National Volunteer Month Profile: Matt in DC

As program associate, domestic volunteer and Indianapolis native Matt Lorch appreciates the opportunity to work at FMS because it uniquely combines his interest in international service, Franciscan spirituality, nonprofit programming, and living in Washington, DC.

Before starting at FMS in June 2011, Matt worked as a student mentor at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and volunteered at the African Center, Indianapolis. 

From coordinating the three-month training of lay mission candidates to processing the applications from prospective Franciscan lay missioners, Matt provides administrative and programmatic support for the long term (two-year) mission program at FMS.

Matt incorporates a wide-range of programmatic skills and experiences gained from his employment in both the municipal governmental sector and the nonprofit sector, as well as his Peace Corps service in the Republic of Benin in West Africa where he taught English and computer literacy.

In addition to his support of FMS’ long-term mission program, Matt coordinates FMS’ mission appeals. During these appeals at Catholic parishes across the United States, returned FMS missioners and representatives share mission stories as to increase parishioners’ awareness of mission sites and their people, as well as to connect them with the global Catholic faith.

Besides combining his interests and gaining experience for an internationally-focused nonprofit or governmental career, volunteering at FMS allows Matt to view the world from others’ perspectives and to search beyond himself.

“International service is important because of its crucial role in creating peaceful bonds and better understanding between people of different cultures and nations,” Matt said.

Thus, Matt naturally enjoys being able to convey his Peace Corps experiences with mission candidates. Additionally, he offered, “I receive great joy from working so that the ideals of international service come to fruition in the lives of FMS’ missioners.”

Please support Matt’s volunteer work by making a donation to Franciscan Mission Service.