(ANS – New York) – Twenty-nine candidates (27 for the Salesian Lay Missioners and 2 for the Home Missioners) gathered at Holy Rosary Parish in Port Chester, New York on Thursday, July 25^th, to begin their 18 day orientation and preparation for Salesian Mission. 

The orientation began on Friday with Morning Prayer, welcome and guidelines. Friday afternoon was dedicated to a site visit of Holy Rosary Parish, where the candidates were able to see in action Holy Rosary's great outreach to the young and the poor of the area exemplified in the summer day camp program, the day laborers’ program, the soup kitchen and the clothes pantry.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday were devoted to psychological evaluations and community building activities.  On Monday evening the youngsters took part in the “Safe Environment Training” led by Fr. Richard Alejunas, Director of Don Bosco Community Center. On Tuesday, July 30^th, the group analyzed the SLM Policies/Guidelines/Insurance Details.

July 31st through August 4th, the candidates participated in a Cross Cultural Training Workshop, sponsored by the SLM Program. From August 5^th to the 11^th, the candidates are experiencing Salesian Community Life and Mission at Holy Rosary, living and working back to back with the Salesian Family of Holy Rosary in animating the summer day camp, the Open Clothes Closet and the Soup Kitchen.

This last week of the Orientation Program is spent at the Don Bosco Retreat Center and Marian Shrine in Stony Point, NY joining the SDB confreres' retreat, the last of the year. The SLM Candidates will share Prayer, Liturgy, Penance Service, Meals and some recreation with the younger confreres on retreat.

The Orientation and Retreat will conclude with Mass on Saturday, August 17^th,  with the Investiture of the SLMs with their Missionary Crosses and the SDBs renewing their vows.

The newly commissioned Salesian Lay and Home Missioners have been assigned to Salesian Ministries in Africa, America, and Asia.

Published 08/08/2013