From the beginning of the Missionaries of
Charity, lay people from every part of the world
and from different faiths and backgrounds
wished to share in some way in the work of
loving service to the poorest of the poor. Out of
this group grew the International Association of
Co-Workers of Mother Teresa.
Mother Teresa asked the Co-Workers to know
and serve the poor in their own families,
neighborhoods, working places, towns and cities
first, for “charity begins at home.” Co-Workers
are also invited to work with the local
Missionaries of Charity and encouraged to come
together as a group whenever possible for
prayer and sharing. For the information on how
to become a co-worker, please contact the
nearest house of the Missionaries of Charity.

Many people, especially young people, feel
called to contribute to the work of love that
Mother Teresa began. They do not necessarily
join the formal group of Co-Workers, but rather
participate in the Sisters’ service of the poorest
of the poor, by offering their time and talents
for a period of time (from just a few hours to
possibly a couple of years). By giving their
“heart to love and hands to serve,” as Mother
Teresa used to say, in different parts of the
world the volunteers join the Sisters in the work
and in prayer, as much as their schedule permits
them.

For the volunteering possibilities see: