Kay Dodds, founder of Changing Hearts US, does updates about her apostolate on the radio.

In an effort to change the culture through prayer and fasting, Changing Hearts US is looking to the upcoming World Youth Day in Brazil, set for July 2013. 

An approved apostolate of Regnum Christi, Changing Hearts was started by RC member Kay Dodds, her family and other dedicated volunteers a little over three years ago, with a specific goal in mind - to return the culture to God. 

Since then the group has distributed 130,000 bookmarks containing the apostolate’s prayer to all 50 states and 12 foreign countries.   The prayer is available online in Portuguese, Creole, Spanish and English. 

“In January we sent 3,000+ to the Marches for Life in 6 different cities across the U.S.,” said Kay.  “Things are really moving, and the Holy Spirit is leading us.  He is giving us good ideas, and we are forming an active team of volunteers.” 

“God has sent a web developer who, free of charge, helped us make our website more attractive for young people,” said Kay.  “He is Brandon Mitchell of Digital Consulting in Indianapolis.  He agreed with us that if we lose the youth, they will not teach the faith to their children, and we really lose.”

She added that Fr. Shane Johnson LC is also helping with ideas of how to reach the youth. 

Another way they are letting people know their message if via radio.  Kay records updates about her apostolate for WSPM FM 89.1 FM in Indianapolis, and WSQM FM 90.9 FM in Noblesville, Indiana.  Both can be found at catholicradioindy.org.  Her segments play at 10:58 AM and 4:58 PM, Monday through Friday.  She also can be heard on WJCF FM 88.1 FM in Greenfield, Indiana at various times weekdays twice a day, and in Lexington, Kentucky at various times week days on Real Life Radio WMJR, available at 1380 AM and 94.9 FM.  

Regarding World Youth day, the apostolate is now developing a product to distribute there.  They have 4 options, and the final choice will depend on how much money they have from supporters’ donations. 

• red wristbands with the message ‘Return the Culture to God’ and the website addresses in both Portuguese and English 

• T-shirts
• prayer cards with the WYD prayer and the Changing Hearts prayer in two languages

• flash drives with Changing Hearts US information. 

“We leave the final selection to God, who will tell us, through the donated funds that come our way, which product we can offer,” said Kay.

She is also looking for teen volunteers, planning to attend World Youth Day, to help distribute the product.  “Trading items is very popular at these events,” said Kay.  “If you take our items, you will be armed to participate!” 

Those interested can email Changing Hearts at praywithus@changinghearts.us. or click on their newly updated website www.changinghearts.us for more information. There you will find a volunteer form. 

To make all their initiatives a reality, Changing Hearts is seeking donations, which can be made via the group’s website.  “If you want to help us change the culture and be a part of our outreach, please consider making a donation,” Kay said.  She announced that Changing Hearts is now designated as a 501c3, and donations are tax deductible.  She is adamant the apostolate is a Christian spiritual project, and not a political event.        

The Changing Hearts website invites “people of all Christian faiths from all fifty states and around the world” to participate in a three-part plan: 

1. Pray the Changing Hearts prayer, available on bookmarks which can be ordered on the website.  (“Feel free to order them by the hundreds to give away,” said Kay.)

2. Fast for 2 different states each week. The online newsletter contains cultural news and lists the states to pray for each week so the people there will be called “to repentance and receive the courage to proclaim God’s TRUTH to our culture.”  You can also sign up to receive the newsletter via e-mail once a week.

3. Consider volunteering to help spread the message. Those interested can contact Kay at praywithus@changinghearts.us.  Volunteers pass out bookmarks 3 times a year – during the March for Life in January, on the National Day of Prayer in May and during October Pro-Life activities or Life Chains in their area.  If you have a media talent to share, they can certainly use you too. 

“Many hands make light work!” Kay said.