June 11, 2012
Ten St. John’s students demonstrated a large dose of brotherly and
sisterly love as they took part in Campus Ministry’s annual service
immersion “Plunge” experience in Philadelphia, PA, May 14 – 19,
2012. With the school year recently completed, the group traveled
down to the St. Vincent
de Paul Center for Youth and Young Adult Ministry to take part
in a week of serving the Germantown — a section of the city rich in
Vincentian heritage. Nicole Hadley, Graduate Assistant for Campus
Ministry, along with Rafael Rivera and James Behan, Campus
Ministers, led the experience geared toward exposing students to
service, simple community life and solidarity with the poor and
disadvantaged.
During their stay, the group took part in a variety of service
projects. They offered their ministry of presence at an adult day
care facility and after school programs and assisted with the
sorting and upkeep of a pair of thrift stores. They paid a visit to
the Vincentian fathers and brothers in residence at the province’s
nursing home and joined in a sing-along. They also assisted with
the house renovation division of Inn Dwelling, a non-profit
organization that helps low-income families in the area.
The students who participated in the Philadelphia "Plunge" were
positively affected by the event . “Sometimes, especially as young
people, we often hear, but don’t listen,” wrote Emily Trefry '13
SJC. “I have learned to listen to the stories of others. The
stories of the poor help tell their journey and how God has worked
through them.” “The daily reflection [of service] was my favorite
part,” wrote Patrick Gordon '13 SJC. “Although exhausting, it was
the time where I allowed myself to be most changed by my
experiences.” Freshman Donia Pierre found hope in the occurrence.
“The Plunge experience was amazing. [It] helped me realize that the
world is not a hopeless, selfish place, but [that] there are
communities that exist in the love of God.”
The May Plunge to Philadelphia is one of many service immersion
opportunities offered to students throughout the academic year. For
more information, please contact Kate
Giancatarino, giancatc@stjohns.edu (Queens
campus), or James Behan, behanj@stjohns.edu (Staten
Island campus).