The DC Service Corps Experience

When I started this year at FMS, I scoured the FMS website and Instagram for information about the DCSC experience, formations, retreats, and much more! Eventually, I found the blogs and got the greatest insight into what life in the DCSC could be. As I wrap up my year, my hope is that I can impart some wisdom on someone scouring the FMS website as they prepare to begin their year of service. 

1. Say “yes” – opportunities often show up only once, and things that you think you’ll get around to get forgotten! When the opportunity presents itself, say yes! Go to the game, attend the happy hour, meet up with your friends, attend the conference, march, mass, lecture! 
2. Sit on the porch – the casa porch is the one place that is both over- and under- utilized. Throughout the winter months, the casa porch is a treacherous place that ice preys victim to everyone in its path. Throughout the late summer, fall, and spring and summer, the front porch serves as a gathering place, a venue, a party spot, a stage, a reading book, the opportunities are endless! Utilize it early and often.
3. Go church hopping – DC has such a vibrant and welcoming Catholic community that truly represents the universality of the Church. In the first few months in DC, visit the different churches to witness all of the great parishes DC has to offer. Moreover, I encourage you to participate in all the vigils, processions, and unique masses the diocese has to offer! 
4. “The Gift of an Invitation” (quote by Claire Fisher) – Throughout the year, some of the fondest memories at the Casa are made around the dining room table. Our Catholic faith centers around many meals that are shared among friends, and a year with FMS at the Casa is no different! The heart of the Casa is many things, but a Casa dinner is a window into what the community has to offer. Moreover, it is an incredible gift to share the blessings of community and a nice meal with others, so invite people to dinner. Invite your coworkers, friends, people you meet, family, neighbors…the list is endless. 
5. Being free in DC – Living on a stipend in what can be an expensive city to live in is a tough sell, but luckily, DC has so many FREE gems to offer. From the Smithsonian Museums to government buildings to free events like embassy days to national monuments and national park sites, DC has an endless supply of really unique experiences and incredible resources that are all priceless (pun intended). 
6. Document It – Whether it’s a daily photo, video, journaling, or a funny quotes list, record this crazy year of life. There are so many memories in this short year that easily get swept up as the day to day, but it is so special to get to look back on the more mundane memories of the year. 
7. The friend of my friend…is my friend! – If you are lucky enough to have non-FMS friends in the DMV area, it is such a blessing to bring them into the Casa-fold and watch them become a “friend of the house.” Moreover, I highly recommend you invite any relatives and friends who are willing and able to travel to DC to fully experience Casa life! 
8. Enjoy a book – As David will tell you, the Casa library is very expansive regarding the literature surrounding Franciscans, Catholic theology, and social justice (among other topics). Even if you aren’t a big reader, and especially if you are, peruse the stacks early on in the year so you have the most time to utilize the resources at hand!
9. Service on top of service – Each cohort member has a unique site where they spend their time serving the community through their specific talents. However, the opportunities for service in DC are endless and so fruitful! I recommend dedicating time to service outside of your job. Many churches have weekend programs, or for those with more flexible schedules, visiting your other cohort members at their service sites.
10. “Two things true” (quote by Claire Fisher) – During this year, there are many experiences that call into question how two conflicting situations can exist at the same time. How can joy exist in the world when so many are suffering? How can we love people and hate the institutions that they take part in? Sometimes, the answer comes down to the profound understanding that two things can be true at the same time.

I hope you have the best year in DC!

Peace and all good,

Brigid Dunn, DCSC ‘25-’26

Questions for Reflection: If you’re a DCSC alumni, what advice would you give to incoming DCSC volunteers? If you’re an incoming DCSC volunteer, what are you looking forward to the most about your upcoming year of service?

DC Service Corps Class of 2025-2026