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While
many of our friends around the world share their material
possessions with he Missionaries of the Poor, many others share
themselves--their time, energy and skills--by visiting MOP missions and serving as Lay Volunteers.
Lay
Volunteers stay with us for up to two weeks and assist the brothers
in the daily work of our care centers. In addition to the
daily work, volunteers share in the daily life of the community, which includes daily Mass, hours of prayer,
meals and
lots of music! At the same time, volunteers experience the
simplicity of MOP life and gain many spiritual benefits from their
time with us and the poor.
Time
spent with the Missionaries of the Poor is, for most of our lay
volunteers, a life-changing experience. Our visitors go home
with a renewed faith, a new love for the poor, a new vision for
their lives and plans to return and help again. Your personal
prayer life will be enhanced as you get to see how the brothers pray
and learn of the devotions that sustain them spiritually.
Seeing the simplicity of the brothers, you will likely go home with
a heightened sense of the materialism of western culture and an
appreciation for a simpler way of life.
RULES FOR
VISITORS
While
there are so many exciting things to learn and do
while you are among the Missionaries of the Poor, we must remember
that the Brothers live a partially cloistered life and there are
rules to be carefully observed. These rules will give you the
freedom to enjoy your visit!
To
learn of these rules, please read our
Visitor Rules page. For
more information on applying to become an MOP Volunteer or if you
would like to discuss the MOP visitor rules, please
contact us.
VOLUNTEER
TESTIMONIES
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VOLUNTEER Q&A
WHAT DOES IT COST? |
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We provide housing and meals
for lay volunteers. Your pay only for traveling
expenses. |
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HOW DO I APPLY? |
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The first step in becoming an
MOP Volunteer is to contact us. We would like to
discuss some of the guidelines for volunteers and then we
will mail you a Volunteer application. |
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WHAT WILL I DO? |
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As a volunteer, you will
participate in the life and works of the brothers. We
begin with Mass and Morning prayer at 6am, then have
breakfast and spend the day in the care centers working with
the poor. Later, we pray Evening prayer and the
Rosary, then enjoy dinner before relaxing at night.
Tasks in the care centers
are always supervised by the brothers--so don't be afraid. |
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WHAT DO I NEED? |
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When you visit, we will
provide you with everything you need except for your
clothing, toiletries, cosmetic needs and reading materials.
Expect warm weather, but always dress modestly. For
more details,
see our Rules for Visitors. |
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WHERE WILL I STAY? |
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We maintain a guest house on
our property that comfortably houses volunteer groups.
Sometimes, men bunk with the brothers in the monasteries
themselves. |
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