How to Join White Fathers

Are you passionate about serving others and spreading the message of faith? Joining the White Fathers, also known as the Society of the Missionaries of Africa, offers a unique opportunity to live a life of service and dedication to the Catholic Church. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of joining the White Fathers and becoming part of this esteemed missionary society.

Understanding the White Fathers

The White Fathers, founded by Cardinal Charles Lavigerie in 1868, is a Catholic missionary society dedicated to spreading the Gospel and serving communities in Africa. Comprised of priests and brothers from around the world, the White Fathers work tirelessly to promote social justice, interreligious dialogue, and holistic development in Africa and beyond. Joining the White Fathers is a commitment to living a life of service, solidarity, and faith.

Step 1: Research and Exploration

Before pursuing membership in the White Fathers, take the time to research and learn more about the society’s mission, values, and activities. Explore the White Fathers’ website, read about their history and work, and consider reaching out to current members to learn more about their experiences. Reflect on your own faith journey and discern whether joining the White Fathers aligns with your beliefs and aspirations.

Step 2: Discernment and Preparation

Discernment is an essential part of the process of joining the White Fathers. Take time to pray, reflect, and seek guidance from spiritual mentors and advisors as you discern your vocation and calling to missionary life. Participate in discernment retreats, spiritual exercises, and vocational discernment programs offered by the White Fathers or your local diocese to deepen your understanding of religious life and missionary service.

Step 3: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for membership in the White Fathers, you must meet certain criteria set forth by the society. Common eligibility requirements may include:

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church
• Single or willing to embrace celibacy for religious life
• Physically and mentally fit for missionary work
• Completion of a college degree or equivalent education
• Demonstration of strong faith, moral character, and commitment to the mission of the White Fathers

Step 4: Contact the Vocations Office

Once you have discerned your vocation and determined that you meet the eligibility requirements, reach out to the White Fathers’ vocations office to express your interest in joining the society. The vocations office will provide you with information about the application process, upcoming discernment events, and opportunities to meet with vocations directors and current members of the society.

Step 5: Application and Formation

The next step in joining the White Fathers is to complete the application process and begin the formation journey. The application typically includes providing personal and academic information, undergoing background checks, and submitting letters of recommendation from clergy, mentors, or teachers. If your application is accepted, you will enter into a period of formation, which includes spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral training to prepare you for missionary life.

Step 6: Novitiate and Ongoing Formation

Upon acceptance into the White Fathers, you will enter the novitiate, a period of intensive spiritual formation and discernment. During the novitiate, you will deepen your understanding of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and discern whether religious life is truly your vocation. After completing the novitiate, you will profess temporary vows and continue your formation and training as a missionary.

Step 7: Final Profession and Missionary Service

After several years of formation and discernment, you will have the opportunity to make your final vows as a member of the White Fathers and commit to a lifetime of missionary service. You may be assigned to a mission in Africa or another part of the world, where you will work alongside fellow missionaries to spread the Gospel, serve the poor and marginalized, and promote social justice and peace.

Conclusion: 

Joining the White Fathers is a journey of faith, service, and self-discovery. By following the steps outlined in this guide and embracing the mission of the White Fathers, you can become part of a global community dedicated to making a difference in the world. May your journey be filled with blessings, challenges, and opportunities for growth as you answer the call to missionary life.

In conclusion, joining the White Fathers is a profound commitment to living a life of faith, service, and solidarity with the poor and marginalized. By following the steps outlined in this guide and embracing the mission of the White Fathers, you can embark on a journey of spiritual growth and missionary service that will impact lives and communities for generations to come.