Deacon Lou Primozic, founder of I’m in Ministry, spoke about “From Heart to Hands: Practicing Mercy Through Service” at the Feb. 10 Theology on Tap West program.
Theology on Tap is a monthly gathering that brings young adults together to connect over faith in a public setting. This year’s speakers are focusing on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, said Megan Lowes-Bolin, diocesan director of Young Adult Ministry. “This made Deacon Lou a natural and inspiring choice for the evening,” she added.
I’m in Ministry, a nonprofit organization serving Greater Cleveland, was established more than a dozen years ago. Deacon Priomozic’s work is a powerful witness to faith in action. Last year, the organization served more than 15,000 individuals across Northeast Ohio and mobilized 100 volunteers who contributed nearly 16,000 volunteer hours. Each day, the ministry moves an average of 800 pieces of furniture, with 80% refurbished and redirected away from landfills, a reminder that mercy is not only spiritual but deeply practical, the deacon noted.
Near the beginning of his talk, Deacon Primozic quipped that I’m in Ministry serves every work of mercy before noon each day. Behind the humor, however, was a deeper truth: the Church’s mission is lived through ordinary people who respond generously to the needs around them.
Throughout the evening, Deacon Lou challenged those in attendance to reflect on their baptismal calling. At baptism, our parents and godparents say “yes” on our behalf, welcoming us into the life of the Church. Yet as adults, we are invited to personally choose that “yes” each day — living our Catholic faith through concrete acts of love, service, and presence.
Quoting the Gospel of John, he reflected on Jesus’ question to Peter: “Do you love me?” and Christ’s repeated command, “Feed my sheep.” Each time Jesus calls us to follow him, it is an invitation to serve – to feed the hungry, care for the vulnerable and walk with others in faith. Rooted in Matthew 25, Deacon Primozic reminded attendees that encountering Christ happens most often through encounters with others.
He said that life ultimately comes down to faith, family and friends, and that true fulfillment comes from living with purpose.
“We are all children of God, and we are called to be present with one another.,” he said, noting that mercy begins not with grand gestures but with showing up – listening, serving and loving in everyday moments.
“Don’t save the best for last,” he said. “The world needs you. The Church needs you. We need the best of you now.”
The sacrament of baptism prepares us not to wait to live our mission, but to begin today. Each person has gifts meant to be poured out in service, reflecting Christ’s love in the world right now.
Click here to learn more about Theology on Tap West. More information on I’m in Ministry is available here.