Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLM) are women and men who live their Baptismal commitment as a special call from God, in order to grow spiritually, to witness to Christ and with the help of the Holy Spirit to be salt, light, and yeast in the world according to their own lay vocation.

Who Are Cabrini Lay Missionaries?

Individual lay persons called to…

• love and witness the love of the Heart of Jesus, according to the legacy of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
• make a formal commitment in communion with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• live in a Cabrinian community or are closely associated with a community of MSCs
• share in mission concerns with an emphasis on justice, solidarity with the poor and the needs of women, children, immigrants and elders.

How is This Commitment Made Visible?

As a response to the following of Jesus, Cabrini Lay Missionaries are called to express a Cabrinian missionary spirit that is creative and courageous. Given the example of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, this lay charism is to be expressed boldly in everyday life. Participating in the apostolic priorities of the Missionary Sisters, Cabrini Lay Missionaries offer their gifts and talents in caring for those on the margins of society. Such witness will help make the merciful love of Jesus present in social realities that can often be challenging.

What is needed to become a CLM?

• Experience with the life and mission of the Missionary Sisters
• Sufficient knowledge and understanding about the MSC and CLM way of life and mission.
• Retreat to discern your call to be a CLM
• Dialogue with the CLM director regarding the process to become a CLM

About the CLM Commitment

A formal acceptance ceremony will take place upon completion of the application process. The commitment is for one year. Annual renewal is possible with the mutual consent of the CLM and the Missionary Sisters and will take place each year on the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Traditionally, this is the feast on which all the MSCs renew their vows also.

At present, CLMs in the Stella Maris Province are committed to living the Cabrinian charism as lay persons for an extended period of time. They work and/or are missioned to Cabrinian ministries or other ministries in accord with the MSC apostolic priorities. They receive a salary or stipend, and are non-canonical members of the Province.

For CLMs there is an initial formation process prior to their formal commitment. There are also on-going formation opportunities. Initial formation is sensitive to the current spiritual development of the individual person. CLMs are encouraged to seek spiritual direction, take personal prayer days and to make an annual retreat, as well as to participate in various spiritual offerings such as Provincial Assemblies and other MSC gatherings that are helpful for their formation.

For more information contact:
Pat Krasnausky, CLM
pk6446@prodigy.net
914-391-7297