Rachel Evans
The Peace Corps is an independent agency and program of the United States government that trains and deploys volunteers to communities in partner countries around the world. It was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and has since attracted over 240,000 Americans who have served in 142 countries. While the Peace Corps is a secular organization, people sometimes refer to Maryknoll Lay Missioners as the Catholic Peace Corps. Both organizations provide Americans with the opportunity to share their expertise and serve overseas, but the key difference is that the Maryknoll Lay Missioners is a Catholic sending organization.
| Characteristics | Values | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Peace Corps | |
| Catholic Alternative | Maryknoll Lay Missioners | |
| Nature of Organisation | Secular, independent agency and program of the United States government | |
| Nature of Catholic Alternative | Catholic sending organisation | |
| Volunteer Profile | Americans with a college degree | |
| Volunteer Profile | Catholic Alternative | Americans who have served in the Peace Corps |
| Duration | Two years | |
| Catholic Alternative Duration | Career | |
| Locations | 77 countries | |
| Catholic Alternative Locations | Africa | |
| Training | Three months | |
| Remuneration | No wages; transport costs and basic expenses covered |
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What You'll Learn
Maryknoll Lay Missioners
The Maryknoll Lay Missioners (MKLM) is a Catholic organization inspired by the mission of Jesus to live and work in poor communities "for a more just, compassionate and sustainable world". They work in nine countries in Africa, Asia, South America, and North America. The organization recruits single people, married couples, and families with children, helping them through a discernment process, and providing an intensive 10-week orientation program.
The Peace Corps offers a two-year volunteer program where individuals are matched with positions and countries based on their experience and preferences. The Peace Corps has a presence in 60 countries, with most volunteers serving in South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. Many Peace Corps volunteers have gone on to become Maryknoll Lay Missioners, particularly those who are Catholic and are seeking to continue their overseas service in a Catholic context.
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Peace Corps in Catholic countries
The Peace Corps is an independent agency and program of the United States government that trains and deploys volunteers to communities in partner countries around the world. It was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and has since sent volunteers to 142 countries. Volunteers are expected to serve for at least two years in their host country, working in fields such as education, health, entrepreneurship, and community development.
While the Peace Corps is a secular organization, some people refer to Maryknoll Lay Missioners as the "Catholic Peace Corps." This Catholic sending organization provides Americans with the opportunity to share their expertise and accompany people in need around the world. Many of its members have previously served in the Peace Corps. For example, John O'Donoghue served with the Peace Corps in Lesotho before joining the Maryknoll Lay Missioners in Bolivia. Gabe Hurrish, another member of Maryknoll Lay Missioners, worked on water projects for the Peace Corps in Kenya from 1984 to 1986.
Ann, a former Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador, also transitioned to Maryknoll Lay Missioners due to its faith-based nature. She appreciated the longer, three-and-a-half-year commitment that allowed her to form deeper connections with the local community and culture.
For those seeking to serve in Catholic countries specifically, Latin America, including El Salvador and Panama, is often recommended due to the prevalence of Catholic churches in the region. However, it is important to research the specific countries and regions, as some areas may be more accommodating than others. Additionally, one should consider their flexibility in attending Protestant services, which are more widely available in certain parts of the world.
Overall, while the Peace Corps does not have an official Catholic version, those seeking to serve in Catholic countries or wishing to incorporate their Catholic faith into their service can find opportunities through organizations like Maryknoll Lay Missioners.
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Catholic church attendance
The Peace Corps is an independent agency and program of the United States government that trains and deploys volunteers to communities in partner countries around the world. It was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. The official goal of the Peace Corps is to assist developing countries by providing skilled workers in fields such as education, health, entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, and community development. Volunteers are expected to serve for two years in a foreign country, with three months of training beforehand. There is no maximum age limit to joining, and volunteers do not receive wages but are provided with a stipend for basic expenses.
People sometimes refer to Maryknoll Lay Missioners as the "Catholic Peace Corps." Both organizations provide Americans with the opportunity to share their expertise overseas and emphasize engaging with local people. However, the Peace Corps is a secular, government agency, while Maryknoll Lay Missioners is a Catholic sending organization. Gabe Hurrish, a Maryknoll lay missioner in South Sudan, described how his time as a Peace Corps Volunteer helped him learn "how to pray and trust in God."
For those who are Catholic and interested in joining the Peace Corps, some advise applying only to predominantly Catholic countries to ensure access to Catholic churches and sacraments. However, it is important to be flexible and open to serving in various regions, as the Peace Corps values adaptability in its volunteers. While serving, volunteers can attend religious services and participate in their congregations, but they must commit to not taking part in proselytizing activities.
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Catholic volunteers' experiences
While there is no official Catholic version of the Peace Corps, an independent agency of the US government, some people refer to the Maryknoll Lay Missioners as the "Catholic Peace Corps". Both organizations provide Americans with the opportunity to share their expertise and serve overseas, but the Peace Corps is secular, while the Maryknoll Lay Missioners is a Catholic sending organization.
Catholic volunteers have shared their experiences of serving in the Peace Corps and the Maryknoll Lay Missioners. One volunteer, Ann, served in El Salvador from 1976 to 1979, working as a regional nutritionist. She described it as a "great intro to the country", as she was able to learn the language and culture while working with a Salvadoran nutritionist and visiting health clinics and hospitals. However, Ann's experience was also marked by the onset of civil war, with massacres and disappearances becoming commonplace. During her time in El Salvador, Ann was able to put her faith into action and connect with her Catholic religion on a deeper level. She faced tests of her faith, which led her to reflect and strengthen her spiritual beliefs.
Another volunteer, Gabe Hurrish, served in the Peace Corps in Kenya from 1984 to 1986, working on water projects. He later joined the Maryknoll Lay Missioners and has since lived and worked overseas with various Catholic relief and mission organizations for almost 30 years, primarily in Africa. Gabe attributes his career in international service to his time in the Peace Corps, stating that he learned to "pray and trust in God" during his service.
Catholic volunteers in the Peace Corps have also shared their experiences navigating their faith while serving in communities with different religious backgrounds. Some volunteers have chosen to attend Catholic churches or services in nearby cities, while others have participated in local religious celebrations and traditions, such as in Togo, where Christianity, Islam, and Animist religions coexist. Volunteers have emphasized the importance of respecting the local culture and not imposing their beliefs on the host community.
For Catholics considering service in the Peace Corps, some volunteers suggest researching and applying for positions in predominantly Catholic countries to ensure access to Catholic churches and communities. However, they also acknowledge that serving in diverse religious contexts can provide opportunities for spiritual growth and cross-cultural learning.
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Catholic volunteers in Togo
While there is no explicit mention of a Catholic version of the Peace Corps, there are other Catholic organizations that offer volunteer opportunities. One such organization is the Maryknoll Lay Missioners, sometimes referred to as the "Catholic Peace Corps." Maryknoll Lay Missioners is a Catholic sending organization that provides Americans with the opportunity to share their gifts and expertise overseas, partnering with local communities.
In Togo, there are several Catholic organizations working to address various issues. Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States, has been working in Togo since 1958, with a brief hiatus due to political crises. CRS works with the Togolese people to tackle poverty, improve basic sanitation and infrastructure in rural areas, enhance community savings and lending, improve nutrition, and promote peace.
OCDI – Caritas Togo (Organisation de la Charité pour un Développement Intégral) is another Catholic organization in the country. Established by the Bishops’ Conference of Togo and recognized by the government in 1967, OCDI aims to organize Christian charity and embody Christ-like charity. OCDI is engaged in healthcare, teaching, rural development, water supply, and the promotion of women's rights.
While not exclusively Catholic, the Peace Corps also has a presence in Togo. Volunteers have shared their experiences serving in Togolese communities, where Christianity, particularly Catholicism, is the predominant faith. The Peace Corps volunteers work in partnership with host communities, immersing themselves in the local culture and contributing their skills to locally prioritized projects.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an organization called the Maryknoll Lay Missioners, sometimes referred to as the "Catholic Peace Corps". It is a Catholic sending organization that provides opportunities for Americans to share their expertise and knowledge overseas, similar to the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps is a secular, independent agency and program of the United States government. It was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and has since deployed volunteers to various communities in partner countries around the world. On the other hand, Maryknoll Lay Missioners is a Catholic organization that emphasizes engaging and partnering with local communities.
Yes, Catholics can join the Peace Corps. Some volunteers have shared their experiences serving in countries like Togo, where they were able to attend Catholic mass and connect with their religion. However, it is advised to research the countries and apply for positions in predominantly Catholic regions to ensure access to Catholic churches and services.
