By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
Registration is currently open for Catholics in Action, which brings Catholic youths and adult leaders together for four days of service, prayer, learning and fun. This year’s Catholics in Action (CIA) will take place June 24-27 at Holy Trinity Junior/Senior High School in Fort Madison.
A youth plays on a slide while Catholics in Action (CIA) participants assemble a swingset at Regency Mobile Home Park in Iowa City in this file photo. This year’s CIA program will take place June 24-27 in Fort Madison.
Site coordinator Mike Linnenbrink said a variety of worksites have already been established, with more in the works. These include helping the City of Fort Madison with cleanup at Riverview Park, doing yard work for elderly residents, cleaning up local cemeteries, and assisting at nursing homes and Fort Madison’s no-kill animal shelter.
Youths will have an opportunity to learn about and reflect on Catholic social teaching, especially as it relates to mental health issues. Speakers include a clinical director, a woman who has battled an eating disorder and a retired social worker. Local youth Sabrina Fullhardt will lead a discussion about mental health and state government; she will be joined by two state representatives.
Linnenbrink said, “It’s about bringing awareness (to mental health issues) and helping people be healthy.”
Youths should be ages 14‐18 (entering high school through graduated seniors) and be mature enough to handle a variety of service experiences. Participants must attend the entire program. The fee is $55 per person before June 9.
Persons interested in participating should contact their parish or call the Faith Formation Office at (563) 888-4240.
