Missionaries
Summer Mission Appeals
FAQ
What increases your chances of being chosen to participate?
• Languages: The Diocese of Brooklyn is extraordinarily diverse, with an ever-increasing Hispanic population. The ability for groups to provide speakers who can make appeals in Spanish is a priority. Polish, Haitian-Creole, Chinese, and Korean are also high priority appeal languages.
• Location: The cost of international travel will likely negate the funds raised, and Safe Environment requirements become burdensome when managed from overseas. For these and other reasons, groups that can provide speakers who are already living and working in the U.S. are highly preferred. Groups that can provide speakers who are already living and working in or near Brooklyn (ideally within the tri-state area) have even greater chances of participation.
What is the application process?
- The missionary group should send our office a request letter, on the group’s letterhead, with the Arch/Bishop or Provincial’s endorsement. The name and contact info of a U.S.-based representative must be included. (NOTE: The representative does not necessarily have to be an appeal speaker or missions director.) It is acceptable to send this by mail, email (preferred), or fax.
- We will reply to the U.S.-based representative with an information letter from the Diocesan Director and a blank application. These documents will be emailed unless otherwise requested.
- Once our office has received your completed application (please return only one copy), your group will be considered “applied.” This does not guarantee participation. Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests our office receives, we will not be able to reply to the groups that were not chosen.
What is the timeline?
Spring (after Easter) and early summer of the previous year are the best times to submit your initial request letter. This ensures that there is enough time to exchange letters and the application. (It always takes longer than you think!)
Applications will not be accepted after the last working day of September. But please do not wait until the end of summer to initiate your request—it is difficult for our office to process the backlog of groups that wait until the last minute.
What documents are required?
During the application process
- Request Letter: this should include:
- Group letterhead
- Brief description of your ministry
- Recommendation of the Arch/Bishop of Provincial with stamp/seal and signature
- Name and contact info of U.S.-based representative (this person does not necessarily have to be an appeal speaker)
- Recommended: proof of group’s listing in the Official Catholic Directory (“Kenedy Book”)
No Suitability Affidavit is required at this point, but it is a good way to build rapport if it is your first time corresponding with our office.
After your group has been chosen to participate (Templates and instructions will be provided in the invitation packet if/when your group is chosen)
- Suitability Affidavit
- Diocese of Brooklyn Code of Conduct
- Background Check
- Proof of Safe Environment training (Virtus, Praesidium, or a similar equivalent)
- Lay ministries only:
- 501 (c) 3
- Lay Ministry Clearance Request Form
For any questions regarding the Summer Mission Appeal, contact Kara Schmidt at kschmidt@diobrook.org or (718) 965-7326.
Summer Mission Appeal Contact Information
Diocesan Director:
Very Rev. Thomas W. Ahern
Administrative Assistant:
Ms. Kara Schmidt
(718) 965-7326
Preferred for correspondence:
kschmidt@diobrook.org
Fax: (718) 965-7325
Propagation of the Faith
310 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Mass Stipends
Mass stipends are available to priests under the following conditions:
- The priest must be working in the Diocese of Brooklyn, not simply visiting for the summer.
- The priest must visit the office to receive Mass stipends. To make an appointment, call the office no more than 2 weeks before you return to your home country.
- Please do not arrive without first making an appointment.
- Priests must bring their passport and celebret to the office.
To make an appointment or if you have questions about our policy, contact Dcn. Louis “Lou” Panico at lpanico@diobrook.org or (718) 965-7300 ext. 1212. If you call, the best time to reach him is in the morning between Tuesday and Thursday. Otherwise you are welcome to leave a message.
Rosaries, Vestments and Religious Articles
Subject to availability, the Propagation of the Faith office has Rosaries, vestments, and religious articles for donation to missionary priests and religious. Missionaries in need of such items should make an appointment to visit the office close to the time they plan to return to their home country. Please do not arrive without an appointment.
To make an appointment or if you have questions about our inventory, contact Dcn. Louis “Lou” Panico at lpanico@diobrook.org or (718) 965-7300 ext. 1212. If you call, the best time to reach him is in the morning between Tuesday and Thursday. Otherwise you are welcome to leave a message.
