Columban Lay Mission
How did the CLMP start?
From the beginning the Columbans have worked in partnership with local churches, with associate priests from various dioceses and most recently with lay missionaries. The CLMP began through the efforts of lay people themselves who wanted to share in the Columban mission. In 1989 the first teams of lay missionaries were sent from the Philippines to Pakistan and from Korea to the Philippines Today there are over seventy lay missionaries working in eleven countries.
What is the focus of the CLMP?
The CLMP is primarily for people whose faith calls them to share in the lives
of the poor and those on the margins of society. Lay missionaries use their skills
in helping to bring about justice and equality but the primary emphasis is on
a deep faith, openness to unfamiliar ways of working and a willingness to cross
boundaries of language and culture. The CLMP sends and receives lay missionaries
from the countries where it is working. So far, lay missionaries have been sent
from Ireland to Chile, Peru, Korea and the Philippines. Ireland has received lay
missionaries from Fiji and the Philippines. By sending and receiving lay missionaries,
we are expressing the mutuality of mission and the firm conviction that we in
the Northern Hemisphere have much to learn from the peoples in the South. -
What
sort of people are is the CLMP looking for?
In particular we are looking
for people with: A sense of being on a faith journey and a willingness to travel
with others on the journey A commitment to social justice and care for the earth
A sensitivity and openness to other cultural traditions An ability to adapt to
a new culture, to learn a new language and to live simply.
What qualifications
are required?
The basic requirements for acceptance on the programme are
the following:
A committed Catholic aged between 23 and 40
Single or married without any dependent children of pre-school age
In good physical and psychological health
Willing to make a commitment for three years Have had experience of pastoral or social work
Where can I get more information on the CLMP?
| Ireland For more information contact: Gracia Kibad Lay Mission Co-ordinator, St.Columban's College, Dalgan Park, Navan,Co.Meath. Tel. 046 -21525/Fax 046-9022799 E-mail: |
Britain |
Living
with the People
Sarah Young, a lay missionary from
Britain, writes about the stress and the joys of participating in an intensive
five week seminar in community building skills.
Far
Away
The parents of Sarah
Young share how they cope with their daughter's absence.