"My time volunteering for Ablaze truly formed me as a person: in exploring my vocation working with kids, as well as growing in faith in order to be the role model that some of my favorite little people looked up to. I felt called higher by the community and God used Ablaze in my life to create a safe space to be super silly, openly love Jesus, and re-experience the childlike joy that is easy to forget in the grown-up world.”

“As a youth, my Ablaze missionaries helped me to completely reimagine my relationship with Christ and introduced me to a God that loves me recklessly and unconditionally. It was so wonderful to be able to give that back to youth as a summer missionary and walk with teens the same way my youth ministers walked with me. The Ablaze staff has mastered what it means to love people and seek their good and provides a Christ-like example for young people to absorb and carry with them into their futures.”

“Two students came to the school and had never been to a Catholic school before. They had never been to a Catholic Church. Ablaze stood out to them and helped them become a part of something bigger. Without my guidance, they began to speak with Ablaze. They began to ask questions and get answers. Those 2 students chose to become part of the Church and chose me to be their godfather in baptism and to be confirmed into the Church. Ablaze did that. God created the path and Ablaze led the way. It was a blessing."

“I’ve learned to love God and myself, and that God truly loves me. Knowing this has allowed me to grow closer to Him and feel His presence.”