SERVE, PRAY, & DISCERN AT CATHOLIC FAMILYLAND®
Unsure about your life’s path? The Grow and Prepare (GAP) Program is the young adult gap experience you’re looking for.
Grow and Prepare at Catholic Familyland®
The Grow and Prepare (GAP) Program is for young adults who desire to serve God through the AFC’s mission, grow in their relationship with God, and discern their next step in life.
By living, praying, and working at Catholic Familyland®, GAP participants find a place set apart from the outside world to hear God’s voice more clearly.
A Catholic Gap Program
TO EQUIP YOU FOR LIFE
GROW
Grow in a life of prayer, maturity, confidence, and responsibility.
PREPARE
Prepare for your future by learning effective work habits, receiving formation in practical skills, and developing healthy friendships.
SERVE
Serve at Catholic Familyland® for a semester (Sep-Dec or Jan-May), with a review and opportunity for renewal at the end of each period (for up to 3 semesters).
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Formation Sessions
Learn about a variety of spiritual and practical topics from the AFC staff, Catholic Corps, and chaplains. There are 15-20 sessions offered per semester. GAP participants must attend at least 3.
Growth through Mentorship
Meet regularly with a member of the Youth and Young Adult Ministries Team. Receive mentorship from work supervisors and older co-workers.
Live in Community
Live in a same-gender community with other GAP participants and/or Franciscan University students. Be responsible for cooking your own meals, doing your own laundry, and cleaning up after yourself.
Focus on Your Growth
We take care of lodging, food, and basic needs like toiletries. This does not include car, insurance, or phone expenses.
WHAT YOU COMMIT TO
Prayer Time
Daily Holy Hour with the Catholic Corps community, Mass, Rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Contribute Your Talents
Spend 40 hours per week in one or more departments doing work that is necessary to the AFC’s mission (anything from housekeeping to facilities management to office work). Possible opportunity to apply for employment.
Assist with AFC Events
Help with food service for all on-campus AFC events (requires working some weekends).
Following AFC Protocols
Follow the AFC’s protocols and expectations, including safe environment and youth protection policies.
CATHOLIC FAMILYLAND®
GAP participants live, work and minister at Catholic Familyland®—a place set apart for families and home of the Holy Family of Fatima Prayer Site.
~20 minutes from Franciscan University of Steubenville
~45 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
GROW AND PREPARE PROGRAM FAQs
What is the commitment timeframe?
Serve at Catholic Familyland® for a semester (Sep-Dec or Jan-May), with a review and opportunity for renewal at the end of each period (for up to 3 semesters).
What are the housing and meal arrangements while I’m at Catholic Familyland®?
GAP participants live, work, and minister at Catholic Familyland® —a place set apart for families in Bloomingdale, OH.
~20 minutes from Franciscan University of Steubenville
~45 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport
We provide all of your living needs, including:
- Dorm-style room
- Food
- Personal needs
As a GAP participant, you are responsible for cooking your own meals, doing your own laundry, keeping good personal hygiene, and cleaning up after yourself.
Dorm-style rooms mean that you can expect to share with at least one other GAP participant of the same gender. Common bathroom with other missionaries who live in your hallway.
Common space for meals, movies, and social time.
What does a day at the GAP program look like?
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Note: This is a general schedule to give you an idea of a typical day as a GAP participant. Your actual schedule may be different, especially during AFC events.
Monday to Friday
- 6:45–8:00 a.m. Prayers with Catholic Corps Community (Holy Hour, Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary)
- 8:15 a.m. Holy Mass
- 9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. AFC Work
- 12:15–1:00 p.m. Lunch Break
- 1:00–3:00 p.m. AFC Work
- 3:00–3:30 p.m. Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Snack Break
- 3:30–5:30 p.m. AFC Work
After work, the rest of the evening is free for supper, personal time, prayer and study time, and recreation. There may be some events in the evening.
Saturday / Sunday
- Mass is held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. You are welcome to attend Mass at the AFC or go to a local parish, if desired.
Weekends are free, unless there is an AFC event you are assisting with (e.g. youth retreat) or you join a Catholic Corps gathering.
What work assignments should I expect?
Each missionary will be assigned to a primary job in a specific department with a direct supervisor. Additionally, they could be called upon to help with other necessary tasks such as…
- Event prep
- Cleaning
- Gardening
- Media work
- Facilities management
- Food service
- Data entry
- Child care
- Traveling to a remote event
- And much more!
Whatever your assignment might be, you can work knowing that you are helping to build up the kingdom of God on earth.
What is the dress code?
GAP participants are required to follow a dress code for functional purposes and to be good representatives of the AFC’s mission. Specific guidelines will be provided during the application process.
What should I pack?
Packing for your time as at Catholic Familyland® is like packing for a semester at college.
What will you need during your time away from home?
- Clothing for warm and cold weather
- Work clothing for both outdoor and office work
- Shoes appropriate for task
- Alarm clock
- Sheets, blanket, & pillow (twin bed)
- Portable toiletries
- Towel & washcloth
- Hair dryer
- Water bottle
- Bible
- Prayer journal
- Rosary
- Backpack
- Prescription medication
- Watch
- Laptop
- Phone
- Chargers for your devices
- Stationary & stamps (for writing letters)
- Musical instruments
- Sporting gear
- Anything else you might find helpful
Just remember...if you forget a necessity, you can probably get a replacement after you arrive.
How will I best benefit from the Catholic GAP program?
- Joyfully undertake your commitment with an attitude of service, ready to work a full-time schedule.
- Be open to learning new job-related skills and to developing your practical life skills.
- Put your whole heart into the several opportunities to encounter Jesus: Daily Mass, Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, spiritual direction, etc.
- Take joy in a family-style and supportive Catholic environment.
- Trust in God’s love and providence in your life, remaining open to His holy will.
- Be self-motivated and responsibly schedule your free evenings and weekends, developing as a virtuous man or woman.
Follow God’s promptings and then move on with confidence and peace!
Are families allowed to visit while in the GAP Program?
Yes, families can visit in designated areas, and may even stay at Catholic Familyland® for a night or so (pending room availability).
May I bring my pet to Catholic Familyland®?
Sorry, for the health and safety of everyone who lives, works at, and visits Catholic Familyland®, no pets are allowed on the grounds.
Can GAP participants leave AFC grounds if they have time off?
Yes, you are free to leave the grounds on your time off during evenings and weekends.
Is there a curfew or lights out?
No, it is up to you to responsibly schedule your evenings in accord with the prayer and work duties for the following day.
Are GAP participants required not to date during their commitment to the program?
No requirement here is given by AFC. However, some may find it most suitable for their discernment to enter into this special time of prayer during the GAP program to be maximally free and not in a dating relationship.
HOW TO APPLY FOR GAP PROGRAM
1
Submit the GAP Program Application
Include your contact information, age, and availability. Applicants must be 19+ years old, unmarried, out of high school for at least 1 year, and have a valid driver’s license. If you are a practicing Catholic with a passion for your faith and open to learning new skills, we encourage you to apply!
3
Schedule interview
After receiving your application and letters of recommendation, the AFC will reach out to you for an interview.