Among Christians that foster compassionate outreach, the Matthew 25 Project has become a worldwide initiative to actively engage with people most at risk. Here in South Carolina, the Diocese of Charleston has taken up the initiative to inspire Catholic young people to commit themselves to meaningful service opportunities. Their involvement benefits communities and cultivates Catholic Social Teaching, leadership skills, empathy, a strong sense of social responsibility and a lifelong commitment to service.

How it began

In December 2024, the University of Notre Dame received a $10 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to fund the Pathways to Communion Program at the McGrath Institute for Church Life.

“This program aims to strengthen the ecosystem of theologically informed service opportunities for young Catholics in the United States,” according to the McGrath Institute’s website. 

The institute has now partnered with 10 organizations, including the Diocese of Charleston, that are committed to engaging young people in service to impact their lives beyond their youth, and to expand or create service programs for Catholic young people.

The diocese received a $500,000 grant to be awarded in five increments of $100,000 over five years, and its first initiative is the Matthew 25 Project. Deacon Jerry White, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, spearheads the effort.

“It wasn’t just about doing the work; it was also about Catholic social teaching and encountering Christ. It is about understanding what we are called to do,” he said.

Matthew 25 Camp

In late June and early July this year, the diocese held a summer camp at Bishop England High School, and 125 youth from parishes across the state attended. First, the Matthew 25 camp engaged young people in service; then, each afternoon, they explored various aspects of Catholic Social Teaching that are applicable in their lives. The camp focused on hands-on learning and impactful teaching to resonate with both the heart and mind of each young person.

Girls and boys were housed on different floors, and during the week, they listened to speakers and musicians, played games, had time to connect and, of course, worked in the community. One evening, they even attended a Charleston RiverDogs baseball game.

Community work included building ramps with Operation Home and Home Works of America, serving at Lowcountry Food Bank, Water Mission, Harvest Hope, Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach, St. John’s High School, Charleston Catholic School and St. Patrick Church and volunteering at the Charleston St. Clare’s Home.

One camper shared, “Life will change, and you will truly see God in yourself and others during the week.”

Deacon White said the overall reception was very positive and that several youth who attended camp expressed interest in vocations to the priesthood or religious life when they are older. He also noted that the diocese hopes to open two more camp sites in South Carolina next summer. He is currently exploring locations in Columbia, Bluffton and the upstate.

Although the diocese organized the Matthew 25 camp, the hope is that individual parishes will continue the momentum of the project with their youth groups.

Continuing service

Julisa Centeno brought youth to the camp from Spartanburg’s Jesus Our Risen Savior Church.

“We had the privilege of volunteering at the Lowcountry Food Bank, where we packed over 220 boxes containing 11 essential food items,” she said. 

Participants then gained hands-on experience by building a wheelchair ramp for a community member, under the guidance of a local contractor.

“Many students had the opportunity to speak with the homeowner, who shared heartfelt words about the positive impact the ramp would have on their family,” she said. 

Anne Welsh, director of Youth Ministry at St. Benedict Church in Mount Pleasant, brought a group who worked at St. Clare’s Home.

“Our entire group encountered Christ in an incredible way during Matthew 25. It brings your heart and mind to a place of service, but also gives you the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. He calls us to take care of his people,” she said. “It isn’t about us, it’s about loving your neighbor and honoring God.” 

“The experience was a beautiful reminder of how service can transform hearts and strengthen faith,” Centeno said. “I’m truly truly thankful to Deacon Jerry and his team for organizing such a meaningful and beautifully executed camp. I’m also deeply grateful to our diocese for their unwavering commitment to investing in young people, who will become the leaders of future generations.”