Our Mission

As Franciscan followers of Christ, we build partnerships with Catholic women and men who are inspired to live and serve in solidarity with economically poor communities across the globe – and to bring the transformative experience of mission to North American societies and churches as advocates for peace, justice, reconciliation and care of creation.

International Lay Mission

Overseas Lay Missioners Students Walking Down Street with Views of Countryside

St. Francis of Assisi built bridges between cultures and peoples, and you can too, as a missioner with Franciscan Mission Service. We help Catholic lay women and men prepare to serve on mission where they partner with poor and oppressed communities around the world for 2-6 years.

dc service corps

DC Service Corp Members Group Photo at Lake

DC Service Corps is an 11-month service leadership experience for young adults (ages 21-35) that desire to participate in a Catholic program with a Franciscan heart. With a focus on professional and spiritual development through service in the DC community, DC Service Corps facilitates the integration of faith into all aspects of one's life.

HOW ARE YOU CALLED?

Hear from FMS missioners about how they felt God's call to go on mission and how FMS prepared them to do so.

Featured

Lifelong Mission Group Photo

Lifelong Mission

Delve into the different avenues this lifelong call to mission can lead within the FMS community.

Short-term Mission Trips young child smiling while looking out window

Short-Term Mission Trips

We offer short-term mission and global awareness trips in Washington, DC and at our mission sites in Bolivia, Guatemala, Jamaica, and the US/Mexico border.

Mosaic of Saint Claire and Saint Francis, Patron Saints

Get to Know Our Patron Saints

FMS aspires to follow in the footsteps of Saint Clare and Saint Francis. Missioners and volunteers practice this ministry of presence in their service.

Our Impact

Latest Stories

The Puzzle Pieces of Life

Editor’s Note: DC Service Corps volunteer Claire Schwalb reflects on how she and her DCSC community are called to share Christ’s love through serving at ...
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At the Foot of the Cross

Editor’s Note: As lay missioner Kim Wagner concludes her time on mission on the US-Mexico border, she reflects on how her ministry is like kneeling ...
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The Case for Martha

Editor’s Note: DC Service Corps volunteer Claire Fisher shares how she relates to Martha in light of her role at the 2025 Franciscan Justice Leadership ...
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