Teachers and student participants of the “Fidelis program” at Owensboro Catholic Middle School are seen on Nov. 14, 2024. COURTESY OF OWENSBORO CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ministering to faith-filled young women, Fidelis presents a new way to form their own small community at OCHS
BY ELLA JOHNSTON, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
Editor’s note: In continuing a project begun last year, we’re happy to once again work with Owensboro Catholic High school to assign a story to a student writer. Please enjoy this article written by senior Ella Johnston.
Two Owensboro Catholic High School teachers bring the “Fidelis” program to their female students this school year as they strive for a stronger sense of community and love among all the young girls attending their school.
Lisa Higdon, senior theology teacher, and Kristin Dorth, freshmen theology teacher, introduced the program one day after Mass at the beginning of the school year. Dorth says she stumbled upon the program at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis over the summer and thought it would be an incredible way to connect with the students at school. A total of 98 girls, aged between 14-18, signed up for the introductory meetings to learn more about the program.
“I am encouraged by even just the commitment of those who have been coming and the interest; that makes my heart happy,” says Higdon, smiling at the thought of the success of the Fidelis groups so far.
Dorth goes into detail as to what exactly Fidelis is: “It is a program that is more parish-based to be an intergenerational attempt to help women to know their dignity and to expose them to truths about virtue; in particular, to build them up and encourage one another.”
The program is focused on 6th-12th graders as it is being used in schools and churches across the country. Owensboro Catholic Middle School is also participating in Fidelis, and the teachers hope to create a greater connection between the two schools through the program.
Higdon and Dorth both wanted to find a way to minister to the young women of OCHS that was not in a classroom setting.
“We had recognized as a whole that we wanted to be able to create situations for more opportunity of growth related to individual students,” explains Dorth. Higdon nods in agreement, adding, “The main point is about community and being able to learn and grow from each other.”
So far, the meetings have been successful at OCHS. The girls have been attending during their lunch shifts about twice a week in the media center conference room. With the large number of girls participating, the teachers needed a larger space than just a regular classroom. Higdon and Dorth encourage the girls to come when they can, but they are also aware of the busy schedule many students have around this time of year. Fidelis is flexible enough for girls to be engaged when they have time, but also allows them to take a step back if needed.
When asked what they wanted the girls to leave with from Fidelis, Higdon and Dorth pondered the question for a minute. Higdon sighed and laughed a little, explaining how difficult the question was.
“I think, big picture, for me, is one, that they really and truly are loved for who they are and where they are… To know that God has made us intentionally and beautifully for a reason and to celebrate that together,” she answers.
Dorth responds with, “Creating an environment that presents genuine femininity… creating an environment where we are striving for that together… and to give these young women the tools they need to battle the lies that will continue to come their way once they leave Catholic High.”
Higdon and Dorth are looking forward to continuing Fidelis at Catholic High throughout the rest of the school year. They vow to continue striving towards a stronger community among the young women at Owensboro Catholic High School.
Ella Johnston is a senior at Owensboro Catholic High School, and attends Immaculate Parish.
Originally printed in the December 2024 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
