Grief set in as young Isaac Coulter’s summer ended, marking his emotional farewell to new friends and a return to his regular life. Reflecting on his summer experience, Coulter shared, “I finished that summer with a great sadness, and longed to continue living as I was.”

Sarah Klosterman resonated with Coulter's experience, stating, “I got dirty and sweaty every day. I did not eat the fanciest or most expensive food and was never on my phone,” and Andrew Meyer added that it “was the best summer of my life.”

Heidi Lydic, serving as the coordinator for the Prayer and Action ministry in the Diocese of Wichita, acknowledges the personal transformation she experienced through her involvement. "It was pivotal in my Christian journey," she said about her summers spent as a missionary during her college years.

Prayer and Action missionaries, including young adult Fr. Isaac Coulter, engage in activities aimed at spiritual growth and service. Coulter described, “One of the beautiful things about Prayer and Action is that every day, we take a moment to sit in a circle with a small group of people…and learn how to sit still with the Lord in sacred silence.”

Klosterman, a student at Benedictine College, emphasized how the ministry differed from her classroom experiences, saying the Christian life she experienced was one of “joy, service, laughter, and community.”

Prayer and Action participants, including a group painting a house or clearing vegetation, gain tangible satisfaction from their work. Meyer highlighted the spiritual and practical rewards, noting, “It’s different to actually see what our work accomplished.”

The ministry incorporates prayer into its service elements, as evidenced by Lydic’s explanation: “We do a lot of manual labor…but really it’s whatever sort of manual labor people need.” Jesus’ call for such service is a critical component. "It is not optional," Lydic stated, as it revolves around “recognizing and serving Christ in the sacred poor.”

Meyer shared a story of serving a family in Kingman, highlighting challenges overcome with community support to achieve their project. Meanwhile, Klosterman recounted a moving day with an elderly woman, involving service and shared moments of faith.

As expressed by Lydic, volunteers also engage in reflective practices, asking themselves core questions about purpose and service. Fr. Coulter noted the ongoing benefits, asserting that the experience reminds him that "living with risk – not holding back for my comfort and ease – makes life so much better."

For high school students who’ve completed grades 8-12, Prayer and Action offers a unique opportunity each summer. Klosterman suggested the experience as a "daring experiment," challenging students to see if the joy from serving others is rewarding. Lydic encouraged families to consider what activities their children engage in that aren't self-serving.

The Diocese of Wichita’s Prayer and Action will span three weeks in June 2025. Lydic reminded, "We have a lot of needs and invite parishioners to participate in the mission."

Observing the transformation that occurs among participants, Fr. Coulter said, “Some show up suffering from what is typical for many high schoolers... By the end of the week, they’re completely transformed as human beings.”