Faith In Action Spring Break Stay-Mission
Randy Henderson, Director of Youth Ministry at Our Lady’s writes:
Each year for over 20 years teens and adult leaders from various parishes in the Diocese of Des Moines have been putting their “Faith In Action” by serving others at various Des Moines metro agencies. FIA is held annually during spring break and is often hosted at OLIH. Our participants minister to the working poor, the homeless and the outcast. This experience is a communal experience of living, praying, working and growing together in fellowship.
In Matthew 25:35 Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,...” FIA participants serve at Habitat for Humanity, Families Forward (Bidwell Riverside), Catholic Charities, Refugee Resettlement projects, and other agencies that meet the physical and spiritual needs of many.
Not only do our young people provide wonderful ministry for those in need, they too are “fed” by those they encounter. They are not there to merely get the job done, rather our FIA participants are encouraged to savor the encounters with those they are serving. When we see our brother or sister in need and truly encounter them we too are spiritually fed..
As I reflect on my experience of FIA as a youth minister, it is humbling to recall the many young people who have participated during their spring break. These young people choose to set aside these days when other options are available and this is such a beautiful and inspiring witness of their own spiritual thirst to serve.
FIA is one of my absolute favorite opportunities and I encourage parents of teens to talk to their young people about giving FIA a chance in March of 2025!