“Say little, do much” – ST. VINCENT DE PAUL These are the words emblazoned front and center on the website of the Vincentian Lay Missionaries (VLM).

Vincentian Lay Missionaries are men and women who commit to serving the poor in Kenya or Ethiopia for 4-6 weeks.

They work with the Daughters of Charity in both countries to build schools and libraries, and provide additional educational opportunities for children, teachers, and community members.

What does it mean to be “Vincentian? – and the values they commit to”

• Vincentians believe in creating lasting, systemic change.
• Vincentians live in solidarity with the people they serve, and they listen to the needs of those who live in poverty.
• Vincentians promote peace and dignity.
• Vincentians live simply, but with a zeal for justice.
• Vincentians believe that service without reflection is just work! VLM participate in daily reflections while working abroad.

The mission of VLM is to share the Vincentian spirit with young adult Catholic men and women and to help foster systemic change in communities in Ethiopia and Kenya. Since 2005, 92 VLM have worked in seven communities in Ethiopia and Kenya.

VLM are men and women ages 21-35 who feel called to spend 4-6 weeks working alongside the Daughters of Charity in Africa. VLM live with or near the Daughters of Charity or the Vincentian Priests at all sites.

Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and possess many talents. VLM are teachers, accountants, undergraduate and graduate students, school administrators, social workers, engineers, non-profit directors, professors, lawyers, and nurses who feel called to serve those who live in poverty.

Many VLM have also participated in other post-graduate service programs including the Vincentian Service Corps, Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE), Vincentian Mission Corps, Colorado Vincentian Volunteers, Teach for America, and the Peace Corps.