The missionary disciples of the Gospel of Life School are volunteers who live and serve at the Saint. James Dwelling in Oklahoma City and the Saint John Paul II Dwelling in Moore. They assist the residents of the Gospel of Life Dwellings, which helps elders who would otherwise be alone. The missionaries accompany them “on their journey toward eternal life.”
Applicants can choose to serve for an academic school year or a summer. Openings are available for summer 2019 and the 2019-2020 academic year.
Room and board and a small stipend are included. They are asked to raise some funds toward the cost of classes, retreats and pilgrimages. If there are difficulties, prospective candidates can work with Jim Armour, the director of the Gospel of Life School program, to find sponsorships.
The Gospel of Life Dwellings and the Gospel of Life School were created by Sister Maria Faulkner.
“There is a restlessness in our modern day; trying to fill oneself with material goods, prestige, exotic experiences or virtual realities. These young people discover a simple life and the beauty that comes with real encounters, real relationships and real giving of oneself in love for the sake of Christ and his Church. GOLS responds to the call of Archbishop Coakley to be disciples, make disciples and bear fruit for the Kingdom,” Sister Maria said.
The Gospel of Life School is for those between ages 18 and 30. Six people from across the country responded to the inaugural program.
“It’s been the best decision I’ve made in my entire life,” said Anna, 23. “That call we have to follow Christ wholeheartedly; for everything to be his. Life will never be the same again.”
Matt said of his hospice experience, “I realized the importance of the salvation of souls. It is amazing and overwhelming to play a part in that.”
The year included classes in sacred Scripture and the Sacraments through the Blessed Stanley Rother Institute of the archdiocese as well as other classes in Franciscan spirituality, Spanish and communication.
This first year of the school will culminate with a pilgrimage June 10-18 to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico and to Santiago Atitlan in Guatemala.
For further information and an application, go online to www.gospeloflifeschool.org.