After facilitating a week-long service immersion experience for seniors in previous academic years, the staff at Goodfaith were asked by campus ministry leaders at St Joe’s Prep in Philadelphia to design a two-day immersion experience for Sophomores.
The idea for this immersion experience was to introduce some of the concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and infuse it with what the students are learning in their religion classes as well.
This academic year we are excited to be facilitating three of these newly designed programs. The first of these programs was held in November, the second occurred in late February and the final one will be in April.
While on this program students and chaperones participated in local service projects with non-profit partners in and around the Trenton community. Participants shared that they enjoyed serving with the local community partners and helping them. They learned that what started as busy work really was purpose driven work once they encountered the people their service benefitted.
Students explored the theme of the Good Samaritan and reflection activities invited them to learn about the dignity of the human person, the importance of learning names and identifying ways they can live the call of the Gospel.They were also introduced to the concept of Two Feet of Love in Action. This activity helped them connect not only the immediate (charity) needs but also the systemic needs that needed to be addressed (justice). There were small and large group activities as well as time for quiet reflection and journaling.
One chaperone shared that this is a great opportunity for the sophomores to get a taste of what a service immersion experience includes and was looking forward to this new experience. He highlighted an activity that provided case studies where participants put themselves in another person’s shoes to look at a social justice issue through a new lens. It was both eye opening and team building experience for the students. It was also noted that offering this two day option will help them better understand what to expect for a future week long program.
