For several years, students from the Centered on Christ Catholic Community in Minnesota have journeyed to Colorado each summer with a mission: to make a difference. Their destination? The Samaritan House locations in Fort Collins and Greeley.
Centered on Christ Catholic Community is a collaboration of four parishes within the Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, dedicated to forming missionary disciples with a passion for Christ. Each year, these missionaries take on projects at Catholic Charities’ shelters, aiming to improve the lives of our guests. Their work has included revitalizing the veterans’ pergola, enhancing dull electrical boxes, and installing concrete slabs for storage sheds and landscaping. Their efforts have had a profound impact on both Samaritan House Fort Collins and the Samaritan House Greeley on the Guadalupe Campus.
The group’s visit always begins with an orientation, designed to help the student missionaries understand how to truly connect with the people we serve at Catholic Charities. Many students are struck by the difficult choices that those experiencing homelessness face daily. Through interactive games and personal stories from individuals who have stayed at Catholic Charities, the students gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live below the poverty line. Before embarking on their projects, the missionaries are encouraged to engage with guests, approaching each interaction with compassion and an awareness that every person has a unique story.
The 11 student missionaries and five adult chaperones start their days early, beginning with a prayer service before heading to Fort Collins or Greeley. Once there, they dive straight into their work. This year, the group contributed an impressive 380 hours of service from Monday through Thursday—equivalent to nearly 10 weeks of full-time work for one employee! After a full day of physical labor and meaningful connections with the guests at Samaritan House, the students return to St. Joe’s Catholic School, where they stay for the week. Evenings are spent cooking dinner, attending adoration, and engaging in prayer.
In addition to the tangible improvements they make, our staff deeply values the time spent with these young missionaries, many of whom return year after year. Watching them grow and evolve has been a true privilege. We are inspired and uplifted by their dedication to Christ and are grateful for their ongoing commitment to our operations in Northern Colorado.
