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.

Register by using the orange button at the top of the website or click here.

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. You’ll also receive monthly updates sent on the first of each month from March through June to help you prepare for the week.

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 is paid in $100 monthly payments on the first of each month from February through June. All balances must be paid in full by June 1.

Once your registration has been accepted, you will receive monthly balance invoices sent to the email address provided on your registration.

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, structured, and welcoming environment where teens can rest, recharge, and grow in community throughout the week.

Drop-Off | Sunday, June 28
Please attend the latest Mass at your home parish with your family. After Mass, a Faith In Action volunteer will be waiting for curbside pick-up. Bags should be packed and ready for a quick departure.

Some parishes may offer a special blessing or prayer at Mass—this is part of the Faith In Action send-off!

Pick Up | Thursday, July 2
Following the closing celebration on Thursday, July 3, youth will leave with their parents. Bags will be packed and ready to grab so you can be on your way by 8:30 at the latest.

Please Note:
Faith In Action is designed as a 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’s closing celebration.

Late arrivals or early departures are not permitted. Being present for the entire week is essential for building community, maintaining safe group logistics, and fully participating in the service, prayer, and formation that make Faith In Action what it is.

Each day, you’ll be part of a small group with five teens and two adult leaders serving together at a worksite. 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.

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.

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

• 6:30 AM – Wake-up call

• 7:30 AM – Morning prayer

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast

• 8:30 AM–3:30 PM – Service

• Approx. 11:30 AM - Lunch at site

• 3:30–5:30 PM – Recreation, free time, and showers

• 6:00 PM – Dinner & debrief

• 7:00–8:45 PM – Evening program

• 8:45–10:15 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, as well as Metro Louisville. 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 are still being finalized and will be announced closer to the event. 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 and a camp, 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
  Transportation is covered by approved adult leaders—you just focus on the experience.

• Phones take a back seat. You’ll have designated free time to check your phone, but most of the time we want you present with your group. Staying off your phone helps you connect more deeply with the people around you.

• 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!

You won’t be totally cut off—we will make sure your family knows how to reach us if needed. This is about unplugging enough to really show up, grow, and experience something meaningful.

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.