It focuses on four values to give direction to the lives of the volunteers. Those values are simple lifestyle, community, spirituality and service. The volunteer program was initiated by a direction from the congregation itself during its 1997 General Chapter, an assembly held every four years. After two years of planning and preparation, the program began in August of 1999 with three volunteers. This program is the first of its kind in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Volunteers come from various parts of the country.
Their 12 months of service and their placement is determined by the director of the program and the volunteer. It is based on the volunteer's preference as well as education and experience. Placement possibilities exist in the Pittsburgh area, Georgia and Puerto Rico. The agency where a volunteer ministers is responsible for their stipend, including health care benefits. The collective monies from a volunteer's stipend take care of basics such as rent, utilities, food and travel expenses to and from ministry sites.