Salesianos de Lisboa
Site Overview
The Salesians of Lisbon serve at the heart of Portugal’s capital through a wide and dynamic network of educational, pastoral, and social ministries. Their work includes a Salesian school, parish life, a youth center, social action through SOLSAL, and several national-level services housed at the Provincial Headquarters, including the Projects Office, Communications Team, Pastoral Coordination, and Formation Team.
Together, these ministries make the Salesians of Lisbon a leading presence in the education and evangelization of young people. Rooted in Don Bosco’s charism, the community accompanies youth through education, pastoral care, and social engagement, responding to both local needs and national initiatives of Salesians Portugal.
Available Ministries
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Catequesis & Retreat
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Education
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Parish
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Project Development Office (PDO)
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Social Work
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Youth Centre
Location
Time Commitment
Opportunities
Ministry Background
The volunteer primarily collaborates in the pastoral mission of the Youth Centre, the parish, and the central services of Salesians Portugal. This role responds to the growing need for coordinated pastoral outreach in a complex and multifaceted Salesian environment that integrates education, faith formation, and social action.
Purpose & Objectives
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
- Communications Department
- Projects Office
These areas allow the volunteer to contribute to broader provincial and national initiatives supporting Salesian works across Portugal.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Pastoral animation and accompaniment
- Collaboration within youth, parish, and educational ministries
- Participation in planning and implementing pastoral activities
- Support for national-level pastoral, communications, or project initiatives (as needed)
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
- Openness to pastoral accompaniment and collaborative ministry
- Ability to work within a team and across multiple ministries
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Flexibility and adaptability in a complex pastoral environment
- Basic organizational and planning skills
- Emotional maturity and cultural sensitivity
- Willingness to learn and integrate into Salesian life and mission
Useful Academic Preparation
Helpful backgrounds include:
- Education
- Social Work
- Psychology
Useful Experience
- Pastoral experience within the Salesian Youth Movement
- Experience working with young people in educational or parish settings
- Ability to collaborate within a structured pastoral framework
Area Information
Salesian Education and Pastoral Ministry.
Involvement with the religous community
Area Information
Salesian Education and Pastoral Ministry.
Involvement with the greater community
Yes. The volunteer is actively involved across the different educational and pastoral communities connected to the work, including the parish, school, youth center, and social action initiatives.
Special Challenges & Conditions
Salesianos de Lisboa is a complex and multifaceted work that brings together school life, parish ministry, youth programming, social action, and national-level Salesian services. Volunteers must be flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working across multiple pastoral environments.
Because the work is collaborative and interconnected, the volunteer may be involved in several ministries at once, requiring strong communication, initiative, and the ability to integrate into established teams. Living and serving in a busy European capital also requires cultural sensitivity, maturity, and the capacity to balance ministry commitments with personal well-being.
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
Laundry is done on-site / in-house
Access to ATM
Local Diet
Portuguese cuisine is varied and generally well balanced, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients. Meals commonly include fish (especially cod), meat, rice, potatoes, vegetables, soups, and bread. Community meals reflect local customs and seasonal foods.
Volunteers should be comfortable adapting to Portuguese meal schedules and cuisine. While special dietary needs may be accommodated in limited ways, flexibility is important. Lisbon also offers access to a wide range of food options for occasional meals outside the community.
Local Medical Facilities
Basic first-aid support is available on site through a small infirmary (for minor issues and initial assistance). In addition, volunteers are covered by Portugal’s public National Health Service (SNS) and can access local primary care services (health centre/“Centro de Saúde”) and public hospital services when needed. For emergencies, the national emergency number is 112. Volunteers are expected to have valid health coverage (e.g., travel/health insurance and/or a European Health Insurance Card, when applicable).
