Doers of the Word: FIERCE at the Napa Institute 2025

Sam and Julianna are attending and speaking at the annual Napa Conference this week: an inspiring summer gathering hosted by the Napa Institute, which was founded over a decade ago to empower leaders to renew the Church and transform the culture. The Institute brings together faithful Catholics from across the country for a week of spiritual nourishment, deep theological formation, and genuine Christian fellowship. Through dynamic keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, rich liturgy, and opportunities for prayer and friendship, participants are equipped to lead boldly for Christ in the modern world.

This year’s conference theme is drawn from James 1:22, a verse that challenges all Christians: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only: faith, hope, and charity in the work of personal conversion and renewal of the world.” Christianity isn’t a spectator sport; it calls us into active participation. When God’s Word takes root in our hearts, it compels us to a continual process of transformation: turning away from what holds us back (conversion), stepping boldly into His purposes (mission), laying aside personal comfort for the sake of others (sacrifice), and pouring ourselves out in genuine, Christ‑like love. 

Anchored in this call to action, the Church has dedicated this year as the Year of Hope, encouraging us to reclaim the virtue that secures our hearts in eternal promises and urges us to live courageously here and now. But hope, like faith and charity, does not stand alone. These three theological virtues—faith, hope, and love—are infused by God at baptism, orienting the soul toward Him and making us capable of living in relationship with the Blessed Trinity. They are supernatural gifts, rooted in grace, and necessary for the fullness of the Christian life. 

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, grounding us in the reality of the unseen and eternal truths that give meaning to life and hope for salvation. It is both a gift and a response, a grace freely given by God that requires our cooperation. It also works to deepen our communion with Him. Without faith, we cannot truly know God or enter into the life He offers us. (Hebrews 11:1)

Hope builds upon faith. It is not mere optimism or wishful thinking, but a firm trust that God, who is faithful, will fulfill His promises. Hope helps us persevere in suffering, keeps us from discouragement, and strengthens our hearts in the present moment. Through hope, we know that God will work all things out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

Charity is the greatest of the three (1 Corinthians 13:13), because it is the virtue by which we love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves for love of God. While charity is the greatest of the theological virtues, it is hope that sustains us along the way. Hope keeps us moving forward, allowing love to grow, deepen, and remain. Yet hope does not stand alone; it is anchored in faith, from which it draws its strength. Faith gives us the clarity to see, hope gives us the courage to press on, and love gives us the grace to act. These virtues grow in us through prayer, suffering, the sacraments, and a continual surrender to God’s will. As this Year of Hope unfolds, James 1:22 reminds us that faith, hope, and charity must move us from listening to doing.

Please keep Sam and Julianna in prayer as they carry the mission of FIERCE to Napa. We ask the Lord to grant them the wisdom, courage, and grace to continue his work in the vineyard of sport.