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Faith Mentorship
for High School Students across the country
Serva Fidem, which is Latin for “Keep the Faith,” was founded to develop high school students into intentional disciples of Jesus Christ, freely committed to faith in college and beyond.
Our ministry pairs small groups of students with adult mentors in their communities for weekly gatherings. Students learn to better understand their faith and develop deep, personal relationships with Jesus Christ and his Church. Our small groups grow through personal prayer, Scripture, the sacramental life, and better understanding of Church teachings.
Students leave with knowledge, friendships to support them in a flourishing life of faith, and the chance for a personal encounter with Jesus. By forming virtuous relationships with one another, groups expand on their relationships with God and are able to answer the question, “Why am I Catholic?” for years to come.
Our Vision
Our Vision
for Forming Young Disciples
Serva Fidem, which is Latin for “Keep the Faith,” was founded to develop high school students into intentional disciples of Jesus Christ, freely committed to faith in college and beyond.
Our ministry pairs small groups of students with adult mentors in their communities for weekly gatherings. Students learn to better understand their faith and develop deep, personal relationships with Jesus Christ and his Church. Our small groups grow through personal prayer, Scripture, the sacramental life, and better understanding of Church teachings.
Students leave groups with a sense of how God can be encountered in their everyday reality. They depart with lasting friendships, formation in virtue, and a foundation for lifelong friendship with Christ.
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Is God Calling You
to Explore Serva Fidem?
We would be delighted to discuss the opportunity of launching Serva Fidem at your school. Whether you’re interested in mentorship, getting your students involved, or have any questions about our purpose and ministry model, please feel free to reach out to us today.
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research Shows a Growing Need
for Faith Mentorship
74%
of former Catholics report they stopped identifying as Catholic between the ages of 10 and 20, with a median age of 13.
-Going, Going, Gone (St. Mary’s Press, 2018)
20%
of adults in the United States classify themselves as Catholic. Of that percentage, only “some” considered themselves “deeply observant.”
–47% of U.S. Adults Have a Personal or Family Connection to Catholicism (Pew Research Center, 2025)
24%
of young people ages 13-25 with no adult mentors say they never feel their life has meaning and purpose. However, for those with even one adult mentor, this number drops to 6%.
-The State of Religion in Young People (Springtide, 2020)
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A Proven Solution:
A Proven Solution: Impact of Serva Fidem Small Groups
Throughout our beginning at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, we’ve seen extraordinary results in the lives of our students, mentors, and communities at large. Groups have expanded, more students are being introduced to Jesus Christ, and our alumni are showing greater dedication to their faith. We are currently in 15 schools across Iowa, Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Colorado, and Oklahoma. As Serva Fidem expands across the state of Iowa and into surrounding states throughout the country, these statistics are only the beginning of the impact God is making through our ministry.
Serva Fidem alumni are more likely to commit to their faith, feel more confident in defending their faith, continue growing in their faith during college, and engage in faith behaviors like daily prayer, Mass, reconciliation, and faith groups.
24%
By the end of year five at Dowling Catholic High School, Serva Fidem grew to 62 active small groups, or 333 students, which was nearly 24% of the student body.
59%
Serva Fidem alumni were 59% more likely to attend Mass 4+ times a month than non-Serva Fidem alumni in their senior year of college.
77%
77% of Serva Fidem alumni identified as active Catholics compared to only 50% of non-Serva Fidem alumni.
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In the Media:
Research on Catholic Youth
At Serva Fidem, we’re dedicated to learning about how to most effectively serve our youth and reach the next generation of the Catholic Church. Several studies highlight the importance of nonprofit ministries that foster small, mentor-led faith communities like ours. Browse through some of the most compelling statistics to see how your support of our ministry can make a difference, whether it’s donating or starting a Serva Fidem at your high school.
Blog Home
Explore the Latest Serva Fidem News and
Student Spotlights
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Faith and Frozen Exploration
Read more: Faith and Frozen ExplorationI went on the Iceland pilgrimage over winter break. This experience was extremely special. I went into…
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Keeping the Faith x Greek Life – Recognizing my Light in the Darkness
Read more: Keeping the Faith x Greek Life – Recognizing my Light in the DarknessI always knew I wanted to be involved in Greek life. A lot of factors appealed to me: the social aspect
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Are we really filling our cups?
Read more: Are we really filling our cups?Have I been renewing myself spiritually lately? Have I actually been filling my cup? This is something that…
Podcast Home
Explore the Latest Serva Fidem News and
Student Spotlights
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Faith and Frozen Exploration
Read more: Faith and Frozen ExplorationI went on the Iceland pilgrimage over winter break. This experience was extremely special. I went into…
-
Keeping the Faith x Greek Life – Recognizing my Light in the Darkness
Read more: Keeping the Faith x Greek Life – Recognizing my Light in the DarknessI always knew I wanted to be involved in Greek life. A lot of factors appealed to me: the social aspect
-
Are we really filling our cups?
Read more: Are we really filling our cups?Have I been renewing myself spiritually lately? Have I actually been filling my cup? This is something that…
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Become a Serva Fidem
Small Group Mentor
Serva Fidem adult mentors have the opportunity to become a bridge to the truth of the Gospel for a small group of high school students. As Jesus invested deeply in a few who later went on to change the world, our goal is the same–to set the world on fire for Christ and form intentional disciples who keep the faith.
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Explore Our Catholic Small Groups
As Serva Fidem continues to grow, more students are impacted and grow in their faith. Learn more about the structure and purpose of our small groups and read personal testimonies from our students.
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The story of Serva Fidem
Serva Fidem is the Latin phrase for “keep the faith.” For decades, high school has been a crucial turning point for young Christians, many of whom will leave faith behind as teenagers or young adults. Our aim is to provide students with the community and mentorship that will prepare them to choose faith for themselves as young adults.
Despite various efforts to cater to young people over the years, the numbers remain poor. According to the research group CARA, only 15% of baptized Catholics remain in the faith, and according to Pew, only ⅓ of those who consider themselves Catholic attend weekly mass.
We believe that what has been missing is an intentional form of discipleship for high schoolers, where students can bring Christ into their real, everyday lives under the guidance of an older mentor. To that end, Serva Fidem consists of small groups of friends, paired with an equipped Catholic mentor, who meet weekly throughout high school to pray, learn, and discuss what God has to do with their lives.
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EARLY Growth
Serva Fidem was launched at Dowling Catholic High School (DCHS) in West Des Moines, Iowa in 2017 under the name “Ut Fidem.” Starting small with just a few groups of friends, students found that Serva Fidem answered their needs for community, support, and a place to talk about real, meaningful things.
As students began growing in their faith, word spread. The transformation that started in the hearts of a few students couldn’t help but overflow. By the end of their second school year, they finished with 196 students making up 30 small groups.
Our team never posted a flier or held an informational meeting. The ministry was purely word of mouth–a grassroots ministry where every person was invited through personal invitation from friends or the ministry coordinator.
By the end of year five at DCHS, Serva Fidem grew to 62 active small groups, or 333 students, which was nearly 24% of the student body.
According to an external study done by C1C Consulting, a research arm of Pew Research, Serva Fidem alumni were 59% more likely to attend Mass more than four times a month compared to non-Serva Fidem alumni in their senior year of college. They were also more likely to be committed to their faith, feel more confident explaining their faith, continue growing in their faith in college, and engage in faith behaviors like daily prayer, Mass, reconciliation, and faith groups.
77% of Serva Fidem alumni continued to call themselves active Catholics compared to only 50% of non-Serva Fidem alumni.
We believe our work is just getting started
Learn more about our resources for high schools and the value this model can bring to your school.
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Bishop Endorsement
Bishop Emeritus Joseph Charron, C.PP.S., of Des Moines, Iowa endorsed Serva Fidem’s youth ministry by stating the following:
“The founding of Ut Fidem goes back to a faith-filled desire to do something positive about the reality of the drift of young people from the active practice of their Catholic faith, especially during college years. I am happy to have been a participant in this endeavor and am pleased with the growth and effectiveness it has shown. Pope Paul VI in 1975 wrote Evangelii Nuntiandi in which he said: ‘The world no longer listens to teachers; it listens to witnesses, and if it listens to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.’ I believe Ut Fidem truly helps to form faith teachers who are witnesses and thus faithful disciples. Therefore, I recommend it as a worthy program.”
Bishop Joensen of the Diocese of Des Moines also wrote a letter of endorsement for Serva Fidem’s small groups. Read his letter of endorsement here.
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A Cultural Shift:
What Research Shows About Catholic Youth in Serva Fidem
Category 1 Consulting (C1C), a research arm of Pew Research, performed a four-year study on Dowling Catholic Serva Fidem graduates. These were the results:
- Mass Attendance: Serva Fidem students attended Mass more frequently and stayed more consistent over time. They were 59% more likely to attend Mass more than four times a month.
- Faith Behaviors: Serva Fidem students participated in a greater number of faith behaviors than other students did, with the greatest difference seen in Eucharistic Adoration and faith journaling. They also participated in volunteering, reconciliation, daily Mass, and the rosary.
- Religious Status: Serva Fidem students were more likely to be active Catholics (77%). Religious status tended to stay stable over time.
The key takeaway from this study is that Serva Fidem students keep their faith. They were more likely to be committed to their faith, engage in faith behaviors, and show more faith impact.
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what serva fidem Mentors are saying
“This group allows each individual to ask questions and discuss topics in an environment rooted in faith and freedom. I’m blessed to see how God works through their lives and, in turn, inspires me to be the best I can be for them and Jesus.”
-Joel Magruder II, Current Serva Fidem Mentorr
“We’ve loved every minute of being Ut Fidem mentors! Besides the awesome opportunity to walk alongside fun and energetic students on their faith journeys, we’ve been introduced to phenomenal speakers, conferences, and events that have deeply enriched the faith of our whole family. We just hope they keep asking us back!”
-Dan and Jenny Nielsen, Current Serva Fidem Mentors
“Ut Fidem has made me a better man. It’s an honor to be an Ut Fidem mentor. The way I look at it, God is entrusting His children to me for one hour a week to speak to them on what HE wants to speak to them about. I’m humbled and honored to have that opportunity.”
-Ty Flood, Current Serva Fidem Mentor
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Contact serva fidem
Is God calling you to explore Serva Fidem? Our Catholic youth ministry meets in small groups at high schools around Iowa and surrounding states to help students commit to their faith in college and for the rest of their lives while receiving weekly mentorship.
For more information on our ministry, starting a Serva Fidem group at your school, or getting involved as a mentor or with our prayer team, contact our executive director, Nathan Beacom, at [email protected], or submit an inquiry through the form.
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Donate to Our Work
The Serva Fidem Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high schools students with companionship, mentorship, and a foundation for a life of joyful faith. We are grateful for your support, which allows us to help young people in their walk with Christ.
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Nathan Beacom
Serva Fidem Executive Director
Nathan is an alumnus of Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa. He studied philosophy at the University of Saint Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota and earned his master’s degree in Social Thought at the University of Chicago.
Peyton deuling
Coordinator at Dowling Catholic High School, West Des Moines, IA
Jesus first pierced Peyton’s heart when she was a junior at Dowling Catholic High School. Little did she know that it would be life-changing and she would serve the same ministry that shaped her!
Serva Fidem came into Peyton’s life at an instrumental time and allowed her to soar in discipleship in her college years at Iowa State. Her desire is to serve students who have that same longing of wanting something more and ultimately realizing that “it is Jesus who you seek when you dream of happiness” (JPII)!
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Get Involved with Serva Fidem
Bring Serva Fidem to Your High School
If you feel called to start or join a Serva Fidem small group at your high school, our team would love to help. We have resources specifically for high schools to learn more about our ministry, the benefits of partnering with us, and how to submit an inquiry form. Explore these resources today to get started and see what God is calling you to do.
Become a Small Group Mentor
Grow in your relationship with Jesus by leading a small group of Catholic students every week. As a mentor, you’ll help students go deeper in their faith and provide them with valuable guidance. Follow Jesus’ example in raising up the next generation of Catholics to love and serve Him deeply. Learn more about becoming a mentor and hear from past and current mentors about their experiences.
Student Testimonies
student
Testimonies
Blog – Main
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why partner with Serva Fidem?
initial coordinator training
Partner schools send their Serva Fidem coordinator to our comprehensive in-person training. Coordinators learn best practices for building community support, integrating with existing ministries, vetting and training qualified mentors, identifying and inviting students, and accompanying their small groups to excellence.
ongoing Accompaniment
Serva Fidem coordinators are not left alone–they join a community of coordinators across the nation to share best practices and help navigate different struggles and situations that might arise. Additionally, Serva Fidem coordinators meet monthly with our team over Zoom virtually for support, advice, and troubleshooting.
provided resources to Launch
Serva Fidem partners will be provided with all the necessary resources to launch a small group ministry at your high school. Here are a few of the resources included:
- A complete, in depth set of beautifully designed discussion resources for all four years of the high school journey
- Parent permission and mentor agreement form with new mentor training
- Small group tracker and meeting materials
- Anticipated operating budget
- Monthly newsletter template