posted 11/4/2025
This story is a part of a series of missionary contributions where you’ll hear more about their “why” for defending and celebrating life with Biking for Babies. We interview Patrick, a third-year missionary who had a unique year in 2024. Originally signing up as a rider, MN Team Leader Patrick had to pivot roles midseason to a support crew member. His awareness of God’s providence and direction through this year is inspiring. Read on!
Give me a quick biography: who is Patrick Stieve?
I’m a 24 year old single guy living with 11 other young adult Catholic guys in St. Paul, MN. I work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a geological engineer. I work in dam and levee safety which means I spend most of my time building fancy sandcastles on my computer. I belong to a parish called St. Mark’s which is run by a Peruvian religious order called Pro Ecclasia Sancta. These Peruvian priests have helped me cultivate a passion for bringing people to holiness through the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and I do my best to bring the Sacred Heart into my work with Biking for Babies. When I’m not on the bike, I like to read (huge Lord of the Rings fan), fly fish, and drink beer.
What initially drew you to Biking for Babies your first year, and what keeps you coming back?
When I was in college, I attended a talk given by a woman who runs a pregnancy resource center. She gave an amazing talk which set my heart on fire for pregnancy resource centers. I asked her what a guy in college can do to help women facing an unplanned pregnancy. She basically said that there was nothing I could do. I didn’t want to accept that. A few people from Biking for Babies had a table set up after the talk, and I signed up right away.
I came back to Biking for Babies because I wanted to be a part of something that challenged me to be a better man. Something that the Lord could use to help me grow in love and self denial. I came back because abortion is the greatest evil of our time, not just another political campaign ad. Most of all, I came back because women facing crisis pregnancies need our help, and I can help them. So, why not?
What qualities or personal missions/charisms (how the Lord is inviting you to share his love with others) within yourself are now enhanced or grown because of your formation with Biking for Babies?
I grew a lot in generosity, patience, forgiveness, and humility. It doesn’t take much virtue to watch Netflix all day. Biking for Babies put me in situations where I had opportunities to grow in and exercise virtue. Sometimes I succeeded. Sometimes I failed, but I definitely wouldn’t have grown in virtue if I had said no to Biking for Babies.
You and your team experienced a lot this year, and it was probably a totally different experience than last year [when Patrick was a rider missionary]. What was your favorite memory or experience from the mission opportunity this year?
I was walking down a highway just south of Ellsworth, IA when I saw them. After two days of being away from the team, I finally saw my boys in yellow riding over the hill. I charged down the road flying my Vatican Flag. It was a moment of true joy. Seeing the excitement of the riders as I reunited with my team on Day 2 of the National Ride was my favorite moment of being a team leader and Biking for Babies missionary this year.
This year, you pivoted from being a rider to support crew, and as a Team Leader, that may have been tough. What did you learn about yourself from your role as support crew, especially when you did not come into this year expecting it to happen?
Being a support crew team leader taught me three things about myself: I can be more generous with my time, I need to trust in the Lord, and God willing, I am capable of doing amazing things. I had no idea how selfish and doubtful I am. Praise the Lord! Now, I can root out those vices.
What advice would you give to someone in your same current state of life who might be considering joining Biking for Babies but is struggling saying yes because of the added time it will take?
If you want to experience and live out authentic masculinity, become a Biking for Babies missionary. Every moment is a chance to grow in virtue. Exodus 90 has nothing on Biking for Babies. There’s nothing more masculine than sacrificing for women and children that need your help.
Patrick’s willingness to die to self for the good of others is only inspired and fueled by an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. Anyone who knows him can see it in him.
That’s why we are proud he’s a Biking for Babies missionary for life.
You can find similar impact stories throughout our blog.
