Christ in the City is a Catholic non-profit dedicated to
forming missionaries, volunteers and communities in
KNOWING, LOVING and SERVING the poor.
Our History
Christ in the City began its work with Denver’s poor and homeless in the summer of 2010. The organization began under the auspices of Catholic Charities in Denver as a way to form young people to be life-long missionaries.
In the 2011, Christ in the City was entrusted to the Christian Life Movement (CLM) as the service arm of their mission in the United States. Missionaries are spiritually guided by the priests and lay men and women of the Christian Life Movement, whose community plays a vital role in the spiritual formation of Christ in the City.
"Many people talk about the homeless, but few talk to them."
Four Pillars of Formation
INTELLECTUAL
Education in the Catholic faith and it’s social justice teachings equip us to apply faith and reason to our daily work and lives. Thanks to the help of Our Sunday Visitor, Missionaries take accredited courses with the University of Mary and the Augustine Institute.
SPIRITUAL
To bring the love of Christ to others, we must first experience Him ourselves. Missionaries are guided by members of the Christian Life Movement to deepen their relationship with Christ through personal prayer, Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, and spiritual direction.
HUMAN
The most fundamental of our four pillars. In human formation we develop the human qualities and character of each missionary. Community life allows us to grow in self-knowledge and to learn how to be holy in the practical demands of human life.
APOSTOLIC
The homeless are often served materially by people and yet go unknown and unloved by them. Authentic friendship can transform a life and lead to change in a person, namely: freedom from addiction, meaningful work, housing and reconciliation with God.
What is being a Christ in the City Missionary Like?
You may be wondering what being a Christ in the City Missionary is like! With such a unique Mission, Vision and Values, Christ in the City is truly a one in a million experience! Through this process, missionaries are better equipped to grow during their time with us and thrive as emerging leaders who return to their communities with a profound and mature faith. They return home with the skills to form others in service and to evangelize our culture and society.
"Christ in the City has changed everything for me. The poor have changed everything for me. I have seen my ability to love completely change, and I have been able to realize that there is a poverty that goes much deeper than physical poverty. Growth has also occurred in many uncomfortable ways as well. I have become much more aware of my own poverty, therefore allowing me to grow in greater and utter dependence on God. Christ in the City has shown me that I do not have to earn others’ love, especially God’s love. I have been able to dive into what it means to be a daughter of the Father, and from this, I am able to bring a small portion of this love to my homeless friends and my community members!"
Not Ready to be a Missionary?
No problem! Not everyone is called to be a Christ in the City Missionary, but that doesn't mean you can't get involved! If you are passionate about our mission and want to get involved check out our approach to street ministry and simple ways you can join us from wherever you are : https://christinthecity.org/get-involved/
