At this summer’s Catholics in Action service retreat, high school students will not only volunteer for a few days at social service agencies, but learn how to effect long-term social change.
Organizers for the annual retreat are working with the Diocese of Davenport’s social action office to emphasize the “two feet” of social ministry. Msgr. Marvin Mottet, a diocesan priest, developed that model to explain the need for both charity, or direct service, and justice, or change that removes the causes of social problems.
“Our goal is to give youths tools they can take back home and use to improve their communities. We want to make this a meaningful experience,” Mike Linnenbrink said. He is co-coordinator for the retreat based at Regina High School in Iowa City, and is working with a city representative to connect youths with local service sites.
During the June 30 to July 2 event, teens will volunteer at nonprofit enterprises such as food pantries, daycares, homeless shelters and pro-life ministries. Students will make their third annual visit to Regency Mobile Home Park in Iowa City, home to many senior citizens, low-income residents and people with disabilities. Youths also will hear stories from participants in the Immigrant Voices Project in Iowa City.
On the final day of the retreat, teens will discuss how they can implement the two feet of social ministry in their schools, parishes and community at large. Students may choose to raise money for an organization they volunteered at during Catholics in Action, or get involved in a ministry in their hometown, co-coordinator Ray Knight said.
The three-day experience will include catechesis, journaling, group reflection, prayer, Mass and games.
A renewal day to be scheduled later in the year will reunite retreat participants for further reflection, service and action planning.
To sign up, students should contact their parish’s youth leader by June 17.
