Mary Help of Christians Center
Site Overview
Mary Help of Christians Center (MHC) in Tampa, FL is a dynamic Salesian ministry, parish, retreat center, and youth hub located on more than 140 acres of green space. Rooted in the spirituality of St. John Bosco, the center provides a home for prayer, formation, outreach, and community life. It serves a wide range of people – parishioners, retreat groups, migrant families, inner-city youth, Cristo Rey students, and visitors seeking spiritual renewal.
The center combines the warmth of a parish community with the energy of a busy retreat and youth ministry campus. Volunteers become part of a mission that ranges from faith formation and outreach to event planning, community support, and youth evangelization. With one of the largest Salesian religious communities in the United States living on site, MHC is a uniquely immersive Salesian environment where presence, accompaniment, and joy shape daily life.
Available Ministries
- Education
- Teacher (Primary)
- Teacher (Secondary)
- Healthcare
- General First Aid
- Prison Ministry
- Project Development Office (PDO)
- Social Work
- Youth Centre
Location
Time Commitment
Opportunities
Language
Current Volunteers
Ministry Background
The retreat center currently rents its facilities for approximately 32 weekends each year, but only a portion of these programs are Salesian-led. The goal is to expand explicitly Salesian formation and evangelization efforts by strengthening youth programs, supporting parish formation, and deepening community outreach.
MHC also coordinates major annual events—such as the Don Bosco Festival and the Pro-Life Youth Rally. The volunteer plays an important role in planning and coordinating these events and in expanding the reach and depth of the center’s evangelizing mission.
Purpose & Objectives
The purpose of this ministry is to support and expand evangelization at the growing retreat center and parish. The volunteer helps coordinate youth programs, schedule activities, manage communication, and strengthen Salesian presence across all ministries. A key objective is building connections with underserved populations in the Tampa Bay area – especially migrant families at San Jose Mission and youth at Cristo Rey.
In short, the SLM helps ensure that every retreat, event, and youth activity runs smoothly while providing a joyful and consistent Salesian presence.
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
- Religious education teacher for Sunday Faith Formation
- Volunteering weekly at the Boys & Girls Club (especially leading Faith Formation on Tuesdays)
- Event planning for major MHC events (Don Bosco Festival, Pro-Life Youth Rally, etc.)
- Assisting with youth group leadership, planning lessons, and helping during weekly gatherings
- Driving retired Salesians to appointments, Masses, or events
- Summer Camp involvement: counselor, administrative support, or faith formation leader
- Outreach with the youth group: monthly homeless outreach, Trinity Café service
- Accompanying Cristo Rey students and encouraging involvement in center activities
- Occasional site support: setup, cleaning, teardown for retreats and events
Duties & Responsibilities
Coordinate the program aspects of retreat weekends
- Represent the Salesians in local outreach as an agent of social justice
- Help establish a youth retreat program for Latino adolescents (3 times per year; Spanish not required)
- Work closely with youth minister to plan and run youth group
- Thursday nights weekly
- Lesson planning and occasional Saturday social events
- Assist the Director of Religious Education with Faith Formation classes and Confirmation retreats
- Lead Faith Formation weekly at the Boys & Girls Club
- Serve at San Jose Mission twice a week as a Salesian presence to migrant families
- Act as event coordinator for major annual events (advertising, logistics, fundraising, setup/teardown)
- Assist the Facilities Director with event and retreat setup
- Support youth ministry: retreats, service trips, fundraisers, trips, and special activities
- Help wherever needed to support the team and ensure smooth operations
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
- Background in theology, catechesis, or youth ministry
- Ability to lead groups and plan events
- A missionary spirit and willingness to serve in varied roles
- Strong relational skills, patience, and adaptability
- Comfort working with at-risk youth and marginalized families
Useful Academic Preparation
A degree is not required, but experience in theology, pastoral ministry, catechetics, education, or event planning is very helpful. Maturity is important, especially when living in community with a large and diverse group of Salesian religious – some elderly, some younger, all uniquely Salesian.
Useful Experience
- Youth ministry or parish work
- Retreat leadership
- Event planning and logistics
- Working with vulnerable or marginalized populations
- A clear sense of mission and perseverance in evangelization
MHC is at a pivotal moment in its growth and needs committed people who can help strengthen its evangelizing presence.
Area Information
- Large 140-acre property with rural feel
- 15 minutes from downtown Tampa
- Low-income migrant community at San Jose Mission
- Mix of rural, urban, and suburban environments
- Opportunities to join the broader Catholic community
- Christ the King Young Adult Group
- Catholic Council of Women
- Knights of Columbus
- Monthly Theology on Tap
- Local fairs and festivals (Florida State Fair, Strawberry Festival)
Involvement with the religous community
MHC has the largest Salesian religious community in the U.S., offering a rich and daily immersion into Salesian life. Volunteers share meals, prayer, and community rhythms with the SDBs, assist elderly confreres with appointments, and collaborate on ministries and events. The Salesians love being involved with the youth, and involving them in activities enriches the whole mission.
Area Information
- Large 140-acre property with rural feel
- 15 minutes from downtown Tampa
- Low-income migrant community at San Jose Mission
- Mix of rural, urban, and suburban environments
- Opportunities to join the broader Catholic community
- Christ the King Young Adult Group
- Catholic Council of Women
- Knights of Columbus
- Monthly Theology on Tap
- Local fairs and festivals (Florida State Fair, Strawberry Festival)
Involvement with the greater community
One way to get involved in the greater community is through the Christ the King Young Adult Group that meets on Thursday nights. Another way is through the Catholic Council of Women (CCW) at Mary Help or Knights of Columbus. The State Fair is about five minutes away so that is a nice weekend adventure to learn about the state. The diocese also supports a once a month Theology on Tap in a neighboring town. Strawberry Festival is quite large.
Special Challenges & Conditions
San Jose Mission serves migrant families living with low income and limited resources. Many Cristo Rey students and Summer Camp youth come from challenging home situations and inner-city neighborhoods. Their greatest need is a stable, loving presence – someone who listens, mentors, and walks with them.
Though the campus is large and somewhat rural, Tampa’s urban center is only 15 minutes away. Poverty and affluence exist side by side, and volunteers should be prepared for both realities.
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Housing
Volunteers live in apartments within the main building; flexibility is important as housing may shift over time.
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
We have washing machines and dryers on the property that are available to use.
Access to ATM
Local Diet
Food is plentiful and varied, often hearty “Salesian style” meals. Fresh fruit is common. Because the community is large and mostly retired, meals are well-prepared and consistent. Volunteers should bring workout clothes!
Local Medical Facilities
Numerous high-quality medical facilities are available within 10–15 minutes of the center.