Vincentian Service and Social Justice

Vincentian Service

St. John's University is Vincentian in tradition.  We seek to instill in the University community a deep concern for the dignity of every person, especially the poor.  All of the Campus Ministry service experiences provide students with opportunities to engage in social and theological reflections allowing the participants to grow personally as well as spiritually.

 


Weekly Service

Each day during the week, students, faculty, and staff engage in a variety of service opportunities.  We hope you join us in service the elderly, the youth, to people who are homeless, and those who are hungry.  For each opportunity listed, transportation is provided.  Please contact the person listed for available dates and time.  We look forward to serving with you! 

 

Mobile Soup Kitchen
Queens

Mondays from 12:30pm to 2:30pm

The Mobile Soup Kitchen (MSK) is a unique approach to service delivery as it brings a soup kitchen to people who are in need of food but who, for reasons of health or lack of transportation, might not be able to travel to the Bread and Life Soup Kitchen. Students will serve hot meals and assist in other social services. 
For more information contact: Rafael Rivera   riverar2@stjohns.edu   (718) 990-3354


 

St. Nicholas of Tolentine After School Program
Queens

Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:00pm to 5:00p m

This weekly service offers students the opportunity to work directly with St. Nick's grammar school students. This experience allows the participant to make a difference in the students’ lives.  Activities include games and homework help.  For more information, contact: Rafael Rivera   riverar2@stjohns.edu  (718) 990-3354

 


Midnight Run
Queens and Staten Island

On the Queens campus, Midnight Runs happen Monday - Thursday in the Spring and Fall; Wednesday & Thursday in the Winter 8:00pm to 12:30/1:00am

Working with the Midnight Run Organization, St. John’s University through the Department of Campus Ministry feeds and clothes people who are homeless in Manhattan. This experience allows the students to have a direct encounter with men and women who are willing to share their stories. St. John’s University students gather to make sandwiches, sort through donations and bring the items to people sleeping on the streets.   An integral and Vincentian part of the service is getting to know the men and women they meet, reflect on the experience, and discover the faith component of it.   Seats are limited for each run. If you can't participate in a run, but want to help, you can always donate needed items. 


  • Queens Campus, contact: Rafael Rivera     (718) 990-3354
  • Staten Island Campus, contact: Melissa Gibilaro, (718) 390-4497 

 


Habitat for Humanity
Queens 

Once a month on Wednesdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm

Once a month, students have the opportunity to participate with Habitat for Humanity NYC.  Habitat for Humanity seeks to build lives by building affordable house for low income families.  No experience required. You will quickly develop practical skills and leadership experience.  For more information, contact: Rafael Rivera riverar2@stjohns.edu  (718) 990-3354

 


St. Nick's Men's Shelter
Queens
Students are offered a unique opportunity to help cooking dinner, help set up the table and share a meal with a number of homeless men. This experience helps the students to engage in fellowship with the individuals who in some cases have no families. The shelter also provides the opportunity for two male volunteers to stay overnight and handle the morning shift providing breakfast as well as signing the men out. For more information contact:  Rafael Rivera riverar2@stjohns.edu  (718) 990-3354

 


Ozanam Nursing Home
Queens

Mondays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Ozanam Hall of Queens is a nursing home that provides students with the chance to spend time with the elderly on a weekly basis. Students offer companionship by engaging in conversation, monthly birthday celebrations, Bingo afternoons, and other dynamic activities. Both students and the residents of Ozanam gain enriching and positive experiences through connecting with others.  For more information, contact: Rafael Rivera riverar2@stjohns.edu  (718) 990-3354

                 


Ronald McDonald House
Queens

Thursdays 4:00pm to 7:00pm

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is an organization that provides the "comforts of home" for families with seriously ill children undergoing critical medical treatment in area hospitals. Throughout the semester, students participate in the family dinner program where they provide a "home cooked" dinner and share in conversation with families staying at the facility. For more information, contact:  Rafael Rivera riverar2@stjohns.edu  (718) 990-3354

 


Fridays in the Soup Kitchen
Queens

Fridays from 9:30am to 1:30pm

Fridays in the Soup Kitchen is a terrific opportunity for staff, faculty, and administrators to help feed the poor.  Groups gather and travel together to Bread and Life Soup Kitchen in Brooklyn, and serve at the soup line or the food pantry for the lunch period!   If you, or your department, or lunch group is interested in participating, please contact Rafael Rivera riverar2@stjohns.edu  (718) 990-3354.

 


Saturday Service

On Saturdays, our service is coordinated and lead by our various service groups:

·     Team RV

·     St. Vincent de Paul Society

·     Habitat for Humanity

·     Students for Life

·     Students for Global Justice

·     Sini's Radient Dance Team

 

To find out more information, please go to our Student Group Page.