Vagabond Missions
We exist to share the Gospel with inner-city teenagers by equipping young adults to serve as Catholic missionaries
A Mission of Love
When Bob and Kate Lesnefsky took their first positions in youth ministry at a parish in Schenectady, NY, they were surprised to find an inner-city community. They were even more surprised at how much fulfillment they found in bringing the Gospel to those on the margins. After four years in New York, Bob took what he believed at the time was the “dream” youth ministry job at a wealthy parish in Texas, but it only took a few months for him and Kate to realize that God was calling them back to the inner city.
Teens in the inner-city face a cycle of neglect, violence and broken family life. This destructive environment has dire consequences for them and society. Vagabond Missions intervenes during this time of crisis by inviting them into a relationship with God and others. Through outreach and mentorship, teens experience hope for their lives and a place to call home. When teens tangibly experience Jesus, lives are transformed.
Our Impact
9
Cities
5000+
Teens Served
200+
Teens Became Catholic
We currently serve in 13 missions across nine cities: Baton Rouge, LA; Greenville, NC; Mobile, AL; Indianapolis, IN; Oklahoma City, OK; Philadelphia, PA; four sites in Pittsburgh, PA; Steubenville, OH; and two sites in Wichita, KS.
Join the Mission
“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world.” -St. Teresa of Avila
When you partner with us by serving as a missionary or through your financial support, you act as the hands and feet of Christ and bring his love to those who may otherwise never know him. Become part of the Vagabond Missions family today and share the love of Jesus Christ with people who are longing to meet him.
The Church must continue to find ways to share the Gospel with people outside the walls of the Church. The missionaries of Vagabond Missions do this beautifully, and my family is blessed to be a partner in this mission.
Vagabond Missions is a ministry that has a great impact on our community on the most basic and important levels: our under-served and forgotten youth.