Launched in 1981, the Salesian Lay Missioner (SLM) program offers laypeople the chance to serve young people and marginalized communities in the U.S. and abroad. Nearly 600 missioners have served in over 35 countries, taking roles in education, social work, and community development.
The program provides comprehensive training and emphasizes communal living with Salesian priests and sisters, fostering personal and spiritual growth. Many missioners pursue careers in healthcare, education, social work, or ministry, with some discerning a call to religious life. The SLM program deeply impacts communities, embodying Don Bosco’s values of service, love, and faith.