International Lay Mission

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.

Through our 13-week mission formation process, you’ll learn how to serve others in ways that are respectful and honoring of cultural, religious, and personal differences.

FMS will prepare you to directly serve the materially poor and marginalized people of society through Franciscan ministry, where you’ll explore themes of personal conversion; communal living; simplicity of lifestyle; and ways of working for peace, justice, and care of creation.

Your years in mission will be one of the most meaningful, powerful experiences of your life. But your journey won’t end there.

When you return, you will join our “Lifelong Missioners to North America”. Our focus on the importance of mission to North America is a unique aspect of the FMS program. As your mission at home continues, you will use your cross-cultural experience to live the gospel message of peace and justice in the North American Church and society too.