What is the Discernment Process? It is a time of evaluation and reflection in which we work together to determine the path God has set for you and whether VOICA is a part of that path.

You have already begun the process through the personal prayer and reflection that has led you to consider a time in service. So what’s next?

Stage One: Finding the Right Program

This initial stage is a time to introduce ourselves to each other. Please look around this Web site to learn more about our program. We also invite you to contact us at voicaworld@yahoo.com with any questions you may have.

To introduce yourself to us, please complete and return the Preliminary Form. This form will give us an idea of whether you meet our basic requirements and whether VOICA meets your requirements in a volunteer program.

At this stage, we encourage you to explore other volunteer opportunities to make sure you make the best decision. See our Other Useful Sites section.

We also recommend that you begin discussing your choice with family, friends, and a spiritual advisor. And, of course, continue to pray and reflect on God’s call to you.

Stage Two: Applying to VOICA

After we have reviewed your preliminary form, usually about one to two weeks, a VOICA staff member will contact you with more information. We will begin a conversation about the type of service you are seeking and your availability. If we have any questions or concerns based on your preliminary form, we will discuss them with you and determine whether to continue the process.

At this stage, we may arrange a telephone interview with you or will communicate via e-mail.

If we decide together to continue the process, we will send you the complete application form. This is a more detailed form that will require you to think deeply and carefully about your call to service. As part of the application, you will need to provide your school transcripts, recommendations, and a physical examination report.

Stage Three: Leaving Home

Based on your application, we will decide whether we can accept you to the formation program. The decision will be based on the needs of the mission, your availability, and our evaluation of your ability to serve in the mission as a VOICA volunteer.

If we accept you to the formation program, we will assign you to a formation session and provide you with more detailed information. We ask that you confirm or decline the acceptance as soon as possible so we can make sure all our positions are filled.

At this point, you will begin to prepare yourself to leave for the mission. This can be a difficult, confusing, and harried time. The VOICA staff will help you through this transition as much as possible and will be available for your questions. 

Stage Four: Preparing for the Mission

The final stage in the discernment process is the formation in Rome. During formation, we will get to know each other better and will continue to evaluate your readiness for the mission. Although it is rare that someone who comes for formation is not sent to the mission, we reserve the right to remove a volunteer from the program if we deem that he or she is not ready for service as a VOICA volunteer.

Formation is also a time for you to explore the four pillars of VOICA---Spirituality, Community, Formation, and Service---and to begin to apply them to your life as a volunteer. In addition, you will receive any training needed for your specific mission, such as language instruction or skill development.

Once you have completed this stage, you will be sent to the mission to begin your service!

Requirements for Being a Volunteer

Short-Term Volunteers

Long-Term Volunteers

Housing, Food, and Expenses

Discernment Process

Frequently Asked Questions