Question 1

Are the mission sites safe?

slm · Accepted Answer

We feel that your safety is closely monitored by the local religious community along with the SLM office. However, it must be stated that the countries where we serve are considered “developing” which brings its own inherent risks. Although we do everything we can to warn/protect the SLMs of any danger, there is always the inherent risk of going to a developing region/country.

Question 2

Can I choose where to go to serve?

slm · Accepted Answer

Placement is a process of mutual discernment, involving the missioner, SLM program, and the ministry site. We will take your geographic and ministry preference into account. It’s important to us that you will be able to use your gifts and feel you are making a difference. It is also important that we are responding to the urgent needs of the people we serve, and so we ask applicants to be flexible and open to a true discernment process.

Question 3

Can I defer my student loans?

slm · Accepted Answer

Yes.  Many SLMs have deferred their loans and have needed a letter from the Salesian organization stating that they are not receiving any type of salary and working as a volunteer. The deferment process and requirements depend on your loan provider, but we would be happy to work with them.

Question 4

Do I have to do fundraising?

slm · Accepted Answer

No.  SLMs do not have to do fundraising; however, many SLMs, once at their respective site, decide that they would like to raise money for a specific project or for a general donation to their site.

Question 5

Do I need a second language to go overseas?

slm · Accepted Answer

Conversational knowledge of the language spoken in the mission is a plus. We also have ministries with diverse cultures in the United States that will allow you to use second language skills, especially Spanish.

Question 6

Does the SLM program accept dating couples?

slm · Accepted Answer

Due to the nature of our intentional communities we do not accept applications for dating couples.

Question 7

Does the SLM program accept married couples?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the couple has been married a minimum of 3 years and has no dependents.

Question 8

Does the SLM program cover the costs of immunizations?

slm · Accepted Answer

No.  Once accepted, SLMs are required to get the necessary immunizations for the country they are going.  This will be covered by the SLM.

Question 9

Does the SLM program place families with dependents?

slm · Accepted Answer

No.  Due to the complexity of placing families w/dependents (i.e. housing, schooling, etc.), the SLM program is not set up to handle such cases.  There are, however, programs that are able to take families with dependents.  You can check out these programs at www.CatholicVolunteerNetwork.org.

Question 10

How long does the application process take?

slm · Accepted Answer

Usually 3-6 months. It all depends upon the applicant and how quickly forms are returned.

Question 11

Is there an application deadline?

slm · Accepted Answer

A Candidates must have the formal application turned in prior to attending a discernment weekend.  All other forms, references, and medical/driving checks must be submitted prior to orientation.  Orientation begins at the end of July and lasts 3 weeks.

Question 12

Once I am invited to orientation, is it a “sure thing” that I’ll be headed to mission?

slm · Accepted Answer

As a program, we want to make sure that every candidate and potential SLM are the best fit and are going to have a positive and life-giving experience in mission. If, at any point during orientation, there are serious concerns that would affect or jeopardize the safety or well-being of the SLM, the Salesian receiving community, or the SLM community, we may ask the SLM in formation to withdraw from the program.

Question 13

What are my financial responsibilities?

slm · Accepted Answer

You are responsible for paying your way to & from our orientation. (Room & board are taken care of during the orientation.) Vaccinations are another financial responsibility for you. Visa expenses and travel expenses to & from site are paid by the Salesian Lay Missioner (SLM), but will be reimbursed upon completion of commitment.  Travel to/from required discernment weekend are covered by the applicant (Room/board/program fees are covered by the SLM program).

Question 14

What can I expect from the orientation program?

slm · Accepted Answer

Orientation is a three-week experience.  The first two weeks focus on service and cross-cultural training.  The last week of the orientation is spent at the Salesian Retreat Center in Stony Point, NY, where SLMs learn more about the Salesians:  youth ministry, spirituality, Don Bosco’s Preventive System, and much more.  The orientation finishes with the commissioning of the SLMs.

Question 15

What if I can’t make the orientation?

slm · Accepted Answer

We feel that the orientation is important to the success of not just your ministry, but also your health and well-being out in the missions. Therefore, it is required that SLMs attend the entire orientation.

Question 16

What is expected from missioners?

Accepted Answer

SLMs represent both the Salesian Lay Missioner Program and the Salesians of Don Bosco, and are expected to conduct themselves properly. Missioners are also expected to live a Christian lifestyle and participate in community living through mass, prayers, meals etc.

Question 17

What is expected from missioners?

slm · Accepted Answer

SLMs represent both the Salesian Lay Missioner Program and the Salesians of Don Bosco, and are expected to conduct themselves properly. Missioners are also expected to live a Christian lifestyle and participate in community living through mass, prayers, meals etc.

Question 18

What is the length of service commitment?

Accepted Answer

One year minimum and three consecutive years maximum.

Question 19

What will the SLM program provide?

slm · Accepted Answer

We will pay for room, board, and medical insurance. Travel expenses to and from the site are paid by the SLM. Upon completion of commitment, travel is reimbursed by the Salesian Lay Missioner program. The stipend of $50 per month for all SLMs, domestic and international.

Question 20

What’s this I hear about attending a “discernment weekend”?

slm · Accepted Answer

To help ensure a good program fit, we require that each candidate attend one discernment weekend.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about the program, its charism, the work, etc.

Question 21

When do SLMs depart for mission?

slm · Accepted Answer

SLMs are free to depart for mission after successful completion of the orientation program. Because of the complicated logistics and the timing of administrative tasks that must be done prior to leaving, we do not allow people to leave for mission directly from orientation. It is recommended that SLMs depart for mission within 1 month of the end of orientation. There is no “fixed date” that all lay missioners depart for mission.

Question 22

Where do SLMs live?

slm · Accepted Answer

They normally live in community with Salesian Priests, Brothers or Sisters. Sometimes they do live with other Salesian Lay Missioners and/or volunteers from other organizations or different countries.

Question 23

Are the mission sites safe?

slm · Accepted Answer

We feel that your safety is closely monitored by the local religious community along with the SLM office. However, it must be stated that the countries where we serve are considered “developing” which brings its own inherent risks. Although we do everything we can to warn/protect the SLMs of any danger, there is always the inherent risk of going to a developing region/country.

Question 24

Can I choose where to go to serve?

slm · Accepted Answer

Placement is a process of mutual discernment, involving the missioner, SLM program, and the ministry site. We will take your geographic and ministry preference into account. It’s important to us that you will be able to use your gifts and feel you are making a difference. It is also important that we are responding to the urgent needs of the people we serve, and so we ask applicants to be flexible and open to a true discernment process.

Question 25

Can I defer my student loans?

slm · Accepted Answer

Yes.  Many SLMs have deferred their loans and have needed a letter from the Salesian organization stating that they are not receiving any type of salary and working as a volunteer. The deferment process and requirements depend on your loan provider, but we would be happy to work with them.

Question 26

Do I have to do fundraising?

slm · Accepted Answer

No.  SLMs do not have to do fundraising; however, many SLMs, once at their respective site, decide that they would like to raise money for a specific project or for a general donation to their site.

Question 27

Do I need a second language to go overseas?

slm · Accepted Answer

Conversational knowledge of the language spoken in the mission is a plus. We also have ministries with diverse cultures in the United States that will allow you to use second language skills, especially Spanish.

Question 28

Does the SLM program accept dating couples?

slm · Accepted Answer

Due to the nature of our intentional communities we do not accept applications for dating couples.

Question 29

Does the SLM program accept married couples?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the couple has been married a minimum of 3 years and has no dependents.

Question 30

Does the SLM program cover the costs of immunizations?

slm · Accepted Answer

No.  Once accepted, SLMs are required to get the necessary immunizations for the country they are going.  This will be covered by the SLM.

Question 31

Does the SLM program place families with dependents?

slm · Accepted Answer

No.  Due to the complexity of placing families w/dependents (i.e. housing, schooling, etc.), the SLM program is not set up to handle such cases.  There are, however, programs that are able to take families with dependents.  You can check out these programs at www.CatholicVolunteerNetwork.org.

Question 32

How long does the application process take?

slm · Accepted Answer

Usually 3-6 months. It all depends upon the applicant and how quickly forms are returned.

Question 33

Is there an application deadline?

slm · Accepted Answer

A Candidates must have the formal application turned in prior to attending a discernment weekend.  All other forms, references, and medical/driving checks must be submitted prior to orientation.  Orientation begins at the end of July and lasts 3 weeks.

Question 34

Once I am invited to orientation, is it a “sure thing” that I’ll be headed to mission?

slm · Accepted Answer

As a program, we want to make sure that every candidate and potential SLM are the best fit and are going to have a positive and life-giving experience in mission. If, at any point during orientation, there are serious concerns that would affect or jeopardize the safety or well-being of the SLM, the Salesian receiving community, or the SLM community, we may ask the SLM in formation to withdraw from the program.

Question 35

What are my financial responsibilities?

slm · Accepted Answer

You are responsible for paying your way to & from our orientation. (Room & board are taken care of during the orientation.) Vaccinations are another financial responsibility for you. Visa expenses and travel expenses to & from site are paid by the Salesian Lay Missioner (SLM), but will be reimbursed upon completion of commitment.  Travel to/from required discernment weekend are covered by the applicant (Room/board/program fees are covered by the SLM program).

Question 36

What can I expect from the orientation program?

slm · Accepted Answer

Orientation is a three-week experience.  The first two weeks focus on service and cross-cultural training.  The last week of the orientation is spent at the Salesian Retreat Center in Stony Point, NY, where SLMs learn more about the Salesians:  youth ministry, spirituality, Don Bosco’s Preventive System, and much more.  The orientation finishes with the commissioning of the SLMs.

Question 37

What if I can’t make the orientation?

slm · Accepted Answer

We feel that the orientation is important to the success of not just your ministry, but also your health and well-being out in the missions. Therefore, it is required that SLMs attend the entire orientation.

Question 38

What is expected from missioners?

Accepted Answer

SLMs represent both the Salesian Lay Missioner Program and the Salesians of Don Bosco, and are expected to conduct themselves properly. Missioners are also expected to live a Christian lifestyle and participate in community living through mass, prayers, meals etc.

Question 39

What is expected from missioners?

slm · Accepted Answer

SLMs represent both the Salesian Lay Missioner Program and the Salesians of Don Bosco, and are expected to conduct themselves properly. Missioners are also expected to live a Christian lifestyle and participate in community living through mass, prayers, meals etc.

Question 40

What is the length of service commitment?

Accepted Answer

One year minimum and three consecutive years maximum.

Question 41

What will the SLM program provide?

slm · Accepted Answer

We will pay for room, board, and medical insurance. Travel expenses to and from the site are paid by the SLM. Upon completion of commitment, travel is reimbursed by the Salesian Lay Missioner program. The stipend of $50 per month for all SLMs, domestic and international.

Question 42

What’s this I hear about attending a “discernment weekend”?

slm · Accepted Answer

To help ensure a good program fit, we require that each candidate attend one discernment weekend.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about the program, its charism, the work, etc.

Question 43

When do SLMs depart for mission?

slm · Accepted Answer

SLMs are free to depart for mission after successful completion of the orientation program. Because of the complicated logistics and the timing of administrative tasks that must be done prior to leaving, we do not allow people to leave for mission directly from orientation. It is recommended that SLMs depart for mission within 1 month of the end of orientation. There is no “fixed date” that all lay missioners depart for mission.

Question 44

Where do SLMs live?

slm · Accepted Answer

They normally live in community with Salesian Priests, Brothers or Sisters. Sometimes they do live with other Salesian Lay Missioners and/or volunteers from other organizations or different countries.

Question 45

Are the mission sites safe?

slm · Accepted Answer

We feel that your safety is closely monitored by the local religious community along with the SLM office. However, it must be stated that the countries where we serve are considered “developing” which brings its own inherent risks. Although we do everything we can to warn/protect the SLMs of any danger, there is always the inherent risk of going to a developing region/country.

Question 46

Can I choose where to go to serve?

slm · Accepted Answer

Placement is a process of mutual discernment, involving the missioner, SLM program, and the ministry site. We will take your geographic and ministry preference into account. It’s important to us that you will be able to use your gifts and feel you are making a difference. It is also important that we are responding to the urgent needs of the people we serve, and so we ask applicants to be flexible and open to a true discernment process.

Question 47

Can I defer my student loans?

slm · Accepted Answer

Yes.  Many SLMs have deferred their loans and have needed a letter from the Salesian organization stating that they are not receiving any type of salary and working as a volunteer. The deferment process and requirements depend on your loan provider, but we would be happy to work with them.

Question 48

Do I have to do fundraising?

slm · Accepted Answer

No.  SLMs do not have to do fundraising; however, many SLMs, once at their respective site, decide that they would like to raise money for a specific project or for a general donation to their site.

Question 49

Do I need a second language to go overseas?

slm · Accepted Answer

Conversational knowledge of the language spoken in the mission is a plus. We also have ministries with diverse cultures in the United States that will allow you to use second language skills, especially Spanish.

Question 50

Does the SLM program accept dating couples?

slm · Accepted Answer

Due to the nature of our intentional communities we do not accept applications for dating couples.

Question 51

Does the SLM program accept married couples?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the couple has been married a minimum of 3 years and has no dependents.

Question 52

Does the SLM program cover the costs of immunizations?

slm · Accepted Answer

No.  Once accepted, SLMs are required to get the necessary immunizations for the country they are going.  This will be covered by the SLM.

Question 53

Does the SLM program place families with dependents?

slm · Accepted Answer

No.  Due to the complexity of placing families w/dependents (i.e. housing, schooling, etc.), the SLM program is not set up to handle such cases.  There are, however, programs that are able to take families with dependents.  You can check out these programs at www.CatholicVolunteerNetwork.org.

Question 54

How long does the application process take?

slm · Accepted Answer

Usually 3-6 months. It all depends upon the applicant and how quickly forms are returned.

Question 55

Is there an application deadline?

slm · Accepted Answer

A Candidates must have the formal application turned in prior to attending a discernment weekend.  All other forms, references, and medical/driving checks must be submitted prior to orientation.  Orientation begins at the end of July and lasts 3 weeks.

Question 56

Once I am invited to orientation, is it a “sure thing” that I’ll be headed to mission?

slm · Accepted Answer

As a program, we want to make sure that every candidate and potential SLM are the best fit and are going to have a positive and life-giving experience in mission. If, at any point during orientation, there are serious concerns that would affect or jeopardize the safety or well-being of the SLM, the Salesian receiving community, or the SLM community, we may ask the SLM in formation to withdraw from the program.

Question 57

What are my financial responsibilities?

slm · Accepted Answer

You are responsible for paying your way to & from our orientation. (Room & board are taken care of during the orientation.) Vaccinations are another financial responsibility for you. Visa expenses and travel expenses to & from site are paid by the Salesian Lay Missioner (SLM), but will be reimbursed upon completion of commitment.  Travel to/from required discernment weekend are covered by the applicant (Room/board/program fees are covered by the SLM program).

Question 58

What can I expect from the orientation program?

slm · Accepted Answer

Orientation is a three-week experience.  The first two weeks focus on service and cross-cultural training.  The last week of the orientation is spent at the Salesian Retreat Center in Stony Point, NY, where SLMs learn more about the Salesians:  youth ministry, spirituality, Don Bosco’s Preventive System, and much more.  The orientation finishes with the commissioning of the SLMs.

Question 59

What if I can’t make the orientation?

slm · Accepted Answer

We feel that the orientation is important to the success of not just your ministry, but also your health and well-being out in the missions. Therefore, it is required that SLMs attend the entire orientation.

Question 60

What is expected from missioners?

Accepted Answer

SLMs represent both the Salesian Lay Missioner Program and the Salesians of Don Bosco, and are expected to conduct themselves properly. Missioners are also expected to live a Christian lifestyle and participate in community living through mass, prayers, meals etc.

Question 61

What is expected from missioners?

slm · Accepted Answer

SLMs represent both the Salesian Lay Missioner Program and the Salesians of Don Bosco, and are expected to conduct themselves properly. Missioners are also expected to live a Christian lifestyle and participate in community living through mass, prayers, meals etc.

Question 62

What is the length of service commitment?

Accepted Answer

One year minimum and three consecutive years maximum.

Question 63

What will the SLM program provide?

slm · Accepted Answer

We will pay for room, board, and medical insurance. Travel expenses to and from the site are paid by the SLM. Upon completion of commitment, travel is reimbursed by the Salesian Lay Missioner program. The stipend of $50 per month for all SLMs, domestic and international.

Question 64

What’s this I hear about attending a “discernment weekend”?

slm · Accepted Answer

To help ensure a good program fit, we require that each candidate attend one discernment weekend.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about the program, its charism, the work, etc.

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