Missionaries of Mercy

A yearlong Catholic missionary formation program
Prayer · Community · Works of Mercy

Missionaries of Mercy is a new program of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan that invites Catholic young adults ages 21–29 to give one year to prayer, community, and service with the poor. Starting in August 2027, missionaries will live in intentional community, pray together every day, and meet Christ in the people they serve at our Center for the Works of Mercy and on the streets of Detroit.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me." (Matthew 25:35–36)

Our Mission

To develop passionate, holy, Catholic missionaries who love each other and the poor well.

Many young adults are looking for real community and a life with purpose. The Church needs lay Catholics who are formed to pray, lead, and share their faith.
And our neighbors in Detroit need more than services. They need people who will stay, listen, and walk with them. Missionaries of Mercy brings these three needs together.

What Missionaries Do

Missionaries of Mercy will live the works of mercy by carrying out the corporal Works of Mercy every day:

Feed the hungry
Clothe the naked
Welcome the stranger
Visit the imprisoned
Shelter the homeless

Missionaries serve at our Center for the Works of Mercy and through street outreach.
They build relationships with our neighbors in need, including people who are hard to reach through traditional services.

A Daily Rhythm of Prayer, Community, and Mission

Missionaries will receive formation of the whole person through 4 pillars:

Spiritual: Liturgy of the Hours, daily holy hour, daily Mass, regular confession, retreats, and monthly spiritual direction
Human: Remove vice/Grow in virtue, leadership, emotional maturity, and communication, with a formator who supports personal growth and accountability
Intellectual: 1 class per week will be taught by local Catholic leaders from all vocations through a partnership with Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
Pastoral: Learning to love your brothers and sisters well both on the street and in community

Formation of the Whole Person

Missionaries of Mercy is not about logging service hours. It forms the whole person in four areas:

Spiritual: Liturgy of the Hours, sacramental life, retreats, and monthly spiritual direction
Human: Virtue, leadership, emotional maturity, and communication, with a formator who supports personal growth and accountability
Intellectual: Catholic teaching, Catholic Social Teaching, and the moral and spiritual tradition of the Church, taught in partnership with Sacred Heart Major Seminary faculty
Pastoral: Direct service and relational ministry with our friends who are poor

Your Year as a Missionary

Two to three weeks of training
Christmas Break
Fall retreat
Spring pilgrimage

Each week also includes professional development classes and work responsibilities, so missionaries finish the year ready to lead in the Church, in their careers, and in their families.

Life in Community

Missionaries live together under one roof with separate mens and womens living quarters near the Center for the Works of Mercy. Their residence includes gender-specific living quarters and bathrooms, a kitchen, community space, chapel, and office/library spaces. The missionaries follow a shared rule of life that prioritizes prayer, community, and mutual support. House facilitators serve as mentors, and every missionary meets monthly with a spiritual director, a formator, and program staff. Confidential counseling with Catholic Charities counselors is also available.

What Missionaries Receive

A monthly stipend
Community housing
Daily spiritual formation and monthly spiritual direction
Formation classes with local Catholic Leaders
Retreat, pilgrimage, and professional development
A community of peers who share your faith

Who Should Apply

Missionaries of Mercy is for Catholic young adults ages 21–29 who are looking for:

Authentic Catholic community
Deeper formation in prayer and virtue
Time and space to discern God's call
Meaningful service with the poor

Our first class of missionaries begins in August 2027. Our missionaries go on to serve as leaders in their families, pursue further discernment of religious and priestly vocations, and work with Catholic nonprofits and parishes as educators and mentors.

Will You Join Us?

We are now recruiting our founding class. To learn more or to begin your application, fill out our interest form. Our team will contact you for a discovery call.

Support Missionaries of Mercy

Not called to serve for a year? You can still be part of this mission.

Inquire about a short-term mission trip
Pray for our missionaries and the neighbors they serve.
Refer a young adult from your parish, campus, or family.
Invite us to speak to your parish or young adult group.
Give to help form missionaries who love the poor well.

Forming Catholic Leaders for all vocations