Bishop William Joensen welcomes David Thielen, Executive Director of the Romero House in Ames, a Catholic Worker house inspired by Dorothy Day and the legacy of Saint Oscar Romero. David shares how a late-in-life spiritual reawakening led him from business success to direct service among the poor, and how the Romero House has become a place of dignity, accompaniment, and evangelization for those living on the margins.
In this edition of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill sit down with David Thielen, Executive Director of the Romero House in Ames — a Catholic Worker ministry dedicated to serving the homeless and those in spiritual and material poverty.
Topics covered in this episode include:
David Thielen’s personal journey from corporate life to a radical rediscovery of faith, reconciliation, and mission
How the Romero House embodies Dorothy Day’s principle of “radical hospitality” — welcoming guests not just for services but for fellowship, dignity, and relationship
The reality of homelessness in Ames and the challenges and misconceptions surrounding it
The pushback and zoning battles faced in opening Romero House — and how hearts in the community have begun to change
How the House works in cooperation with local resources like the public library and Food at First
The spiritual transformation that takes place not only in guests but also in volunteers, students, and future seminarians who serve there
The teachings of Pope Leo and Pope Francis on the preferential option for the poor, and how true Christian discipleship must include solidarity with those on the margins
The Romero House welcomes volunteers, partners, and supporters seeking to live their faith in concrete ways, offering showers, meals, laundry, and — most importantly — human connection and hope rooted in Christ.
To learn more:
Search “Ames Romero House” online for contact information, details on volunteering, and opportunities to support their mission.
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