The Formation Program in Maryland is a chance for both candidates and S.M.A. to come to know one another more thoroughly. It provides an opportunity to reflect, pray, meet S.M.A. missionaries, live in community with candidates and staff, and learn about mission, ministry, and Africa. As a time of continued discernment it is a chance really to explore if God is calling someone to mission with S.M.A.

Formation is a time to deepen in one’s prayer life and spirituality, and grow in awareness through a more reflective approach to life through reading, prayer, and preparing heart and mind to reverence and respect our brothers and sisters, especially those of different cultures. Above all, S.M.A. is a Eucharistic-centered community, coming together for daily Mass and Morning and Evening Prayer. Spiritual directors, Days of Recollection, and a Retreat are part of Formation. On Sundays, candidates are encouraged to join the wider church by taking part in parishes in the area.

During Formation, candidates live in community with the staff and one another, as well as with guests from around the world, sharing fully in this initial experience. Reflection on community life helps to sharpen tools for relating and for making the most of living and working beside other people, whether missionaries or local persons.

Formation Center courses may cover such topics as Prayer and Spirituality, Mission in the Bible, Pastoral Theological Reflection, African Culture, Training for Transformation, Justice and Peace Issues, History and Charism of S.M.A., Practical Mission Topics, Community Building, and other subjects. In addition, occasional workshops address such areas as AIDS, Tropical Health issues, Trauma in Mission, Islam, Psychosexual Development, Boundaries, Journaling, S.M.A. Policies and Procedures, or other topics. Each year there is collaboration with other Lay Missionary groups in the area, and a Collaborative Formation Gathering for several days with a large number of candidates and staff who are involved in the same type of service. Candidates are asked to spend a few hours each week in volunteer pastoral ministry in the greater Washington area, and to reflect on that as part of their preparation. There is opportunity to talk privately with staff and peers throughout Formation. Finally, an evaluation process helps candidates and SMA to discern the wisdom of mission in Africa for each person.

The Formation Program, while brief, is a wonderful opportunity for growth and reflection, with the goal of clarifying and strengthening one’s call and one’s ability to relate to God, self, others, and the world around us.