“Our Neighbor is Everyone”
St. Matthew School 7th Graders Experience Missionary Discipleship at St Vincent de Paul
On Friday, May 2, 2025, St Vincent de Paul of Seattle | King County welcomed a class of 7th graders from St. Matthew School as part of the Missionary Discipleship Institute (MDI) Immersion Experience. MDI is a seventh-grade religion curriculum developed by the Archdiocese of Seattle in partnership with the Office for Catholic Schools and the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Through this program, students move beyond classroom learning to engage directly with organizations like SVdP, building their understanding of missionary discipleship by encountering and serving those at the margins. The day offered students a meaningful opportunity to put Gospel values into practice, reflect on Catholic Social Teaching, and serve the community with compassion.
Understanding the Margins
The day began in SVdP’s administrative building, where students gathered in a circle, which fostered openness and connection. Facilitators Ned Delmore and Mirya Roach led a discussion on what it means to be “at the margins.” Students’ initial definition was “on the outside,” and, with Mirya’s guidance, explored the deeper question: “On the outside of what?” Together, the class arrived at a shared understanding that life at the margins can refer to those who are underrepresented, misunderstood, or facing significant hardship.
As Catholics, we are called to stand in solidarity with our neighbors and recognize our shared humanity and desire to feel heard.
To illustrate, Ned and Mirya shared a story from their own work: a home visit with a young mother at risk of eviction. They described how, upon arrival, they were greeted by a nonverbal child who embraced Ned, revealing layers of struggle beyond financial need. Through listening and advocacy, SVdP helped the family build a path toward stability. Ned explained, “listening is loving.” Indeed, it is through listening to your neighbor, being present, and seeking to understand without judgment, that we can feel close to God.
Building Empathy and Awareness
To deepen empathy, Ned and Mirya led the students through an exercise exploring how those experiencing homelessness often feel. They asked, “Who here has ever felt misjudged? What does that feel like?” Students responded with honesty and insight, reflecting on their own experiences. The question, “How do you show respect?” helped prepare the students to approach their service at the Food Bank with intentionality and care.
The group also reflected on the Parable of the Good Samaritan and learned about Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, connecting the day’s service to a long tradition of Catholic action for justice and mercy.
Service in Action
With hearts and minds prepared, the students walked next door to the Georgetown Food Bank. For several hours, they handed out food to neighbors in need, serving over a hundred people that day. Each encounter was an opportunity to practice the principles of missionary discipleship: to see Christ in every person, to offer hope through a smile, and to serve with humility.
After lunch, the group returned to the administrative building, which was now warm from the afternoon sun, for a time of debrief and reflection. Ned facilitated an exercise where students wrote their experiences on sticky notes, responding to prompts:
“What did you see?” “What did you feel?” and “What did you give?”
Each student shared their reflections aloud, posting their notes on the wall. The responses were deeply moving. One student wrote, “I gave them hope through a smile and telling them to have a great day.” Another shared, “I felt happy being able to give them what they need.” These words captured the essence of the day: service that is both practical and profoundly human.
Continuing the Journey
Before departing, each student received a journal and pen – a simple gift to encourage ongoing reflection and prayer. The hope is that this day’s acts of service will inspire a lifelong practice rooted in faith.
Why This Work Matters
At St Vincent de Paul, we know that transformation happens through encounter, disturbance, and response—a process at the heart of the MDI curriculum. By welcoming these young students, we witnessed the next generation learning to act with the compassion of Christ. Their presence reminded us that those at the margins are not recipients of charity, but teachers who reveal to us the depth of God’s love.
We are grateful to St. Matthew School for entrusting us with this formative experience, and to the students for their openness, courage, and service. May their journey of discipleship continue to ripple outward, bringing hope to our community and beyond.
Who is my neighbor?” Jesus asks us to look, to listen, and to respond. On May 2, these 7th graders answered with their hearts and hands, showing us all what it means to live the teachings of Christ.