Meet Our Missioners
Click on missioners’ names to see their profile, blog posts, and donation page. Missioner commit to serving in solidarity with an overseas community for a minimum of two years and can renew for up to six years. Before going abroad they spend three months training in Washington, DC.
Current Classes
Class 37
Hometown: North Haven, CT
Path to FMS: Life and work circumstances provided me time to pray and contemplate what God wants for me. FMS ended up being the ideal mission organization for me to grow more deeply in my faith and exercise my discernment of the Holy Spirit’s call.
Scripture passage meaningful to mission: John 15:16. “The Lord is in control and if we seek Him, He will lead the way. I have sought His direction and He has made my path clear.”
Catholic role model: Through reading and prayer, King David, Saint Augustine, Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney, Saint John Paul II, Bishop Robert Barron, and Fr. John Behr have all taken ahold of my heart as men who have persevered and strived to serve our Lord and share His love through their lives of struggle and faith. I can relate to them in my personal life struggles, experiences, and faith.
Social Justice areas of interest: The sanctity of life: to save and protect God’s design of human life. Empowerment of women’s rights around the world: to provide equality in freedom, resources, and opportunities to express their God-given beliefs and talents. Hunger, clean water, and food insecurity: economies need to ensure nutritious food and clean water are available to all people.
Favorite Saint: Saint John Paul II exuded Jesus’s love and grace with such passion. I felt he brought the world’s people closer together somehow. I was blessed to visit his hometown, home/museum and local church in Wadowice.
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Hometown: Dallas, TX
Path to FMS: I was drawn to the FMS overseas lay mission program because of the diversity of ministry opportunities they offer, as well as the intentional community they provide during formation and overseas mission.
Scripture passage meaningful to mission: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
This has always been one of my favorite Scripture verses – with an accompanying song that speaks to my spirit – because it reminds me of my call as a Christian to share God’s love with those around the world and that I do not go alone. The Lord can do so much through us if we will let Him.
Catholic role model: My friend and mentor, Kathy, has been one of my role models for years. She works full-time as the director of religious education for a parish, takes care of her aging parents and in-laws, supports her five adult children, helps those in need in the community, and still manages to make time for me on top of all of that. Kathy is proof to me that you can live in the world and still serve radically and authentically. She tackles each day with new energy and love for people and God, with humility and generosity to which I aspire.
Social Justice areas of interest: Gender and racial inequality: We are all equal and have the same dignity, made in the image and likeness of God. It shocks me that in the 21st century we are still having to fight for equal rights in basic areas such as equal pay for women and lack of discrimination in hiring women or people of color.
The achievement gap for students of different socioeconomic backgrounds: As a teacher, I have witnessed firsthand the hurdles that students of lower socioeconomic statuses face in their desire to attend high school and college and have the same opportunities as others.
Dignified treatment of migrants: People from countries south of the US are fleeing violence, political unrest, and dire poverty to find a better life for their families. There are issues to be sorted out with finding employment and housing for these refugees, but every human being deserves to be treated as a child of God and should not be unfairly perceived/labeled as a threat or criminal.
Favorite Saint: I have a special devotion to Saint Teresa of Calcutta, as she is a modern saint who lived out a missionary life in her care for the economically poor and marginalized in the slums of Kolkata, India. Despite spiritual and physical attacks and obstacles, she persevered in her desire to serve the Christ that she saw hidden in each person.
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Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
Path to FMS: I’ve been imagining mission as a possibility for me for a long time. In my young adult years, I was intrigued by ways to serve my country but was more compelled to do that through my career. My purpose-filled work — leading Marriott’s corporate social responsibility globally, and then in economic empowerment with the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors — was educative and preparatory for what calls me now. My Catholic faith and the Franciscan tradition have been vital for me throughout my life, since my days at St. Bonaventure University and the Franciscan community at Mt. Irenaeus. FMS, which is grounded in the Franciscan charism, was the ideal fit for me.
Scripture passage meaningful to mission: “Cause me to hear your lovingkindness in the morning, for in you do I trust. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.” – Psalm 143:8. I’ve been praying this for nearly five years. It captures what I have been longing for; a clear purpose, a sacred calling in what has been a personally tumultuous time in my life with many “high highs and low lows.” I have said yes to this sacred calling to be an overseas lay missioner with FMS. While I know my prayer’s have been answered, this psalm remains with me. It guides me in all matters, big and small, and I know I will rely on it to guide me in the FMS ministry of presence.
Catholic role model: Fr. Dan Reilly, a Franciscan friar and founder of Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Community, and Fr. Cyril Edwards, the devoted pastor of my hometown parish Mary, Mother of God at Holy Rosary Church, are role models for who they are, what they do, and how they live. They are two of the most inspiring and effective communicators I will ever know. While in mission, I hope to channel what I’ve seen and learned from them, especially their intuition for what people need to know and hear and, when there is a language barrier of any sort, what people need to feel and believe.
Social Justice areas of interest: Human Rights, particularly human trafficking prevention, women’s equity and empowerment, climate change, and gun control: I’ve seen these injustices that plague the developing and the developed worlds in my work and on travel. The long-lasting impacts from loss, injustice, and trauma are devastating and completely counter what St. Irenaeus calls us to see: “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” Preventing these injustices is the long, hard, collective work that will outlive us. Restoring the human spirit is an everyday opportunity.
Favorite Saint: St. Mary Magdalene. Within the last two years, I’ve had occasion to become a devotee and see this saint with new eyes, this holy woman whom Pope Francis called “the Apostle of the new and greatest hope.” I think she provides a portal for all of us who are neither man nor mother but want to see ourselves represented from Good Friday to Resurrection Sunday. I can’t imagine what it took as a woman in that time to live and work within this traveling band of disciples. Mary Magdalene is radical, unfailing, and unflappable in her devotion to Jesus. I hope and pray she lights my way in mission. She simply fascinates me.
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Hometown: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Path to FMS: I am especially attracted to the possibility of getting to know people well in different parts of the world and to really know who they are.
Scripture passage meaningful to mission: “God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.” – Genesis 1:31. If God sees everything as VERY good and deserving of God’s love, then how can I not also see all in that way? This passage encourages me to seek those who may not be seen as “very good” by society and remind them of God’s love through my presence.
Catholic role model: There are many but, in reflection, St. Therese of Lisieux came to mind. She always wanted to be a missionary but because of illness was never able to. I think she still had the heart of a missionary as she loved in little ways and sought to see everyone as God does.
Social Justice areas of interest: My two strongest areas of social justice is care of creation and the dignity of all people. I believe strongly that God, as creator, intended that all created things should be respected. We as global humanity are loved equally by God, so we should do the same.
Favorite Saint: When I was confirmed, I didn’t receive a saint’s name. It was something being explored that year. Later, people have asked me who I would choose now, and I laugh because there are so many amazing saints! Today, from my long list, Saint Peter comes to mind. He always seemed so enthusiastic to me. He jumped in and tried his best, and it often didn’t work out so well. I have a lot of compassion and, in some ways, can identify with that willing but imperfect spirit.
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Class 36
Hometown: Sioux City, IA
Path to FMS: Many years ago, I volunteered for a year in Grants, New Mexico living with pregnant teens and nuns from Adorers of Precious Blood. This program involved loving and supporting these young ladies before, during and after delivery. This was an amazing experience that changed my life. It taught me to appreciate and value water as I watched the daily struggles of living through chronic drought. I learned of the different local tribes and the importance of respecting their different traditions. But most importantly, I will never forget the unfathomable love that these young ladies had when deciding to provide their child a better life through adoption. I believed at the time that I had fulfilled a lifelong dream and that the pull to serve had been extinguished. But the urge to return to service work is strong. The attraction for me is to get out of my comfort zone, walk in someone else’s shoes, and learn about other people’s cultures.
Scripture passage meaningful to mission: John 19:28, “Jesus said, ‘I thirst.’” I first encountered this simple yet powerful quote when I was reading about Mother Teresa and her passion for these two words. She would plead with people to try to understand what “I thirst” means. She would explain that Jesus thirst for us to come closer, thirsty for our love. As I listen to F. Riccardo’s recorded rosary, I am touched to hear him address these powerful words as he reminds me that Jesus is waiting to be quenched. I decided to go on this mission so that I can show people the way to Jesus, how they can understand how God thirsts for them.
Catholic role model: Pope John Paul II has a special place in my heart as a Catholic role model. I was married and living in Denver during his 1993 visit for World Youth Day. My husband was not a Catholic and I recall I was extremely proud of my faith during his visit. The excitement was palpable, even within the non-Catholic communities. His interaction with President Clinton whom I had lost respect for, was a great example of loving someone despite their actions. Previously uncomfortable about talking about my religion, Pope John Paul’s visit provided me an opportunity to talk about him and my faith with non-Catholics.
Social Justice areas of interest: I am passionate in preserving the dignity of the elderly. I recall many times when I was out in public with my ailing mother she would be minimized as other customers or employees pushed past her or ignore her all together. I was heartbroken as she would express her feelings of inadequacy. I also recall as I visited friends in the local nursing home they would be treated like children as opposed to valued adults.
Next is the issue of human trafficking. I am passionate about preventing human trafficking because I strongly believe I was confronted with a situation previously while on mission in New Mexico that I did not do anything. I can still see the little girl and the fear in her eyes. I was surprised with what I learned in a continuing education seminar I took several years ago. I learned that trafficking is everywhere, not just in a big city and that the perpetrator can be a father or other family member. I learned the signs a health care worker can look for include victim tattoos and victim’s reaction to a health care providers. Since this seminar, my eyes were opened to a new awareness of someone in danger.
Last issue regarding social justice, is the lack of educational opportunities provided to women globally. I have been blessed to receive an incredible education that has opened many doors for me. I can’t imagine living in a country where I am refused an education.
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Hometown: Brooklyn Park, MN
Why FMS? I discovered a passion for overseas service during my first mission trip in 2012 to Guatemala. Since then I have served in Haiti and studied abroad in India, teaching English in an elementary school, after which I began to feel the call to longer term overseas service. I am excited to see what God will teach me through FMS, and look forward to living out His call for me. I’m inspired by FMS’s humble and relational approach to ministry.
Scripture passage meaningful to mission: 1 Tim 4:12 (NASB): Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. I’ve always liked this verse as an encouragement to do the right thing and not fear being too young to be impactful. It reminds me that God calls young people to greatness and equips His called. Perhaps in this FMS experience, the concept of portraying love will be the most prominent of those in the list of this verse.
Catholic role model: Mary Jo Copeland is the founder of a Minneapolis ministry called Sharing and Caring Hands, which serves locals who are experiencing homelessness. She has tremendous faith and is lead by it everyday when she loves on each person who walks through her doors. Mary Jo has been known to pray at church everyday before the sun rises and is deeply committed to her faith. Before each meal that is served at Sharing and Caring Hands, Mary Jo says a prayer with a microphone for everyone to hear and speaks of the redemption and forgiveness of God and just how much God loves each person there. She washes the feet of new people who come in and serves the homeless population in every way she can. Her faith and her heart for service to the Lord and His people is inspirational to me.
Social Justice areas of interest: The issue of global hunger is of interest to me. I would like to learn more about food distribution globally and locally. Likewise, I’ve been very impacted by the issue of access to clean water. Ever since a mission trip to Haiti and experiencing the lack of drinkable water in certain areas, I’ve never looked at water the same way. The reaction and appreciation of local Haitians when clean water arrived for them was a very moving experience for me. Clean water and adequate food are basic human needs and I’m interested in learning more about Catholic Social Teaching and it’s response to these issues. Another social justice issue that interests me is the pro-life movement. The dignity of each human life, no matter how big, small, or tall, reaches to many aspects of life, and opportunities to defend and uphold it are numerous.
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Hometown: Pearl River, NY
Path to FMS: What most attracted me to the long-term overseas mission with FMS was the emphasis on solidarity with the poor. A lot of other wonderful mission programs preferred to focus on other aspects of serving communities, but I love FMS’s commitment to being with the people they are serving. It is unique and adds a depth, that you are not only going overseas to provide a service but to understand.
Scripture passage meaningful to mission: (Matthew 25:35-36) “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” This passage always spoke to me because it always seemed so easy. Be kind to one another and you are not just helping a stranger or doing God’s work but you are helping God. It is its simplicity that is jarring a kind act is all it takes, but so often to the people asked to carry it out it is asking for so much more. A young mother considering visiting a friend in prison is worried about how it would look if anyone found out. Caretakers worried about catching a disease. Strangers walking by people in the street crying out for help because of a society that devalues those that are unable to work. People always have a reason and this passage is asking us to set aside our social standing, existential fears, political affiliations, and much more. This passage may seem simple but in carrying it out we have to confront the greatest obstacle in our lives, ourselves.
Catholic role model: I was introduced to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati through “Frassati Fellowship of NYC” a Catholic young adult group in NYC that focuses on service, faith formation, and fellowship. This group aspires to follow in the footsteps of Frassati and through this and reading more about him as I got more involved I developed a deep appreciation for him. He was a man of great faith despite obstacles in his home life. He also lived out Catholic social teaching to the fullest which was especially necessary in his time as Italy was becoming increasingly more fasict at the beginning of the 20th century. The short life he lived was truly inspiring as he did all he could to stay true to the Catholic church’s teachings no matter the political or personal obstacles that were put in his place. Through everything in his life and even though he was born to privilege he never swayed from the knowledge that care and love for one’s neighbor no matter who they are or their circumstances is the most important part of living out one’s faith.
Social Justice areas of interest: Immigration is an issue that has always been close to my heart. My mother applied for citizenship when I was a teenager and it took her years to finally get it. This was a woman with 5 children with US citizenship, a husband with citizenship, no criminal record, who had by that point been living in the US for over 20 years and paying taxes the whole time. My mom’s struggles opened my eyes to issues of immigration and all of the different layers and struggles people face with it. Growing up in a rich and abundant country I never understood how people in it could be homeless or hungry. I’d drive by abandoned buildings and see tons of food being thrown out by stores and restaurants and nothing being done about these two conflicting facts. The waste I saw around me always left me feeling uneasy and it still does.
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Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Path to FMS: I have been moved by my international service missions in the past and believe that there is so much more to gain and learn that I haven’t during my short-term missions. I want to fully immerse myself into marginalized communities so I take what I’ll learn into my future career.
Scripture passage meaningful to mission: (Matthew 25:40) “And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” This speaks to me and my call to service because it encourages all of us to see one another as children of God. It reminds us that we are all deserving of basic human rights and dignity.
Catholic role model: I do not have any saint that I have a special devotion to, but I do admire St. Ignatius because of the values that have been instilled into me by my school.
Social Justice areas of interest: I am most interested in violence against women and climate change. I am passionate about violence against women because this is an issue that persists worldwide. In many countries, women are oppressed and violence against us can be overlooked and even ignore. This further puts women and girls at risk by limiting our access to justice and safety. I am passionate about advocating about this because the effects of interpersonal violence are often lifelong. By advocating and raising awareness we promote education among young boys and girls and provide the proper resources for those who may have experience domestic or sexual violence. By raising awareness we allow for those who’ve experience to seek help and healing. By raising awareness we force perpetrators to be held accountable for their actions. By raising awareness we educate women that it is not “ok” or “normal” to be violated and/or abused. By raising awareness we allow for women to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
I am passionate about climate change because of the state our earth is in right now. It is the product of all of our mistakes and poor treatment. So, it is up to us to make the effort to fix it. I want to educate about climate change because many people believe that we are in too deep for there to be a change. I want to share that there is so much that we can do just by doing so little. I advocate for a more plant- based diet because it is something that we can all consciously do every single day. It is also because of the devastating effects the animal agricultural industry has on the environment. I completely understand that it can be very difficult for people to adapt to the change because it is something that we all grew up doing. Therefore, I advocate for the concept of weekday veg. It’s the idea that for half of the week, or half of our meals we eat vegetarian or vegan. This would make a huge impact on the agricultural industry and the methane gasses released into the atmosphere. It is also important to note that climate change is something that will be felt first by the people in poverty, hence this is another way where we can use our privilege to make a change for others.
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alumni Classes
Amanda Ceraldi
Allison Dethlefs
Aubrey Kimble
Erin McHugh
Janic Smullen
Catherine Sullivan