By Chris Smith

For much of my life, I believed that serving God meant doing something big. Big gestures, big moments, big accomplishments. I thought that if I was not doing something dramatic or life changing, then it did not really matter. That perspective began to change when I attended Catholic Heart Workcamp in high school.

At Catholic Heart Workcamp, we were not asked to do anything flashy. We painted houses, pulled weeds, cleaned yards, listened to homeowners, and showed up each day ready to serve. The tasks felt small, but their impact was enormous. Through simple work and presence, people were seen, valued, and loved by God.

That week helped me realize something important: we do not have to wait for big opportunities to live out our faith. Jesus Himself served in quiet, ordinary ways, walking with people and meeting them where they were. Catholic Heart Workcamp showed me that this is how we are called to live every day, serving faithfully in moments that God can use for good.

As we move through our daily lives, let’s look for those opportunities to serve with love, patience, and humility. When we choose kindness, offer help, or simply show up for someone else, we reflect Christ more than we may realize.

We encourage our 8th–12th graders to attend Catholic Heart Workcamp, which offers our youth a chance to experience this kind of faith in action. It is an opportunity to grow closer to God, build community, and learn how acts of service can change lives. More information will be shared soon, and we hope you join.