The mission of the Redemptorists finds unique expression in reaching out to the marginalized, whoever and wherever they may be: young adults, alienated Catholics, poor people, immigrants, in parishes and on the streets. "Our mission for the future continues to be what it was from the beginning with Saint Alphonsus," according to Fr. Carl Hoegerl, C.Ss.R., "It is to reach people who ordinarily might not hear the Good News of the Gospel."

St. Alphonsus founded the Redemptorists in 1732 to evangelize both the marginalized people in the city of Naples and also the goat herders in the countryside. One hundred years later, at the request of the American bishops, six Redemptorists sailed from Europe to work with American Indians. These efforts led to mission work with the thousands of immigrants from Germany and the Slavic nations.

"To us, the question is whom, rather than how," Fr. Carl continues. Redemptorists deliver the Gospel message through parishes; they travel around to preach missions and seek out people; they develop creative methods. Itinerant preaching is important to us because it was the first work of the Congregation and because it has been an effective tool for bringing the Gospel to people for two thousand years.

Extraordinary preaching is key. "It is different than the Sunday homily," Fr. Carl clarifies. "For us, it includes missions, retreats, days of recollection and other activities where people can focus on their needs issues." Redemptorists offer a solid spirituality - the rosary, novenas, Eucharistic adoration, reconciliation - and practical preaching.

In the third millennium, as in the previous centuries, extraordinary preaching is our keystone. We Redemptorists define and describe "extraordinary" in a multitude of ways but it is always seen as a tool to reach the "poor and most abandoned." First, extraordinary means to go beyond the norm. Second, it means to aspire and to achieve a depth and breadth of quality that creates opportunities for others to experience the intimate touch of the Redeemer. Third, it means that we challenge ourselves and those we serve to truly live the Gospel in our day-to-day actions in the world. Living in community helps us always to keep "others" at the forefront of our vision. This way of life, two millennia old and modeled after Jesus who was also an itinerant preacher, is as relevant and as radical today as it was in Jesus’ time. Redemptorists, by our vision, lifestyle choices, practical approach, and profound faith show that a different way of life is possible. "To set us free" – That message, an extraordinary one, preaches silently but eloquently, not only to our primary hearers, but to everyone who experiences our charism.

The tradition of living in community also continues as something fundamental to Redemptorist life. "We are connected through our life of prayer and communal living," explains Fr. Carl "St. Alphonsus was outgoing. He was an accomplished musician and composer and he was committed to living fraternally with his religious brothers. He was concerned about everyone. This is our tradition and it continues even today - to live together in community in a common life of prayer, fraternity, and a striving to help one another. Our roots are practical. We continue our devotion to our Blessed Mother, based on St. Alphonsus' The Glories of Mary. We live a Gospel life. We live it prayerfully."

A Redemptorist is always asking, "Who are the people who might be missed?" People who are newly married and those with annulments, young adults and the elderly, people in prisons and shelters, and even people who are not socio-economically poor, but feel alienated. That's where Redemptorists plan to be and serve.

Then, now, and in the future, Redemptorists live their motto: With Him there is plentiful Redemption.