Forming Claretian Missionaries for Today’s World

Forming missionaries for today’s world is both a tremendous challenge and a necessary mission. The Claretian Missionaries are committed to preparing men who can bring the Gospel to communities near and far, responding with compassion, wisdom, and courage to the needs of our time.

Our formation program is holistic, just as the Church asks of us. We form our students spiritually, intellectually, humanly, and pastorally, shaping their minds and hearts so they may serve with the fire of a true Claretian spirit. This means years of study, prayer, community life, and immersion in real missionary work.

However, the cost of formation is real. Even when students live off campus, tuition, living expenses, and essentials add up. Below are realistic estimates for what it costs to educate and support a student for one year at the kind of institutions where our clergy-in-formation study:

• At DePaul University: including tuition, fees, off-campus living and food, books, transportation, and personal expenses, the total can reach approximately US $65,000–70,000 per year.
• For graduate-level formation at Catholic Theological Union (CTU): tuition is charged per credit hour ($997 in 2025–26). With a full-time course load plus housing, food, books, utilities, and living costs, the yearly cost can vary significantly.
• For students at the University of Notre Dame: tuition and fees plus housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses for a full academic year total around US $89,000 per year.

Given these figures, supporting one student through formation for a year often requires US $60,000–90,000 or more. With multiple men in formation, the total financial need becomes considerable.

Our students come from all over the world, including the United States, Vietnam, the Philippines, Kenya, Cameroon, China, and Mexico. They arrive with open hearts and a willingness to go wherever they are needed most. Their generosity and dedication inspire us, and we invite you to be part of their journey.

By contributing to our formation program, you help cover not only tuition but also the real everyday needs: housing, food, books, transport, pastoral formation, language programs, and mission-exposure experiences. All of these are essential for preparing future missionaries rooted in faith, compassion, and service.

Join us in this important mission. Your support makes a difference today and for years to come.

Just a small donation will go a long way!