africa.
A missioner’s long legacy of faith and service
A refugee turned missioner and beloved community leader, Son Nguyen devoted his life to others—from Houston’s Vietnamese Catholic community to vulnerable children and families in Bolivia. He is remembered for his courage, kindness, and the love he poured into every act.
