Alternative Spring Break We were blessed with the presence of Kent State students who spent their spring break with us. Their energy and enthusiasm is amazing, and we hope to continue relationships born in this experience. Here is a short video that captures their energy and passion.
#LivingIsGiving We had an amazing three days with nine students from Kent State University, visiting us for an Alternative Spring Break. This was the third year for our program, where college students join us for a portion of their spring break to serve others and learn about our mission and ministries. Our group was fantastic! They showed a level of maturity and compassion that was inspirational. They made a real difference wherever they visited, such as Dorothy Day House, Beatitude House’s supportive housing and education/immigrant outreach locations, Casa Madre, SilverSneakers, Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten, on a homeless run offered through Catholic Charities, and at St. Michael’s Parish in Canfield. They learned about our HIV/AIDS ministry, Sister Jerome’s Poor, People Fighting Famine, and Human Trafficking from Sister Dorothy Kundracik, who is involved in educating others about this scourge. We appreciate that they shared our lives, energy and ideas with us and the people we serve.
Kent State Students Spending Spring Break with Ursuline Sisters We are greatly impressed with the dozen young people visiting with us from Kent State University (Sister Norma Raupple is far left, and Sister Therese Ann Rich is far right). They’re taking part in our new ministry – Alternative Spring Breaks – which give the college students a chance to volunteer in our various ministries, and us a chance to benefit from the perspectives of their generation. The students worked around the Motherhouse grounds today, helping us catch up on some housekeeping, before heading to the Dorothy Day House. There they’re performing a service project and preparing and serving a meal to the guests who’ll visit there tonight. On their second day they’ll share experiences with our Potter’s Wheel, Beatitude House, HIV/AIDS , Sister Jerome’s Poor, Ursuline Preschool & Kindergarten ministries, as well as People Fighting Famine and learning about the plight of the homeless. On Wednesday, they’ll volunteer with Habitat for Humanity helping a family build their home in Youngstown. The Alternative Spring Breaks are a wonderful opportunity for the students to broaden their perspectives of the world, experiencing diverse cultures and socioeconomic conditions they may otherwise never be exposed to. Their presence enriches the ministries they volunteer at, and we are grateful for their presence. Check back to our Social Media sites and this site for updates.
Walsh University Students Spend Spring Break with Ursuline Sisters Emily could have joined the thousands of Spring Breakers soaking up sun somewhere to the South, but instead, she chose to spend her mid-term vacation with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. “The opportunity to be able to learn about a different culture, to be able to experience new families,” she says, “and for them to be able to help us achieve our goals of becoming medical professionals — it’s been a great opportunity.” Emily is speaking of her three-day immersion in Hispanic-Outreach ministries of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. Emily, two Walsh University advisors, and six other medical students participated in the Sisters’ Alternative Spring Break program, a new component of our Young Adult Outreach Ministry. “We’ve been able to enjoy [the Ursuline Sisters] generosity and hospitality, and honestly, I look forward to being able to do this again,” Emily states. Her comments were echoed by her peers. The group offered a program on healthy living for Hispanic women at the Potter’s Wheel in Youngstown March 7, 2013. All of the young women plan to work in Hispanic communities upon graduation. Also participating in the pilot program this spring is Kent State University, which is sending 12 students and two advisors to offer service in many of our ministries. Check back Holy Week for updates on the Kent State experience!