were getting no CCD in the summer. A seminarian, (now priest) named Bernie Jorges was asked to go and teach them in the summer. What started as one man's generous work soon grew into a large task and he had to hire college students to help him teach the kids. Eventually, it became a formal program called Totus Tuus. It has spread from the Diocese of Wichita and is now present in many dioceses throughout the United States.Committed to Christ and the Program’s Mission
Totus Tuus missionaries are faith-filled college students and seminarians who are willing to give themselves to Christ and His Church for the summer by preaching the Gospel to children and teenagers. Totus Tuus missionaries commit to traveling in a four-person team, teaching, evangelizing and spreading the gospel throughout parishes for seven weeks. Missionaries complete two weeks of training around the curriculum of the program and have a break during the week of the July 4 holiday.
“Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to Him. A great joy cannot be kept to oneself. It has to be passed on.” Pope Benedict XVI, Homily at the 2005 World Youth Day Closing Mass.
Dedicated to Shaping the Lives of the Youth They Encounter
Today’s youth are hungry for a greater understanding of the truth contained in sacred scripture and tradition, as guided by the Magisterium. The youth in the Totus Tuus program not only seek role models, but heroes who strive to live and proclaim, “Lord, I will be totally yours”. With joy and honor, Totus Tuus teams serve youth by sharing the gifts God has given to them.
Become a Missionary
Young adult missionaries must be practicing Catholics, confirmed and faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium. In addition, missionaries must be willing to live in a community of other team members, and be committed to a personal and communal prayer life, equipped to make sacrifices through a rigorous daily schedule and be prepared to have fun. The program provides housing, a $350/wk stipend and meals for all missionaries. Missionaries may be asked to transport their teammates in personal vehicles, but all travel expenses will be reimbursed.
For questions, please contact Trevor Pullinger, 563-888-4244. Learn more and apply online (see top of page) before May 1st. Please feel free to make copies and give out to other young adults you think would be willing to consider being a Totus Tuus teacher this summer. Past teachers consider this missionary work of catechizing and evangelizing the youth to be one of the most difficult, but also one of the most rewarding summers of their lives. We look forward to having you on our teams!