Faith In Action is open to youth who are currently in 8th grade through 12th grade (as of Spring 2026).

Small groups are organized by age and interests, so it’s very likely you’ll spend the week serving alongside teens close to your own age while also meeting new friends from across the deanery.

If you want to serve others, grow in your faith, and be part of a supportive community—even if you’re a little nervous or have never done a mission trip before—Faith In Action is for you. You don’t need special skills, just a willingness to show up and try.

We’d love to have you join us! Registration is limited and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. It opens at 9:00 AM on February 1.

To save your spot:

• Complete the registration form with basic contact information

• Submit the $100 deposit

Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email right away.

And don’t keep it to yourself—invite your friends! Faith In Action is even better when you serve alongside people you know.

The total cost of Faith In Action is $500 per person. This includes T-shirts, meals, overnight accommodations, transportation, tools, and all program expenses for the week.

We know this can be a financial stretch for some families. We encourage you to check with your parish about fundraising opportunities or parish scholarships. A limited number of additional scholarships are also available through the Jan Loi Endowment Fund.

A $100 deposit is due at registration. The remaining balance may be made in monthly payments or in a lump sum. All balances must be paid in full by June 28.

Payments may be made by credit card or check.

Full refunds are available for registrations cancelled by June 1.

Our home base for the week is the Mount St. Francis Center for Spirituality located at 101 St. Anthony Dr., Mt. St. Francis, IN

Known as “The Mount,” this peaceful and beautiful campus is where we’ll start and end each day. Participants will eat breakfast and dinner here, take part in evening activities and prayer, and stay overnight.

Youth and adults will sleep in air-conditioned, bunk-style dorms with communal bathrooms located in the hallway. Each shower and toilet is in its own private stall to ensure comfort and privacy.

Daily showers are required and are scheduled each afternoon during free time. To meet all safety guidelines: youth and adults use separate shower areas, in accordance with the Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

The Mount provides a safe and welcoming environment where teens can rest, recharge, and grow in community throughout the week.

Drop-Off | Sunday, June 28

Please arrive at Mt. St. Francis between 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Upon arrival, participants will be welcomed by the Faith In Action team, have time to choose and set up their bunk, and enjoy lunch before the program begins.

Pick-Up | Thursday, July 2

The week will conclude with Mass at 6:30 p.m. in the Mt. St. Francis Chapel. Family members are encouraged to attend.

Following Mass and the closing celebration, youth will depart with their parents. Bags will be packed and ready to go, allowing families to be on their way by approximately 8:30 p.m.

Please Note

Faith In Action is designed as a complete five-day experience. For the safety of all participants and the integrity of the program, youth are expected to arrive on Sunday and remain with the group through Thursday evening's closing celebration.

Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted. Full participation is essential for building community, maintaining safe group logistics, and fully engaging in the service, prayer, formation, and fellowship that make Faith In Action a transformative experience.

Each day, you’ll be part of a small group. Groups are intentionally formed by age and interests, while also giving you the chance to meet teens from other parishes across the New Albany Deanery.

Our adult leaders don’t just supervise—they serve right alongside you. They help lead prayer, guide conversations, and make sure everyone feels supported and included throughout the week.

For everyone’s safety:

• All adult leaders (18+) complete Safe Parish training and a background check

• Only adults 25 and older may drive on behalf of Faith In Action

Leaders come from a variety of backgrounds, including parish youth ministers, college students, young adults, and experienced ministry volunteers. You’ll be surrounded all week by people who care about you, your safety, and your faith—and who are there to help you have a great experience. This year’s leadership team includes:
Michelle Fessel (St. Michael, Bradford)
Valerie Huber (Holy Family)
Kelli Ginter (Holy Family)
Evan Wise (St. Michael, Bradford)
Kyle Naugle (Catholic Community of Jeff)
Sam Blank (Holy Family)
Ryan Campisano (St. John Paul II)
Liam Slotten (Holy Family)
Jon Train (St. Michael, Bradford)
Evonne Corrales (Our Lady)
Stephanie Willis (St. John / St. Mary Navilleton)
Jason Skaggs (St. Michael, Bradford)
Julieanne Goodman (St. Michael, Bradford)
Adam Cantrell (St. Michael, Bradford)

Even though we’re staying close to home, there’s still plenty to pack to make sure you're comfortable, prepared, and ready to serve. This packing list covers the basics—what to wear, what to bring, and a few extras that can make the experience even better.

What would a mission trip be without a sudden spike in temperature and humidity? It looks like we'll be experiencing both during Faith In Action 2026, so please make sure to bring the items on the packing list that were previously listed as "optional,” including:

• Refillable water bottle

• Hat or sun visor

• Sunscreen

• Poncho or raincoat

Most service teams will spend at least part of each day outdoors. Our adult leaders will be watching carefully for signs of heat-related illness and will take extra precautions to keep everyone safe. We will encourage frequent water breaks, provide opportunities to cool down when needed, and adjust activities if necessary based on the weather.

Please note:Several of our service sites require long pants because of the type of work being done. However, with the forecast calling for hot and humid weather, we also recommend that your child pack several extra pairs of service-site appropriate shorts that can get dirty or be splattered with paint. If conditions allow, group leaders may adjust clothing expectations at their service site to help keep participants safe and comfortable while still completing the work responsibly.

We’re putting the finishing touches on a new and improved schedule, including fun opening-day activities and a closing celebration with family and friends. While some details are still coming together, here’s what a typical workday (Monday–Thursday) will look like:

Typical Workday Schedule

• 6:00 AM - Early riser wake up call / morning fun run

• 6:30 AM – Wake-up call

• 7:15 AM – Breakfast

• 8:00 AM – Morning prayer

• 8:30 AM–3:30 PM – Service

• Approx. 11:30 AM - Lunch at site

• 4:30–6:15 PM – Recreation, free time, and showers

• 6:15 PM – Dinner & debrief

• 7:00–8:45 PM – Evening program

• 9:00–10:15 PM – Free time

• 10:30 PM – Lights out

Each day follows a steady rhythm of service, prayer, rest, and community, helping everyone stay focused, energized, and supported throughout the week.

We’re excited to welcome Dana Catherine back to Faith In Action for 2026!

Dana Catherine is a Catholic speaker, singer-songwriter, and worship leader known for her powerful music, real-life stories, and honest approach to faith. Based in Nashville, TN, she has spent the past decade traveling across the U.S. and beyond, leading worship and sharing her story in churches, retreats, and large events.

Through music and storytelling, Dana helps teens see that faith isn’t just a list of rules—it’s a real, sometimes messy, always hope-filled relationship with God. Her sessions are engaging, meaningful, and unforgettable.

You can check out Dana’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Catalyst Catholic partners with trusted local organizations to serve people right here at home—in Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana. Staying local helps us live out the call to serve our neighbors in our own neighborhoods.

Youth will be placed at established community organizations that provide real, ongoing support to people in need. This gives teens the opportunity to build relationships and see how service continues long after Faith In Action ends.

Our 2026 service partners include:

• Harrison County Community Services

• Family Ark

• St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities

• Mt. St. Francis Sanctuary

• Society of St. Vincent dePaul

All service sites are carefully selected to ensure meaningful work, appropriate supervision, and a safe, supportive experience for our youth.

Meals at Faith In Action are planned to be nutritious, balanced, and filling—so everyone has the energy they need for full days of service and community.

Breakfast includes a mix of hot and cold options, such as egg casseroles, sausage, pancakes, cereal, bagels, yogurt, milk, and juice. Breakfast is prepared by generous community volunteers.

Lunch is eaten at worksites and includes a peanut butter or cold-cut sandwich, prepackaged snacks, and a drink.

Dinner is prepared and served by the chef and staff at Mt. St. Francis and/or community volunteers.

We can accommodate common food allergies and dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten, and nut allergies. Any youth who notes an allergy or sensitivity on their registration form will be personally contacted by a staff member prior to the event to confirm details and ensure appropriate accommodations are in place.

Faith In Action is meant to feel like a retreat, not just another week at home. Even though we’re close by, this is a chance to step away from everyday distractions and really show up—for service, for prayer, and for each other.

Here’s how we make that happen:

• Be all in. Faith In Action is a five-day experience. Each day builds on the last, and being present the whole time makes it better for everyone.
  

• No keys necessary
  All transportation during Faith In Action is provided by approved adult leaders, so participants can focus on the experience rather than travel logistics.

  Youth who drive themselves to Mt. St. Francis are welcome to leave their vehicle on site for the week. To ensure participant safety and maintain group accountability, vehicle keys will be collected during check-in and securely held by the Faith In Action team until departure on Thursday evening. Participants will not be permitted to use their vehicles during the event.
  

• Phones take a back seat. Phones take a back seat during Faith In Action. Participants will have designated free time each day (4:00–6:15 p.m. and 9:00–10:30 p.m.) to check messages and contact home.

  During service, prayer, and group activities, phones will remain secured at homebase and will not be taken to service sites. Staying off your phone helps you be present, build friendships, and fully engage in the Faith In Action experience.

  You won’t be totally cut off—we will make sure your family knows how to reach us if needed. Adult leaders will carry a cell phone at all times in case of emergency.
  

• No visitors. This helps keep the week focused and the community strong. We ask that only parents assigned a volunteer role “stop by” and we ask that you refrain from inviting non-registered friends (or Door Dash buddies) from coming to the Mount during the week!

Yes! Whether you’ve served on mission trips before or this would be your first time, your time and talents can make a real difference. Volunteering with Faith In Action isn’t just about helping youth—it’s also an opportunity to grow in faith, community, and purpose.

We’re building a team of dedicated adults to serve alongside our high school youth during this hometown mission trip. Adults 18 and older (and graduated from high school) are invited to be part of the team.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Planning Committee – Meets monthly, February–June

• Small Group Leader – Daily opportunities, June 28–July 2 (may sleep at home)

• Breakfast Prep Team – Daily opportunities, June 29–July 2

• Transportation Support – June 28

• Set-Up & Tear-Down – June 27 and July 2

Every role matters, and flexible options are available. Parents, please indicate you wish to be contacted about volunteering on your child’s registration form or contact Michelle Fessel for more information.