What is Verso l’Alto Social Ministry Discipleship? Verso l’Alto Social Ministry Discipleship is a yearlong formation program intended to prepare people to develop and enhance their personal faith life and then go out and live the Gospel message by engaging their communities. Participants will be able to minister to those who are the most vulnerable and disenfranchised in a Christ-like manner, and following in the example of its patron saint Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati who heroically exemplified a life of prayer and service.

What does Verso l’Alto mean? The phrase ‘Verso l’Alto’ means “towards the heights,” and it’s used to describe Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and his life. Although sometimes used to relate to the height of a mountain since he was a mountaineer, it does not refer to the physical mountain, but towards our ultimate goal in life which is eternal life with God in heaven. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati always aspired to rise to the heights of holiness.

Who is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati? “Pier Giorgio Michelangelo Frassati was born in Turin, Italy on April 6, 1901. His mother, Adelaide Ametis, was a painter. His father, Alfredo, was the founder and director of the newspaper, “La Stampa," and was influential in Italian politics, holding positions as an Italian Senator and Ambassador to Germany. Pier Giorgio developed a deep spiritual life which he never hesitated to share with his friends. The Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin were the two poles in his world of prayer. At the age of 17, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society and dedicated much of his spare time to serving the sick and the needy, caring for orphans, and assisting the demobilized servicemen returning from World War I. Mountain climbing was one of his favorite sports. Outings in the mountains, which he organized with his friends, also served as opportunities for his apostolic work. He never missed the chance to lead his friends to Mass, to the reading of Scripture and to praying the rosary. Just before receiving his university degree, Pier Giorgio contracted poliomyelitis, which doctors later speculated occurred during his ministry to the sick. Pier Giorgio died at the age of 24 on July 4, 1925. His last preoccupation was for the poor. On May 20, 1990, in St. Peter’s Square which was filled with thousands of people, Pope Saint John Paul II beatified Pier Giorgio Frassati, calling him the “Man of the Eight Beatitudes. Many pilgrims, especially students and the young, come to the tomb of Blessed Frassati to seek favors and the courage to follow his example.”

To read the whole biography of Bl. Frassati, please visit: http://frassatiusa.org/frassati-biography or check out the recent video on Bl. Frassati at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaFLo36mYkA

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What does this program entail? Verso l’Alto will be a dynamic and structured program intended to help the participants grow in their faith by understanding the social mission of the Church, and then take that faith and apply it to serving others in the spirit of the Gospel. There will be weekly assignments, shared readings which can be done remotely and occasional meetings with other participants. Additionally, there will be goals and activities throughout the year that will challenge the participants to grow in their relationship with Christ and others in their community. This year participants will also be provided with opportunities for an overseas expedition (mission) to one of the following countries: Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Greece, India or the Holy Land (Israel).

A quick look at the curriculum: The program is divided into 3 phases referred to as ‘peaks’ because our patron saint Bl. Pier Giorgio was a mountaineer. At the end of every peak, the participants will have climbed higher in their relationship with Christ and His Church.

Peak 1: Faith and Catholic Social Teaching Formation The primary goal of this peak is to develop the participants’ spiritual and theological foundation when it comes to Catholic Social Teaching. This will be done by developing a stronger prayer life, leaning on the sacraments, studying different Catholic Social Teaching documents, understanding the social mission of the Church and cultivating a life of holiness.

Peak 2: Faith in Action – Local The primary goal of this peak is putting our faith in action through a systematic focus that starts with self, then local, state and national communities. This will be accomplished through learning Social Ministry best practices and then engaging the local parish, state and national charity organizations and subsequently being involved in service through their outreach programs.

Peak 3: Faith in Action – Global The primary goal of this peak is the application of faith in action on the global level. This will be accomplished by developing a global understanding and vision of our faith and learning the Church’s mission throughout history by studying the history of missions. By developing this missionary spirit in the global context, the participants will have the opportunity to apply it by going on a global expedition(mission) to a foreign country. This trip will be approximately 2 weeks in duration.

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Who can apply? Anyone between the ages of 21-40 years old who is a Catholic in good standing can apply to the program. Whether you are in college or in the workforce, we welcome your application.

Additional Questions and Answers

1.Will I have to give up everything to participate in this program?

No, the program is designed to fit into your current status whether you are in college or working full time, single or married. There will be some activities and retreats which might require your travel but most of these will be scheduled on a weekend and considerable prior notice will be given to you so as to properly prepare yourself.

2. Is there a cost associated with the program?

Yes, please look at the finance section below for details. Our hope is to make the program open to as many people as possible. Do not let the price stop you from applying if you are interested and feel like this program would be beneficial to your faith. We will be

assisting with fundraising. Please feel free to reach out to the Office of Social Ministries for additional information at osm@richmonddiocese.org.

3.What if I am not in Richmond, how will I be able to participate?

You will be able to learn remotely and have discussions without the need to be in Richmond. However, as noted in question 1, there will be some activities and retreats which might require your travel. In addition, there will be a global expedition trip (mission) but you will have knowledge of those details one year in advance to properly

plan. This is also a great incentive to have a holistic and global perspective of social ministry.

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What next? Please fill out the application below and email the application and a photo of yourself to versolalto@richmonddiocese.org. We ask that you carefully look over the application and answer all the questions to the best of your ability. We will be accepting the applications until September 6th, 2016. Following this deadline, an OSM staff member will be contacting you with further information. Please note that those accepted will be invited and expected to attend ‘The Journey Begins’ weekend retreat in Richmond on August 5/6th , 2016. We look forward to receiving your application and beginning this incredible journey of Social Ministry Discipleship with you.

Finances: The cost for the entire program is $4,000. This cost will cover all the expenses of the program.

Included in the cost:

- A round trip airplane ticket to one of the following countries: Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia,Greece, India or the Holy Land (Israel)- All lodging and 3 meals per day during the travel including a hotel in the U.S the day beforetravel for the trip orientation- Lodging and food while attending the retreats, team activities, and local missions throughoutthe year in Richmond or other locations inside the United States- Books and handouts for the program- Bl. Frassati T-shirt

Excluded from the cost: - Cost for obtaining a Passport- Cost for obtaining the international entry Visa- Any healthcare cost incurred before or after the trips including immunizations- Souvenirs and other personal costs

“Our life, in order to be Christian, has to be a continual renunciation, a continual sacrifice. But this is not difficult, if one thinks what these few years passed in suffering are, compared with eternal happiness where joy will have no measure or

end, and where we shall have unimaginable peace”

-Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

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Verso l’Alto (To the Heights) | 2016-2017 Social Ministry Discipleship Application

Applicant Information

Faith Life

Check all that Apply.

Full Name:

Last First M.I.

Address:

Street Address Apartment/Unit #

City State ZIP Code

Phone: Email

Parish: (Arch) Diocese. College or Other

Current Occupation:

Are you between the ages of 21 - 40 years old?

YES NO

Have you ever been convicted of criminal charges?

YES NO

If yes, explain:

5 I am Baptized.

5 I am Confirmed in the Catholic Church

5 For the past twelve months I have met my obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

5 I have met my obligation of going to confession at least once during the past year.

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Resume Please send your resume with your Verso l’Alto Application.

Picture Please include a recent picture of yourself with your Verso l’Alto Application.

Special Requirements

The program will involve a certain level of physical activity. Please note that you have to be able to lift 50 lbs, walk at least a mile, and endure developing country conditions (Global Expedition). Please initial here ___________

Social Ministry Expedition Opportunity

Please rank the list of countries in order of your preferences (1 being your first choice):

Ghana ___

Ethiopia___

Uganda___

Holy Land (Israel)___

India___

Greece___

References

Please provide two references. We will contact them via email and ask them a series of questions (feel free to notify them).

1. Name__________________________ Email________________________________ Phone____________________________

2. Name__________________________ Email________________________________ Phone____________________________

Signature

I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

I understand that false or misleading information in my application or provided information during my phone interview may result in my being denied acceptance into and/or being dismissed from the program.

Signature: Date:

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