Julie LaFlamme
For the youth of Father Pierz School of Religion, faith formation extends far beyond the classroom. Several times each year, students put their faith into action through service at the Lincoln Center in St. Cloud, a ministry of Homeless Helping Homeless. Through these experiences, they discover that discipleship is about more than volunteering; it is about encountering Christ in others.
About every other month, I bring students to the Lincoln Center to pray with residents, distribute blessing bags filled with basic necessities, offer roses to the women, and, most importantly, spend time with people. Our goal is simple: that every person we meet feels seen, known, and loved and experiences the love of Jesus through our encounter.
Some of the most meaningful moments happen through conversation and prayer, but practical gifts are appreciated, too. On hot days, coolers filled with ice-cold beverages, especially Mountain Dew and Fresca, often become an easy way to start conversations and discover how much we have in common.
One encounter remains especially meaningful to me. I was praying with a mother experiencing homelessness and her three children while my own three children were with me. Together, the eight of us stood in a circle, held hands, and prayed. As we prayed, both mothers found ourselves in tears. When we finished, she looked at me and simply said, “Thank you for caring.”
That moment has stayed with me. Despite our different circumstances, we shared the same hopes for our children and the same need for God’s grace.
One of the greatest blessings of these visits is watching students slow down and truly connect with people. They come ready to serve, but also ready to listen. Whether sharing a conversation, offering a smile, or simply sitting with someone for a few minutes, they communicate a powerful message: you matter, and you are loved.
Abbie Virnig, a member of the Class of 2026 from Pierz, shared:
“Homeless Ministry has completely changed my life. The first time I walked into the Lincoln Center, I stood there with tears in my eyes. I realized how many blessings I had taken for granted. What stood out most was how grateful people were for even a cold can of Mountain Dew. This ministry has helped me recognize Jesus disguised in everyone around me and become more grateful for everything the Lord has blessed me with.”
Another remarkable aspect of these visits is the students’ willingness to pray with those they meet. After spending time in conversation, they often ask, “Is there anything we can pray for you about?” They then offer spontaneous prayers from the heart and conclude together with the “Our Father” while holding hands.
One resident named Jason said, “Wow, I can’t think of the last time someone has held my hand.” It was a powerful reminder of how much simple human connection matters.
I am continually inspired by the courage of these young people. Many adults find praying aloud with strangers intimidating, yet the students step into those moments with sincerity and compassion.
Father Aaron Nett, pastor in Pierz, has accompanied students on visits to the Lincoln Center. Reflecting on the ministry, he said:
“It is a blessing to see the students engaging in this ministry to the poor and to watch their hearts open in mercy and compassion. Venerable Fulton Sheen spoke about how learning to serve the poor can be a powerful moment that leads young people into a deeper faith. I see that happening with our youth, and it is both beautiful and inspiring.”
The ministry also brings to mind the words often attributed to St. Teresa of Calcutta: “Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.” As students spend time with residents, they begin to recognize Christ present in the people they meet.
One of the greatest blessings is seeing how these visits change the students. They quickly learn that homelessness does not define a person. Instead, they encounter individuals with unique stories, struggles, talents, and dreams. Those encounters challenge assumptions, deepen gratitude, and open hearts.
As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Through their service at the Lincoln Center, the youth of Father Pierz School of Religion are discovering an important truth: when we encounter those on the margins with love and dignity, we encounter Christ Himself.
I felt the big joy or fun that these young people have when they go to be with the homeless. One evening I was asked to be with them. I saw them happy as heck, not drunk, just glad that for the moment these young people felt how their own lives had a purpose to it, just to be with people who suffer,,,,and the homeless were asking for prayers and glad that someone accepted them and were willing to come from Pierz to show it. I even got happy with them….to have faith means to see suffering…then you can’t help but feel God in yourself. God sees suffering.