We are accepting applicants for 2026 sessions
8-Week Summer
2-Month
4-Month
10-Month
Open Mission Start Date
Flexible—begin your mission service session when
you are ready and able to commit.
Why Become a Volunteer in Mission at Deo Gratias?
Serving at Deo Gratias is more than volunteering— it is an invitation to grow in faith, form meaningful relationships and make a tangible difference. As a Volunteer in Mission, you will serve alongside the Felician Sisters and a welcoming community, accompanying guests through service grounded in dignity, compassion and joy. Through hands-on ministry, you will deepen your understanding of social justice, discover how your unique gifts can bring hope to others and build friendships that often last a lifetime.
Areas of Service
Deo Gratias Café: Serve guests while offering a ministry of presence through listening, learning about the neighborhood and identifying additional needs.
Food Pantry: Stock shelves, pick up donations and assist guests as they select food items.
Literacy Program: Work one-on-one with adults or children to assess and address educational needs.
Community Garden: Plant, harvest and share fresh produce to help provide healthy food to the neighborhood.
Art Program: Engage with guests as they explore various mediums and create artwork.
Programs are currently offered at limited times throughout the week; volunteers play a vital role in helping us expand and sustain this programming
Requirements
We are seeking volunteers ages 18+ who are willing to:
- serve 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday) at the mission site
- hold a valid driver’s license
- live in community, sharing responsibility for household care and meal preparation
- participate in daily community meals
- participate in—or respectfully support—daily prayer, weekly Mass or other church services
- reflect on and share their mission experiences through daily and weekly reflection
Benefits include:
- housing in urban Corktown, Detroit, MI residence
- private bedroom for 10-month volunteers
- shared accommodations for shorter terms
- room, board and basic living expenses
- shared vehicle access and car insurance
- monthly stipend and grocery allowance
- retreat experience at the 240-acre Maryville Retreat Center on Lake Elliott in Holly, MI
- vacation and holiday time for 4- and 10-month volunteers
To apply:
- complete and submit the Volunteers in Mission–Deo Gratias application, including references
- participate in a conversation-style interview, and complete a background check, medical exam, drug screening and welcome packet forms
- complete required training to help ensure a safe, respectful and supportive environment for all (including Protecting God’s Children and Mandated Reporter Training)
For questions, contact:
Julie Darocha
Volunteers in Mission Coordinator
jdarocha@feliciansisters.org
313-500-9410
Deo Gratias Ministry Detroit is a 501c(3) organization founded by the Felician Sisters in 2018 to provide social services for those facing significant economic and social challenges. Through a ministry of presence, sisters at Deo Gratias help find solutions to make the community a safe and happy place.
