​MISSIONARY FAQ's

How long is the missionary commitment?
A Simple House missionaries make an initial commitment of 10 months (August 1 through May 31). Approximately half of our missionaries stay for a second year or more.

​Where will I live?
A Simple House missionaries live in community housing provided by A Simple House. In Washington, DC, men and women missionaries live in neighboring houses. In Kansas City, men and women live on separate floors of a duplex-style house.

What does community/prayer life look like?
Missionaries live a simple lifestyle in community without Internet, television, or air-conditioning. They attend daily mass and pray morning and evening prayer from Liturgy of the Hours. They observe "Grand Silence" in the houses until 9:20 a.m. to allow for personal prayer time. Missionaries are challenged to grow in holiness and continue to pursue a deeper personal faith.

What can I bring with me?
Missionaries are welcome to bring cell phones, laptops, and personal vehicles. We encourage volunteers to pursue hobbies and recreation. Past missionaries have brought: guitars, skateboards, bikes, sewing machines, KitchenAid mixers, board games, fishing poles, and bread machines.  

Do I need to fund-raise?
No. Missionaries are asked to contribute names and addresses to our newsletter mailing list, but do not have to fund-raise a salary.

Then how do I get paid?
First-year missionaries receive a monthly stipend of $200. In addition, they are provided with housing, staple groceries, use of ministry vehicles, and fuel.

What if I have loans?
A Simple House does not want student loans to deter anyone from becoming a missionary. We consider each missionary's unique situation, and typically cover the minimum monthly loan payment.

Do I get days off?
Missionaries have two days off each week.  Our day begins at 9:30am and typically ends at 5pm.

Do I get vacation time?
Missionaries are given four days of vacation for Thanksgiving and around one week for Christmas. In addition, missionaries receive two vacation days at the beginning of the missionary year and earn one vacation day per month of service.

Can anyone be a missionary at A Simple House?
Full-time missionaries must be practicing Catholics who have a sincere desire to minister to the poor through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Typically, our missionaries are recent college grads. You must be at least 20 years old to serve as a full-time missionary.

What if I can't become a full time missionary?
We welcome students, families, and other interested individuals to serve with us as part-time missionaries. We also host service days for youth groups, young-adults, parishioners, etc.  Please contact our recruiting director at asimplehouserecruiting@gmail.com with part-time missionary interests.

Do you host college groups?
A Simple House hosts college groups for alternative spring/fall breaks.  Check out our mission trips page for more information.
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Great, how do I apply?
Please fill out the form at the bottom our missionary page. 
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.