UPRISE Inspiration
How did this totally volunteer-led Catholic generosity movement come about?
Well, in today’s world of technology, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with information, media messaging, and other distractions that compete with your time and attention and conflict with the messages of Christ, all of which are rooted in love. This ever-increasing environment of conflicts has resulted in materialism replacing spiritual values, young men and women questioning absolute truth, and a growing indifference toward religion.
The Holy Spirit imposed on the heart of one individual an idea of overcoming these challenges by inspiring young adults to make generous Works of Mercy an active part of their identity and their lives.
Could a movement based upon the extension of Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Mercy help engage the younger generation and ignite their Catholic faith? Could we meet young adults right where they are, using their hearts of service as a focus on building love and unity, rather than today’s pervasive divisiveness and relativism?
The idea was shared with dozens of others and discussed with pastors, family, and friends, and eventually in focus groups,. The idea gained momentum and excitement. This global generosity movement concept, blessed by Pope Francis, even reached the Vatican! In June of 2016, a meeting took place with Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Pope Francis’ Almoner to His Holiness, his Chief of Charity.
With blessings to move forward, the idea was taken to Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School where it was met with such enthusiasm by the CEO and students. The scheduled half-hour discussion of a possible Catholic generosity movement — the beginnings of UPRISE - lasted 90 minutes and filled 12 large FlipCharts posted around the classroom! A Facebook poll of 12 different names provided for voting among the target audience for the movement produced with significant popularity above all other alternative names the UPRISE brand!
In June 2017, with the enthusiasm of the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan and Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, MI, UPRISE was launched as a laity-driven, rising generation volunteer global generosity movement!