“He said to them, ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.'”
Mark 16:15
Approximately 2,000 years ago, Jesus sent his disciples out as missionaries to the ends of the earth. Today, His words are as true as they have ever been. Two-thirds of the over seven billion people in the world have yet to be invited into a saving relationship with Jesus!
Could God be calling you to participate with Him in His mission?
At Family Missions Company, we are lay Catholic disciples of Jesus Christ, both singles and families, fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, by preaching the Gospel, serving the poor, and making disciples of all nations.
We serve in countries around the world, bringing the love of Christ to people through a variety of ministries.
If you’ve ever felt a tug on your heart to serve God and His people, perhaps He is calling you to discern becoming a full-time foreign missionary.
Watch these testimonies of some of our missionaries. Can you relate?
We are excited to walk with you on your journey! You may reach out to us at any time. If you are interested in a specific Discernment Week, we recommend reaching out two or three months in advance so that there is adequate time to prepare.
Part One: Discernment Inquiry
This online form is for those interested in missions who would like to start the conversation with the Vocations Team. After we receive your Discernment Inquiry form, we will set up a phone call to speak with you.
After completing this form and speaking with a member of our Vocations Team, there is no obligation to apply. However, if you are hoping to attend an upcoming Discernment Week, Discernment Inquiry forms are due at least six weeks before the Discernment Week you hope to attend. The deadline to complete the form for the November Discernment Week is September 23rd.
Part Two: Apply and Attend a Discernment Week
After you complete Part One above, a member of the Missionary Vocations Team will send you the Full-Time Missionary Application, if this is the right next step for you. The Application includes references and a background check. Applications are due one month before the Discernment Week you are hoping to attend; though you are welcome to send your application in sooner in order to plan for your travel. The Discernment Week is a 4 day, 3 night time spent at Family Missions Company in Louisiana.
Discernment Week Dates
Thursday, November 3 – Sunday, November 6
Thursday, February 9 – Sunday, February 12
Thursday, March 2 – Sunday, March 5
- People who are completely in love with Jesus, faithful to the teachings of the Church, and docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit
- Practicing Catholic seeking holiness
- For married couples, both spouses must be Catholic
- Completed high school one year prior to the start date of Intake training
- Fully initiated into the Catholic Church for at least one year prior to applying
- Married couples must be married for one year prior to applying
There are no educational requirements. Take a look at our FMC Charisms to see what FMC missionaries are striving for.
NOW THROUGH JANUARY 19, 2023 – REACH OUT TO THE VOCATIONS TEAM
We have a two part application process. You must begin the application process at least six weeks or more before the Discernment Week you are hoping to attend. All applications for the Intake 2023 year must be begun by January 19, 2023.
MAY 2023 – PREPARATION FOR INTAKE BEGINS
You will begin preparing for Intake from your home. This will include one or two virtual formation sessions per month, plus a one-on-one phone call per month. This will also include a time of fundraising with the support of a fundraising coach.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 – IN-PERSON TRAINING BEGINS
In-person training is six months long at our mission in Abbeville, Louisiana. This will include a period of at least three weeks in a foreign mission post.
APRIL 2024 – ARRIVAL TO THE MISSION POST & TWO YEAR TERM BEGINS
You will be sent out to a mission post as a full-time lay Catholic missionary with Family Missions Company for the next two years. Your first term of two years begins in April, following the completion of Intake training.
We also recommend reading the book Raising a Healthy Generation of Third Culture Kids by Lauren Wells.