Our young volunteers invest one or two years of their lives heeding the call of the Gospel and living in communities marked by sharing, prayer, and direct service to the neediest in society. It is a period of growth, service, faith, and discovery.
The Assumption Mission Associates (AMA) is the lay volunteer program sponsored by the Religious of the Assumption. AMA missions are available in the U.S. and worldwide. The work includes teaching, youth ministry, community development, ministry to migrants and advocacy. Learn more at www.assumptionvolunteers.org.
History of Our Lay Volunteer Program
In 1954, the Assumption Sisters founded the Assumption Mission Associates (then known as the Auxiliary Missionaries of the Assumption) as a new way of answering the many appeals of the world. Young women and men committed themselves to work and live with Assumption communities in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe, sharing their vision of the Christian transformation of society and working to make it happen.
Today AMAs continue working with the Assumption family of religious women and with other partners: Casa Maria Eugenia in Chaparral, New Mexico, Annunciation House and Catholic Charities in El Paso, TX, Assumption Center, St. Peter-St. Andrew Church and Jeremiah's Inn in Worcester, MA, Kids Kabin in Newcastle, England and AMA-Philippines to name a few.
Who are the AMAs and What Do They Do?
AMAs come from all over the USA: Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Scranton, Boston, San Diego, New York, St. Louis, and Houston. Recently, we have had graduates of Boston College, Holy Cross, Saint Anselm's, Marywood University, Gonzaga University, Assumption College, Michigan State University, and Tulane University.
Today AMAs from the USA serve in Chaparral, NM; Worcester, MA; the Philippines; and England. They work with and accompany children and at-risk youth, minister to immigrants and refugees, teach Sunday school and Confirmation classes, and teach English as a Second Language. They work in parishes and community centers. They run after-school programs and summer camps. They are advocates for the homeless and the marginalized.
How You Can Become an AMA
The decision to be an AMA could change your life. Ask yourself why you want to serve. What are your expectations? What gifts can you offer? Think about it. Pray about it. Talk about it with someone you trust.
Then get to know more about us. Visit our website. Give us a call. Come see us.
If you are between 22 and 30 years old, and think that AMA might offer what you're looking for, begin the process of application by first contacting the director at directorassumption@gmail.com.
Following a preliminary conversation, applicants submit the following:
• Completed application form and essays
• Two letters of recommendation (one personal, one professional)
• Medical Certificate
• Self evaluation form
• $10 application fee
You will also be invited to speak with a licensed counselor and at least two current AMAs or alums of the program as part of the application process.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with preference given to those received first. February 1st is our priority deadline and May 1st is our final deadline.
Once your paperwork is complete, we schedule a personal interview to get to know you better. This completes the application process.
All AMAs are asked to attend an Orientation Seminar in Worcester, MA in August. Departure for mission sites, both international and domestic, happens afterward.
Locations Where AMAs Serve:
In The United States:
Chaparral, NM
Worcester, MA
In Asia:
The Philippines
In Europe:
England
Room, board, student loan deferment, health insurance, and a modest stipend are provided. Travel to and from the mission site is the responsibility of the volunteer.
Volunteer Stories and Reflections:
AMA Newsletter Pages 2012-present:
2013-2014 Elizabeth Koroleski, Teresa Warhola, Lauren Brinkman, Rachel Recolcolin, Pierre Sureau, and Jenna Jovellana
2014-2015 Rachel Recolcolin, Kevin Molyneux, Coreena Garcia, Erin Danylchuk, Gus Planty, Jordyn Faron, Maria Garcia Madrigal, Caitlin Goodhile, and Lila Abed
2015-2016 Elliot Simmons-Uvin, Meaghan Hickey, and Maria Palacios Paz
Chaparral, New Mexico
Maria Palacios Paz, 2015-16
Ellie Stonecash, 2008-09
Kristen Penkala, 2007-08
Andrea de Castro, 2006-07
Maggie McCormick, 2005-06
Worcester, MA
Liz Supple, 2011-12
Pierre Tardivo, 2007-08
Liz Clayton, 2006-07
Mexico City, Mexico
Brendan Carey, 2009-2010
Bognor-Regis, England
Matt Collins, 2006-07
Beth Sheehan, 2006-07
Newcastle, England
Kathleen Gardner, 2011-12
Rebecca Ickes, 2009-10