Bring Serva Fidem’sModel of Discipleship
to Your High School

Serva Fidem began at Dowling Catholic High School (DCHS) and has expanded to high schools across the country. Our mission is to provide students with a foundation for relationship with Jesus throughout college and beyond. See what those impacted by our model have to say.

Testimonies
from Serva Fidem

“I highly recommend implementing the Serva Fidem model into your campus ministry program. It’s one of the most effective ways of bringing God to people that I have seen in action. We have more students openly sharing their faith at school and going to daily Mass, and as a religion teacher, I see more students interested in their faith than ever before. I end up spending less time convincing my students the subject is worth their time and more time teaching them about Jesus. One of the biggest reasons for this shift in culture is the Serva Fidem program.”

–Erik Smith, Theology Teacher, Iowa

“What began as a small seed has grown to be one of the most impactful ministries in our Diocese, touching hundreds of young students, as well as adult mentors and their families… We have witnessed countless students grow in their devotion to daily prayer, their understanding of the Sacraments, their openness to sharing the faith with others, and their desire to join rich faith communities, notably after high school graduation—whether at college student centers or local parishes.”

–Most Rev. William M. Joensen, Ph.D., Bishop of Des Moines

“What began as a small seed has grown to be one of the most impactful ministries in our Diocese, touching hundreds of young students, as well as adult mentors and their families… We have witnessed countless students grow in their devotion to daily prayer, their understanding of the Sacraments, their openness to sharing the faith with others, and their desire to join rich faith communities, notably after high school graduation—whether at college student centers or local parishes.”

–Most Rev. William M. Joensen, Ph.D., Bishop of Des Moines

“I’ve had the gift of meeting and walking with two freshmen who were deeply involved with Serva Fidem at Dowling. I have been in awe of how they have transitioned to college and how they are living out their discipleship with the Lord… They are very rooted in the Catholic faith, the truth of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist, and the need for the Sacraments… They also have made courageous invitations to their friends who aren’t seeking out the Catholic student center and are helping them prioritize and grow their faith.”

–Kate Phelps, FOCUS Team Director at Iowa State University ‘21-22

“Serva Fidem has been the support system and community that I need to continue living out my faith in college. Developing a strong foundation in Christ through my Serva Fidem experience in high school has allowed me to feel more secure in my faith as a college student. It has shown me that living a Christ-centered life is not only possible, but necessary. The Serva Fidem community is a great support system to lean on when I need a boost in my faith. It reminds me that keeping the faith is what will ultimately satisfy me.”

–Maya Freking, Serva Fidem Alumna, Class of ‘21

“The founding of Serva 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 Serva Fidem truly helps to form faith teachers who are witnesses and thus faithful disciples.  Therefore, I recommend it as a worthy program.”

 –Bishop Emeritus Joseph Charron, C.PP.S., Iowa

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
Learn More About Us

Is Your High School Called to Start Serva Fidem?

Bringing Serva Fidem to your school should not solely be a matter of logistics–we hope to engage in a process of mutual discernment to determine whether this ministry is right for a given school community. 

To begin evaluating if Serva Fidem is a good fit for your high school, reach out to our team. You’ll be able to learn more about our mission and impact as well as examine your school’s needs for Catholic youth ministry.

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