Once you have been officially accepted as a member of the St. James Society, we strongly suggest that before you leave the parish where you have served in your home diocese that a “Missionary Ceremony and Celebration" be arranged with your Bishop and the Director. This ceremony should be in the local parish in the presence of parishioners, fellow diocesan priests and, if possible, the bishop as well. This is an ideal way of awakening them to the missionary dimension of the Church at diocesan and parochial levels. It will also help the parish to feel its own role and presence in the mission you will be fulfilling. Their enthusiasm in supporting your work there can be kindled through tapes, videos, photos, and letters you send back to them. This continuing connection has often provided the initiative for incorporating a missionary component into catechetical programs in your former parish. It can also generate financial support for projects you may want to undertake in your missionary assignment.

Language School Upon your acceptance into the Society, arrangements will be made for you to begin language studies in South America. This will be an intensive five day a week course over a five month period. Besides learning Spanish, a thorough orientation program will be woven into the curriculum offering many topics of cultural, social, historical and pastoral content which are an essential element to your language study. Attendance at these orientation courses is a necessary part of your preparation.

Assignment The Director in consultation with the Regional Coordinator will then assign you to the country in which you will work according to a priority of needs in each country. The Regional Coordinator then enters into a consultation with you concerning your particular parish of assignment within that country. The Regional Coordinator will also assist you through the entire process of personal documentation, registration, and identification according to the government regulations for obtaining your permanent residential visa.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to call or e-mail the Director, Fr. Kevin Hays, personally:

617-742-4715
kwhays2001@yahoo.com