August 23, 2018
Now in its second year, the Faith and Service in the City: Vincentian Leadership Institute for High School Students program at St. John’s University held its final session of the year from August 5-11, 2018. The program, which connects students with Catholic and Vincentian traditions and values, is funded by a four-year grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s Theology Institutes for High School Youth Initiative.
The program, which emphasizes theological exploration, service, and discovery, instills young leaders with the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, Frederic Ozanam, Rosalie Rendu, and Elizabeth Ann Seton, and encourages them to put those teachings into practice through service in the community.
“During their week on campus, students put their faith into practice and grew as leaders who serve others in the tradition of Vincent and Louise, Rosalie and Frederic,” said Program Director and Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies Joann Heaney-Hunter, Ph.D.
This year’s cohort of 56 high school students hailed from the Archdiocese of New York and the New York dioceses of Albany, Brooklyn, and Rockville Centre. Students also attended from Allentown, PA, Metuchen, NJ, and Raleigh, NC. Throughout three one-week sessions on the St. John’s Queens campus, the students took classes taught by Theology and Religious Studies faculty and participated in service opportunities that included St. John’s Bread and Life in Brooklyn, NY and a Midnight Run. They also toured New York City historical sites such as the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine, the 9-11 Memorial, and the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. To experience the religious diversity of New York City, the students shared a meal with leaders of the North American Hindu Temple Society in Flushing, NY.
Participant Mora Ramos, from Bethlehem, PA, felt that the service aspects of the program changed her perspective of those who are less fortunate. “I walked out of Bread and Life with a whole new perspective,” she said. “It made me take a step back and see how precious my life is. As a result, I want to expand my help for others and make a difference each day.”
“This week helped me realize how amazing and beautiful it is to spend time with others who are also growing in their faith,” said participant Tamara Ross, from South Ozone Park, NY, of her experience in the program.
Participant Devin Capece from Hauppauge, NY added: “It was such a great experience learning what it means to be a Vincentian leader, opening my mind to new ideas, and developing great relationships with all involved.”