Formation

A separate challenge is the need to provide an appropriate and adequate formation program for lay associates. Obviously the formation program must be balanced with the years of service that are expected of the missionary. A three-year training program for a year of service would not be very effective. Some programs expect a year or two of service while others ask for a minimum of three or five years of service. The shorter programs are usually the ones looking for a particular expertise, and are after a mature "volunteer." The longer programs usually are more focused on the associate as a missionary. Obviously the longer periods of service allow for more theological, cultural and psychological preparation and formation. It would be irresponsible to assign people to mission ad gentes situations without any preparation or follow up. Certain aspects of the mission ad gentes reality must be taken into consideration such as: language training, culture shock, faith perspective, area studies and an understanding of mission.

Presently there are 125 members of the Maryknoll Mission Association of the Faithful; 5 of these are Associate Priests; and 458 people have served in mission over the past twenty-five years. A total of 210 people have signed more than one contract. The minimum service requirement is three-and-a-half years, after six months of formation. There are Associates who have served for more than 15 years. The challenge is to provide adequate and appropriate formation for short and long term Associates.