You're no doubt familiar with the Franciscan order, the Jesuits , the Benedictines , the Sisters of Notre Dame , the Little Sisters of the Poor, and other women's congregations . Many laypeople also have a long history of service. Earlier in this century, a woman named Dorothy Day co-founded the Catholic Worker movement. The group's principle focus was running urban soup kitchens for homeless men and women. Today in our parishes, whether urban, suburban or rural, dedicated volunteers serve those in need.
Married couples conduct programs and retreats for other married couples.
The men and women who run teen retreats and teach religious education classes for children also serve. Deacons are ordained from among the parish communities to minister to the sacramental and formation needs of parishioners. Discuss how teens may be able to develop a ministry of service. As an example, in the 1970s, a Franciscan priest, Richard Rohr, began a ministry of retreats for teens in the Cincinnati area. After several years, Father Rohr and the teens began to form small-group communities.