Denver-based ministry, Christ in the City, is dispatching missionaries to Wichita with the aim of training volunteers to foster relationships with the homeless. This move follows seven years of participation by Fr. Chad Arnold and a group of seminarians who have annually traveled to Denver during spring break to partake in Christ in the City's program.

Fr. Arnold shared his long-standing desire to bring the organization into the Diocese of Wichita, stating, “I saw the work they did. I understood that they would sometimes go into other dioceses at the end of their season for three weeks at a time and I’ve been wanting to bring them into the Diocese of Wichita for a long while.” He also mentioned that there had been a waiting list but their good rapport facilitated this development.

The Lord’s Diner has expressed interest in collaborating with Christ in the City as well. Last year, three staff members from The Lord’s Diner were sent to experience firsthand Christ in the City’s hands-on approach to street ministry. Sarah Hoffman, director of Communications and Public Relations for The Lord’s Diner, was among those who visited Denver. She stated, “The opportunity allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to know, love, and serve the poor and gave us tangible methods to bring back to Wichita.”

On May 19th, five missionaries from Christ in the City will arrive in Wichita for a three-week-long service opportunity. They will be accompanied by seven theologian seminarians and three volunteers. These individuals will form teams led by a missionary from Christ in the City and will conduct ministry throughout downtown Wichita including at The Lord’s Diner.

While Fr. Arnold won't be able to participate due to ordinations and a pilgrimage for newly ordained transitional deacons, The Lord’s Diner staff will assist with coordination as required.

Fr. Arnold praised Christ in the City's approach towards homelessness saying: “One of the things I told the Christ in the City missionaries that I’m excited about, is I really appreciate the way they work with the homeless, the way they see the human dignity in the person and love them.”

Hoffman disclosed that one of the teams will be assigned to The Lord’s Diner. She hopes that Christ in the City will be able to train The Lord’s Diner staff and a few volunteers in building relationships and communicating effectively with their guests.

She concluded by expressing her excitement about partnering with Christ in the City, stating: “I think it’s going to be really good for our community, for The Lord’s Diner, and for the seminarians.”