Looking at the Wolfington Center, one would never know just how busy they have been, making plans and making changes. Although Campus Ministry once ran all spiritual programs and outreach, the Wolfington Center now houses a separate organization dedicated to workin with those in need, called Community Outreach and Partnerships. Together, these two organizations plan retreats for the students.
Through activity and reflection, students experience the human impact of economic and social decisions. They also get a chance to increase their respect for others, their sense of community and their commitment to solidarity.
Annual activities that Community Outreach outs together are coming up. One of which is Project Appalachia during spring break. The students travel to Appalachia, W. Va. to help flood victims restore their damaged houses. The mission requires student volunteers to sell a certain amount of pizza or cookie dough in order to raise money needed for supplies and gas money for the trip.
Campus Ministry has other trips planned for this semester. The retreats are more focused on the spiritual aspect of a student’s development. The new student’s retreat and the Search retreat have already past for the year but there is always the adventure retreat, run by Haven McMickle, a junior psychology major, and Marian Gibfried, a junior philosophy and English major.
Another retreat is to the border of Texas and Mexico, which is run by David Chiles, coordinator of service learning resources, called “The Border Experience.” It takes place in from May 19-25. Sign-up is available for interested students and applications are due on Feb. 24.
According to some students, this trip is a challenge of personal strength and humanity. “It enlightens us and shows us what it is like to be poor. It really helps people like us to appreciate the gifts that we receive on a daily basis,” Michaela McGowan, sophomore history education major, said.
The last retreat is more for the seniors of Cabrini. This trip takes the seniors to an abbey where they can reflect upon the years that they have spent at Cabrini and what they have learned. They also get to meet some of the alumni and are then given the chance to learn what it takes to make the transition out into the next phase of their lives. This trip is planned for April 13.
For more information on campus retreats or service, contact Dr. Mary Laver at extension 8409 or MLaver@cabrini.edu or Jess Morgan at extension 8225 or Jess.Morgan@cabrini.edu.
