Frequently Asked
Questions

Unlike many other missions, we do not ask you to fundraise before coming to SPIRITUS. Missionaries do assist by sharing the impact of their ministry with benefactors and at some parish Mass appeals.

Missionaries serve six days a week from mid-August through mid-May. Exact dates vary from year-to-year.

Retreat experience is not necessary, but it is helpful. It is necessary to have a love for God, the Catholic faith and for sharing that with young people. It is important to have a servant's heart and be open to the Holy Spirit guiding and forming you throughout the mission.

No, but you will need to be a practicing Catholic and provide a letter from your pastor that you are in good standing with the Church.

SPIRITUS prayer is founded in Christ and His presence in the Eucharist. Team members attend daily Mass as their schedule allows. The team prays morning and evening Liturgy of the Hours, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Rosary, one-on-one Prayer, Lectio Divina, Praise and Worship and Eucharistic Adoration. These forms of community prayer are foundational to the evangelization ministry and growing together in community.

SPIRITUS missionaries are busy serving six days a week. This does not leave much time for other commitments and therefore, missionaries are unable to take college classes during their nine months on SPIRITUS. Missionaries receive formation each week which enables them to continue to grow intellectually.

SPIRITUS asks missionaries to make a commitment to refrain from romantic relationships during their time as a SPIRITUS Missionary. This dating fast is in place in order to help missionaries to fully invest in the mission and to be free to serve Christ with their whole heart. While a sacrifice, this commitment brings freedom and many other blessings.

There are three housing facilities for the missionaries: one for men and two for women. All households are close proximity to Mount Tabor Center with all missionaries having their own room. The men live with two parish priests at a rectory nearby.

SPIRITUS has a fleet of vehicles that are available for ministry needs. Those with SPIRITUS Internships must provide their own vehicle for transportation to their parish. Vehicles are occasionally available for personal use.

SPIRITUS provides each team member with medical insurance if they need it. Some team members choose to remain on their parents' insurance plans. Pre-existing conditions are excluded from the SPIRITUS health insurance plans.

We can provide you with a letter to send to your lender asking them to give you a deferment for the time you are serving as a SPIRITUS missionary.

Your first week with SPIRITUS would entail going on retreat to center your love for the Trinity, strengthen foundations of faith, begin the life of a missionary, enter into the SPIRITUS prayer routine and build community with your fellow missionaries. The following two weeks you will be at Mount Tabor Center for intensive discipleship training. A variety of presenters come to educate, lead discussions and facilitate practice sessions. Throughout the mission you will continue learning and engaging new and relevant methods of discipleship.

The retreats consist of ice breakers, praise music, witness talks, small groups, dramas, challenge activities and a wide variety of prayer opportunities.