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Lifelong Mission

Lifelong Mission (1)

FMS overseas lay missioners and DC Service Corps volunteers are committed not just to a year or more of service in DC or several years of overseas mission, but to a lifetime of living out faith, peace, and justice in the Franciscan tradition. The photo above shows the gathering of alumni at a Commissioning Mass. Their commitment to live out their call to mission goes well beyond their time with FMS, and each missioner and DC Service Corps volunteer does so differently.

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lifelong mission committee

The Committee for Lifelong Mission fosters continued connection among members of the FMS Family, specifically Returned Missioners and DC-based Program Alumni (DC Service Corps, Nonprofit Servant Leadership Program, and Domestic Volunteers) in their commitment to working for peace, justice, and hope with a grounding in the Franciscan charism.


The Committee for Lifelong Mission’s priority is bringing together a supportive community that allows lifelong mission to flourish.  Annual goals include:

  1. Host and/or facilitate the alumni retreat
  2. Mentoring initiatives in support of current program participants
  3. On-going virtual discussions – past topics have included Laudato Si, Contemplative Prayer, and Racial Justice
  4. Facilite gatherings around significant FMS events such as Recommissioning Mass and the World Care Benefit and Celebration

Committee members: Bridget Higginbotham (Office Associate 2011-’12), Lee Lechtenberg (Lay Mission Class 23), Amanda Saunders (NPSL 2016-’17), Janice Smullen (Lay Mission Class 31), Catherine Sullivan (Lay Mission Class 31), and Megeen White Testa (Lay Mission Class 1)

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community stories & interviews

Where are they now? DC Service Corps alumni joined the FMS family with a commitment to deepening their faith in the Franciscan tradition and working for peace and justice, while developing servant leadership skills. Meet some of the alumni and learn more about the impact of their year with FMS.

Testimonials

Alumni

Our alumni are dedicated to “lifelong mission” to North America, which includes a personal commitment to the Franciscan values of service to the marginalized, simplicity of lifestyle, and the promise to actively seek justice, peace, and the integrity of all creation.

Many alumni take their service skills and experience and go into nonprofits and pastoral ministry. Others continue on into the corporate world while volunteering in their community and serving in their parish.

Annual Retreat

Each year, the Lifelong Mission Committee hosts a retreat – in person or virtually – for FMS alumni to reflect on their commitment to lifelong mission and to reconnect with the Franciscan charism and one another.

Keep in Touch

Whether you’re a returned missioner or former associate, please keep us updated on the happenings in your life! Email us.

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