Plunge Program

The St. John’s Campus Ministry Plunge Program offers an exciting opportunity to students!  Students immerse themselves in Vincentian Service in places like Philadelphia, Panama, Lourdes, New Salem, Denver, and New York City.  The service opportunities range from working on agricultural projects, housing restoration and assisting pilgrims on their journey, just to name a few.

Key elements of the plunges also include community building and living simply.  As students engage themselves and are given the time to reflect on their experience, the true Vincentian understanding of the poor comes alive.


 The Rendu Service Experience

New York, NY

The Rendu Service Experience is a Plunge for First Year students. During the experience, we will reach out to people in need across New York City. Service sites may include soup kitchens nursing homes, and youth programs.  We will experience community living and form bonds through our shared journey of faith and friendship. Participating in this service plunge is an opportunity that will be both memorable and life changing.

Queens Campus: August 23-27, 2013

To apply for the Queens Rendu Service Experience, clickhere!

Staten Island Campus: August 28-30, 2013
To apply for the Staten Island Rendu Service Experience, click here!


St. Vincent de Paul Center
Philadelphia, PA

May 20-25, 2013
The Philly Plunge is fantastic opportunity to serve in an urban setting and learn more about Vincentian works. Students will with various inner city charities such as soup kitchens, nursing homes and housing rehabilitation, and more. They also have a great time exploring South Street and eating cheese steaks!

The application period has ended.  Please pray for the participants who will be on this Plunge!

Colorado Vincentian Volunteers
Denver

February 23-March 3, 2013
Students will parter with the Colorado Vincentian Volunteers, participating in a variety of local service opportunities.  Students will stay at a Catholic Worker House and spend much time learning about community living, poverty in Denver, and caring for the earth.

The Team for this year has been selected.  Next year's applications will be available in September.

New Salem
Pennsylvania

February 23-March 3, 2013
Participants will experience rural life while working along side the Daughters of Charity.  Service varies depending on the need of the community.  Students have a unique opportunity to experience a different way of living in the United States while remaining connected to our Vincentian Family.

The Team for this year has been selected.  Next year's applications will be available in September.

Panama
May 20-June 1, 2013
In Panama, students live and work within a rural, farming community.  They help with the needs of the community, for example an agricultural project, a family day for the children, painting, etc. Students have the unique opportunity of staying with host families and truly learning what it means to be a Panamanian.

The Team for this year has been selected.  Next year's applications will be available in September.

Lourdes Pilgrimage
Lourdes, France

May 31-June 10, 2013
Pilgrims to Lourdes embark on a deeply spiritual journey that involves helping the elderly, sick and injured in their experience of the Healing Waters. Students also take part in Rosaries, liturgies, and experiencing French Culture!

Read More

The Team for this year has been selected.  Next year's applications will be available in September.


Plunge Leadership

Student leaders will guide the incoming students participating in the Rendu Service Experience.  These exemplary students have experience in service and reflection that they will pass on to our new students.

The period has passed.   Please check back next spring semester for the opportunity to apply again.


 For more information,  please contact:

Queens
Kate Giancatarino
giancatc@stjohns.edu
(718)990-6115
Marillac Hall, Room 239

Staten Island
James Behan
behanj@stjohns.edu
(718) 390-4305
Lavelle Hall, Room 108
 

Plunge picture from Denver