Salesian Cooperators of St Philip the Apostle Province at Eastern United States, Eastern United States 00000 - Salesian Cooperator Brochure

Who?

Any Christian lay man or woman, or diocesan clergy, 18 years of age or older, wanting to become a member of the worldwide Salesian family established by St John Bosco.

Salesian Cooperators are the essential lay component of the Salesian Family. They live their normal daily lives in the world; they are parents, teachers, executives, youth workers, volunteers, students---anyone desiring to live the Gospel in a dedicated way according to the charism given to St John Bosco. Becoming a Cooperator is a personal response to the call of the Holy Spirit. The call is not a dramatic summons from on high. It may simply be an invitation to come to a meeting, a desire to help others, or a curiosity that attracts one to share in St John Bosco's work.

Why?

To bring God's love and joy to those in greatest need, especially to the young and poor.

Cooperators are motivated by a simple but profound union with God and a desire to serve others. They seek to live Don Bosco's motto, "Da mihi animas," that is, "Give me souls." Cooperators are apostles; they express their deep spirituality through active charity. Cooperators are zealous and available for the Lord's work in a realistic and practical way.

How?

Through sharing one's God given talents in the unique Salesian spirit. This spirit was given to the Church of God through St John Bosco and it is kept alive by the hundreds of thousands of members of the Salesian movement.

The Lord invites the Cooperators to share their gifts and abilities with the young and others in need. Through this humble service, the Cooperators reveal in a concrete way God's loving presence. There is an initial period of instruction and formation, usually lasting two years. When they feel ready, people are publicly inducted into the Association of Salesian Cooperators by making a simple promise. They continue on their journey of faith by staying involved in the local Cooperator center and by following a program of ongoing formation. Membership in the Association creates a strong bond of support and friendship among all of St John Bosco's spiritual sons and daughters.

Where?

In one's own family, neighborhood, parish, workplace---wherever the opportunity exists to carry out the Salesian apostolic mission on all its depth and richness.

The Cooperators live by a spirit, so the Cooperators vocation can be lived everywhere. The Cooperators help especially pastors and bishops in the activities of their local parish or diocese. They may also be found working side by side with Salesian priests, brothers and sisters in schools, youth centers, retreat houses, camps, and mission lands. Called to be signs and bearers of God's love in the world, Cooperators respond to the needs of others as their life circumstances allow. Service to the Lord Jesus and to his Church is their vocation, their way of life.

When?

Now! Because the need is great, and the Spirit may be calling you.

See the St John Bosco section of the Salesian Cooperator Website Library as another resource.

Use the Contact Form on the website for questions or further info.