The MVSC is a lay volunteer program in service among disadvantaged people in urban areas of the east and midwest.  The purpose of the program is two-fold:

• to provide services through existing social service agencies in order to improve the quality of life for people in these areas, and

• to offer the opportunity for mature Christian lay persons to develop personally and spiritually through the experience of service, simple lifestyle, and Christian community.

• Direct service
• Volunteers work in urban settings with established human service agencies.  By living and working with those they serve, volunteers are given first-hand experience of the struggles of low income and disadvantaged persons.  This climate calls for a heart-felt response from the volunteer, encouraging him/her to reach out as a friend, companion, and witness of Christ's love.
• Community
• Volunteers live together in a common house or apartment and share meals, household responsibilities and expenses.  Community can be a source of lasting support and friendship.  Community living is also the most economically feasible way to support a simple lifestyle of Christian service.
• Personal Growth
• Retreats throughout the year offer opportunities for spiritual and personal growth.  MVSC is personally challenging, however volunteers are enabled for the journey through a support network of fellow volunteers--past and present--as well as Marianist religious and peers in ministry. 
• Skills
• MVSC is a meaningful way to use college experience.  As a Marianist Volunteer, an individual is able to use his/her major and develop professional skills, while serving others in a very meaningful and fulfilling way.  MVSC offers opportunities in a variety of professional areas, including business, education, advertising, management, pre-law, computer science, accounting, psychology, sociology, health care/pre-med, performing and fine arts, human ecology, religious studies, political science, philosophy, history, english, languages, sciences, and social work.

• We offer you the chance to live, serve and work among the disadvantaged .  Our placements are in some of the most impoverished urban environments in the United States.

• We offer you personal and spiritual development in a community setting.  Our communities live the values of service and simple lifestyle, prayer and Chistian commitment.  In this setting, there exists strong incentives for clarification of values and theological reflection.

• We offer you the support of the Marianist Religious order and that of other service communities, through an orientation and three annual retreats.  With the support of others, we can respond to the difficulties of serving, externally (other persons) and internally, (one's self).

• We offer you lasting friendships.  We are not large in numbers, so we are able to get to know one another well. 

• We offer you the chance to explore the unknown, to take the journey of faith, and the challenge of going beyond self.

The Marianist Voluntary Service Communities (MVSC) is affiliated with the Society of Mary, also known as the Marianists.