This spring break, Carroll Campus Ministry took 14 students and two FOCUS missionaries on our annual Caritas alternative spring break service immersion trips where students get to encounter and accompany populations experiencing a variety of poverty and the people who serve in Christ's love in those communities.
Campus Minister Chris Yakawich, joined by Carroll Catholic Studies adjunct professor, Joseph Esparza for part of the week, led a group of Carroll students and FOCUS missionaries to Browning, Montana. The week was filled with encountering native culture and loving our Blackfeet neighbors by serving in the classrooms at De La Salle Blackfeet School, which in partnership with Little Flower Parish, is part of the Diocese of Helena.
They are truly our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is always deeply touching to be received by the Blackfeet people, and to be able to share faith with them. The hospitality and heartfelt interactions we experience when we visit each year is always so memorable. Students had the opportunity to help the students with their schoolwork, mentoring them, and growing in friendship under the supervision of the teachers and LaSallian Christian Brothers who run the school.
Campus Minister Deidre Casey accompanied another group of students to join the Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago in their weekly prayer and service to families in Humboldt Park.
The days were filled working with the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels outreaches, including their food pantry and after-school program for neighborhood kiddos, as well as a bible study and lunch for local senior citizens, and inviting neighbors in for a Night of Mercy prayer service dedicated to praying for peace. Students were inspired and challenged by the simple but full life of the Franciscans, steeped in prayer and attending constantly to the needs of all of those around them in care and education.
It was a memorable bonus to take in a day on the town in Chicago and be there when they dyed the river green for St. Patrick's Day!
These life-changing trips have been a rich part of Carroll Campus Ministry for decades. You can find lots more student stories and photos from the week on the Carroll Headlights/Caritas blog which is written while students are on site each year!
