YAE Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I participate in this experience?
Develop skills to work with and be an amplifier for people on society's margins
Make a difference in your community
Gather leadership tools to become proactive leaders in all aspects of life
Discern your call to leadership as a missionary disciple
Create a sense of community by accompanying one another through life's challenges and joys
Identify with Maryknoll and understand the Maryknoll charism of prophetic, authentic love in action
Experience the integration of service and spirituality
Deepen your understanding of the connectedness between faith and your unique call to do social justice, mission, and enter into deeper relationship with people who are marginalized through authentic encounter
Where are the experiences offered?
New York City, Chicago, San Francisco/Bay Area, Greater Los Angeles Area, Seattle, and Digitally
How long is the experience?
18 months of mentorship, community building, and faith formation. This process is designed for anyone to facilitate intentional transformation of the heart and encounter with God. Cohort 2 will kick off in September 2022 and end in June 2024, with summer break in-between.
What are the learning objectives of the experience?
To grow, be resourced, and rooted in:
relationship with God and personal calling
prophetic leadership development
authentic personal identity
Maryknoll identity
building community
being relevant justice leaders
solidarity with those on our margins and globally
What is the typical size of the group that participates in the experience?
We keep our communities small, so we can have intentional and personal connections. Our communities range from 8-15 members.
What is the format of the experience?
Meetings are held monthly (virtually and in-person depending on region)
Engage in weekly reflection questions offline
Service commitment
Annual retreat experiences
Summer Break!
2nd Year Immersion Trip
What are the requirements of this experience?
Interest in making a difference in your community
A willingness to be stretched, to grow, to challenge yourself, to face your privilege, and get uncomfortable so as to build a more inclusive and loving society
Commitment to a service experience (discerned with the community leader if you work in social services, etc)
Engagement as a vital member of the community for the entire process
What are the theological sources and methodology of the experience?
Scripture
Pope Francis' writings, including Joy of the Gospel and Laudato Si
See - Judge/Discern - Act and Theory U methodology
Accompaniment modeling and formation
Missionary Discipleship Dynamic
What resources are provided with the experience?
Community Building modeling, Theology of Young Adults, Leadership Development, Community Organizing, Intercultural Growth, Faith Formation, Care of Creation, Migration, Economic Justice, Missiology and the Church, Catholic Social Teaching, Art and Theology, Building Bridges, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Missionary Discipleship, and Discernment.
Why is Maryknoll offering these experiences?
Building on its global experience, Maryknoll offers this program to young adults as the leaders of NOW: empowered to live a life of purpose and mission.
What does the experience cost?
Suggested donation of $10/mo depending on ability to pay
In the second year, participants take part in an immersion trip, in which the group will determine how to best offset the cost.
In what languages is the experience offered?
English and Spanish