Who Are the Missionaries?

Who They Are

Urban Missionaries are people who have discerned a commitment to serve the poor and have chosen to live that calling in an intentional and sustained way.

Missionaries are adults (18 years of age or older) — individuals and married couples — who, after a period of discernment and formation, make a public commitment, rooted in faith, to live lives shaped by service, presence, and faithfulness.

This commitment grows out of the Catholic tradition of service and accompaniment that has guided Urban Missionaries since its founding.

This is not occasional volunteering. It is a commitment to walk alongside people over time, especially those who are most often overlooked or excluded.

A Commitment Lived in Community

Missionary life is not lived alone.

Urban Missionaries serve within a community that supports personal growth, spiritual depth, and long-term perseverance. This shared life helps missionaries remain grounded, accountable, and sustained — especially when the work is demanding.

Community provides:

  • Encouragement and shared reflection
  • Space for spiritual and personal growth
  • Support rooted in mutual trust and experience

For many missionaries, this shared life is as formative as the work itself.

What Do Missionaries Do?

The most honest answer to a request for help is often simple:

“Yes, I can help.”

Urban Missionaries respond to real needs as they arise. When help can be offered directly, they do so. When it cannot, missionaries work to connect individuals and families with other resources and partners who can assist.

This work may include:

  • Supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or crisis
  • Advocating for people navigating complex systems
  • Offering presence, prayer, and accompaniment
  • Helping meet basic needs through direct service or referral

Some acts of service are quiet and unseen.
Others require persistence, advocacy, and courage.

All are grounded in dignity, respect, and relationship.

Is This a Commitment You’re Discerning?

Not everyone is called to serve as an Urban Missionary.

But for some, a desire to be present, to walk with people through complexity, and to commit for the long term begins to take shape over time.

Discernment is never rushed.
It unfolds through prayer, reflection, and honest conversation.

Some people are called to make this commitment as Urban Missionaries.
Others support the mission through partnership, volunteering, or generosity.

However you are called to be part of this work, you are welcome.