it’s pronounced “missionary”

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jesus was a vagabond

Do you want to become who God made you to be? Do you desire to belong to something bigger than yourself, that goes further than comfort? Do you long to follow Jesus to the margins of society and make a real impact in real lives?

This kind of missionary work requires you step out of your lived experience. Where would you go? How would you serve? Who would you do it with? How would you get started?

Vagabond Missions has been serving young people in the inner city for over 20 years. Our missionaries do hard, holy work in places others often avoid. They belong to a community that is more than people who look or talk like us. They have answered the call and step beyond themselves.

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OUR MISSION

Sharing Jesus’ vagabond heart for the lost, we at Vagabond Missions build friendships with and serve teens in urban and inner-city communities to bring them the Good News.

We’re not rebels. We’re not misfits. We’re just willing to follow Jesus into the unfamiliar, get a little uncomfortable, and do something most of the world won’t understand.

Our Stories

Our Stories
Tomas’ Story
Tomas’ Story

In my teenage years, I was involved in drugs, alcohol, and gang activities until I encountered Vagabond Missions. A male missionary in Wichita invited me and my cousins to the Underground, where I began attending Mass and Bible studies. Although I wasn’t fully committed at first, the love and consistency of these events began to change me. In spring 2018, I chose to get confirmed and committed to following Jesus. After high school, I decided to help other teens escape similar cycles in the inner city by dedicating my life to God as a Vagabond missionary.

Read Tomas’ Story

Solei’s Story
Solei’s Story

I chose Vagabond because it challenged me in many ways, despite my initial fears about relating to the teens due to my suburban California background. I realized that even helping one person encounter Jesus would make it worthwhile. This desire fueled my involvement with Vagabond and significantly impacted my faith journey. I’ve learned that there are experiences beyond my understanding, and while I may not be able to change their circumstances, my prayers and presence can still make a difference. I am grateful to be part of these teens’ lives, despite my imperfections.

Read Solei’s Story

Mark’s Story
Mark’s Story

I said yes to the mission because I felt called by the Lord to do something radical with my life. Vagabond has significantly shaped who I am today, prioritizing and nourishing my faith daily through our rule of life. I met my wife while on mission, and now I have the incredible opportunity to raise a family while continuing this work. What I love most about Vagabond, aside from the amazing people I work with, is witnessing God perform miracles in the lives of teens in inner-city and urban areas, experiencing the Gospel in real and tangible ways.

Read Mark’s Story

Emma’s Story
Emma’s Story

I felt called by the Lord to serve Him, love the poor and teenagers, and be part of a community that fosters my faith, all of which I found in Vagabond Missions. However, I didn’t anticipate how profoundly being a Vagabond missionary would transform my heart and relationship with Christ. I’ve learned to rely entirely on the Lord for guidance, hope for the teens amid their suffering, and trust that He will reveal Himself to them in His timing. This experience has taught me the true meaning of complete surrender to the Lord, embracing His will over my own.

Read Emma’s Story

Take The Next Step

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Applications are open from now until May 1st 2026.

Interview

A Zoom interview will be scheduled upon our reception of an application.

Commit

Offers are extended on a rolling basis.

Early Formation

Newly committed missionaries begin virtual formation with veteran staff.

Training

Newly hired missionaries gather for three weeks of in-person training. This year’s training occurs on June 1-21, 2026.

Mission Partner Development (MPD)

Immediately following training are six weeks of full-time work to raise financial support for the mission year.

Serve

Once fully funded, missionaries begin their two-year mission commitment at their assigned locations in August.

Applications for 2026 are now open!

 FAQs

  • The application deadline is May 1, 2026.

  • A Vagabond missionary must be:

    • A Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church, who is passionate about their faith

    • At least one year out of high school

    • Driven to mission and community

    • Willing to make a minimum commitment of two years to the mission

  • The commitment to serve is two years.

  • Fundraising, also known as Mission Partner Development (MPD), is a crucial component to our missionary work. Not only is it a Biblically-based model to support the financial costs of the life, work and vocation of a missionary, it is also a form of relationship-building and evangelization, connecting more people to our mission in the Inner-City. Missionaries go through an extensive training that equips them with the tools and knowledge to raise support for their mission year.

  • Yes. Vagabond missionaries are offered healthcare benefits through Aetna, Vsion, Dental and Life Insurance through Humana, the opportunity to contribute to a 403(b) Retirement Savings Account, monthly personal retreat days, staff retreats, and the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at Franciscan University of Steubenville at 50% tuition cost.

Our recruitment Team

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kate lesnefsky
kate lesnefsky

Director of Recruitment

sarah harmon
sarah harmon

Associate Director of Recruitment