On September 10, the Mission and Ministry department hosted the Faith in Action Convocation to share upcoming mission experiences with the Academy student body.

Faith in Action Coordinator, Taryn Kendig, began the convocation by getting the crowd hype for a big announcement. She was giving out T-shirts while people were dancing along to the song “Dusty Bibles” by Josiah Queen. 

After prayer, she presented the 12 reasons why students should go on a mission through a video compilation of testimonies from current AHN staff, students, and alumni. 

One of the contributors, Junior Naomi Tamulski, went to the Dominican Republic in March 2025 and said, “Take the risk, you won’t regret it.”

Alumna Theresa Thulsiak (‘19) went on to describe her experience in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

She said, “[Mission trips] will plant seeds of humility, compassion, and courage, and these seeds will stay with you long after you graduate.”

Three types of trips to use our faith in a different way are advocacy, pilgrimage, and missions. 

Retreat and Faith Life Coordinator, Reagan Franklin, goes on to explain the Ignatian Family Teach-In, Camp Street Lights, and the National Catholic Youth Conference.

Director of Mission and Ministry, Sister Lisa Perkowski, discussed the various mission trips, including domestic trips such as the March for Life, as well as international trips to the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. 

She wants Academy high schoolers to really push to grow in our faith, saying, “Part of solidarity is uniting ourselves, so we have more compassion for their lifestyle and better serve them.” 

Then, Perkowski explains the expectations for all missionaries. She explained how the Mission and Ministry department evaluates applications based on intrinsic motives, past service, and spiritual determination.

Mission trip applications for the entire year are due Monday, September 15, at 8 a.m.

Kendig closes the convocation saying, “Don’t anticipate, participate.”

She challenges the girls to think about what they can do at AHN to make lemonade for other people.