The Benedictine College Campus Ministry Service Team hosted their annual Service Week for students to gather, donate their time and serve both the local and broader community.
“Service Week is a great opportunity for us to show Christ’s love through our actions,” said Therese Allard, Service Team Coordinator. “As we go out on campus and into the community, we reflect what it means to be on mission in our daily lives.”
This year, Service Week kicked off Sunday, April 12, with a visit to Medicalodge, a local nursing home. Students visited and spent intentional time with the elderly, something residents often eagerly anticipate.
On Monday, students helped the Pregnancy Resource Center of Atchison by tagging and cleaning items.
On Tuesday, a campuswide event called the Festival of Light took place. Students assisted with the Eucharistic procession from St. Benedict’s Abbey to the Murphy Recreation Center.
On Wednesday, April 15, students helped clean the Boys & Girls Club of Atchison. The organization provides a safe, affordable and supportive environment for grade school children.
Thursday, April 16, was dedicated to more distant loved ones. The Service Team provided students the opportunity to write intentional letters in the upper level of the St. John Paul II Student Center.
On Friday, April 17, students volunteered at Atchison’s Sacred Heart Thrift Store, helping clean and sort merchandise.
The week culminated with opportunities to serve the homeless in St. Joseph, Missouri on Saturday, April 18. A total of 17 students gathered outside Haverty, carpooled to the Salvation Army in St. Joseph and set up a sloppy joe food stand for those in need. Lina Dumas, a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, also came and opened her car up for everyone to paint if they wanted. The homeless and impoverished had a great time doing this. The opportunity, altogether, was run by Emmaus, a Benedictine College student-led group.
Although Service Week has come to a close, there are still many opportunities for Benedictine College students to serve throughout the remainder of the semester. Emmaus, the student-led homeless ministry, serves weekly on Saturdays. Additionally, trips to Medicalodge occur every Sunday. Local organizations are also always willing to accept volunteers.
