SERVICE Programs

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 opportunities provide students with an opportunity to engage in social and theological reflection.  


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 to youth, the elderly, people who are homeless, and those who are hungry.  For each opportunity listed, transportation is provided.  Please contact the person listed for available dates.  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:
Kate Giancatarino  (718) 990-6115


St. Nicholas of Tolentine After School Program
Queens

Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:30pm to 4:30pm

This weekly service offers students an opprtunity to work directly with St. Nick's grammar school students to make a difference in their lives.  Activities include games and homework help.  For more information, contact:

Kate Giancatarino  (718) 990-6115 


Midnight Run
Queens and Staten Island

On the Queens campus, Midnight Runs happen Monday - Thursday in the Spring and Fall; Wednesday & Thursday in the Winter8:30pm 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. Volunteers are St. John’s University students who gather to make sandwiches, distribute these sandwiches along with clothing in Manhattan. An integral part of the service is getting to know the men and women they meet. Seats are limited for each run. If you can't participate in a run, but want to help, you can always donate needed items.

In Queens, contact: Tri Duong, (718) 990-5058

In Staten Island, contact: Melissa Gibilaro, (718) 390-4497 


 Habitat for Humanity
Queens 

Once a month on Wednesdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm

Once a month, students have the opportunity to service with Habitat for Humanity NYC.  Habitat for Humanity seeks to build lives as well as houses.  No experience needed. You will quickly develop practical skills and leadership experience.  For more information, contact:

Kate Giancatarino   (718) 990-6115


St. Nick's Men's Shelter
Queens
Students have an opportunity to serve food and engage in fellowship with individuals who are homeless, in a shelter setting. 
For more information contact: Tri Duong, (718) 990-5058

Monday - Wednesday in the winter months.  Students who volunteer to cook dinner servce from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.  Two male students volunteer to spend the night and serve from 9:00pm to 6:00am the following morning.


Ozanam Nursing Home
Queens

Thursdays from 9:30am to 11:30am

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, reading, and playing board games with the residents. Both students and the residents of Ozanam gain enriching and positive experiences through connecting with others.  For more information, contact:

Kate Giancatarino    (718) 990-6115


Ronald McDonald House
Queens

Thursdays 4:30pm 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:

Kate Giancatarino    (718) 990-6115


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, Brooklyn, and serve at the soup line or the food pantry for the lunch period!  During the months leading up to the holidays, groups may also be assisting with the sorting of toys and other holiday goods.
If you, or your department, or lunch group is interested in reserving a spot please contact  Kate Giancatarino     (718) 990-6115


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.


“We cannot better assure our eternal happiness than by living and dying in the service of the poor, in the arms of Providence, and with genuine renouncement of ourselves in order to follow Jesus Christ.”
                                    Vincent de Paul
                                      Dec. 4, 1648