Putting their faith into action by answering a call to servant leadership, 30 Merion Mercy Academy students took part in four week-long service trips in June to benefit communities both in the Philadelphia area and in West Virginia. As service coordinator Suzanne Walker noted, "It is remarkable that so many girls participated in these immersion opportunities given that the school has no service requirement." She added, "Such experiences often lead to a lifelong call to service."
At project sites, students worked in collaboration with community partners and in solidarity with people of diverse cultures, particularly with those who are materially poor. "There was also a framework for reflection," says Walker, "which encourages the girls to apply what they learn to their own communities, making the opportunities much more than a singular experience."
At Bethlehem Farm in Pence Springs, W. Va.,Caitlin Mattera '10 and Arielle Chard chaperoned six MMA students. From building access ramps and decks for area residents to planting and picking produce and assisting in farm tasks, the girls had "a meaningful experience doing purposeful work." They also made new friends from Badin High School and Walsh Jesuit High School in Ohio, with whom they partnered on many tasks.
An Appalachia service project in Greenbrier County, W. Va., involved 10 students and chaperones Kyle Thompson, Jaclyn Ozzimo '07 and Theresa Yerger who delved into a deck replacement project and helped with repairs to an elementary school. Integrating their faith into the experience, the girls enjoyed connecting with those they served and shared their favorite Merion Mercy songs during the morning devotionals that they led.
After hard days of service work, Dr. Thompson treated the girls to a unique experience in a salt cave called Halotherapy, which included mindfulness meditation. "It is important to take a break and reflect on the fact that we can experience God in all things," said Dr. Thompson.
Closer to home, eight MMA students and chaperones Jeff Mayer, Suzanne Walker '99, Ali Kelly '99 and Kyle Thompson worked with St. Francis Inn in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. The Inn—a Eucharistic community called to minister with the poor and those experiencing homelessness—serves the community of Kensington daily with home cooked meals, clothing, fresh groceries, and unconditional love. The student volunteers started each day with Mass and ministered to the immediate needs of the community, including preparing meals, packaging to-go food items, cleaning the area streets and sidewalks, assisting guests at the thrift store, picking up donated food from grocery stores and everything necessary to maintain a place of plenty, hope, and fellowship.
Caring also for their mental and physical health, in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, the students embraced the wonder of nature at nearby Penn Treaty Park where they were guided in yoga by Ms. Alexis Browsh '99.
At Romero Center Ministries in Camden, N.J., Daniel Crossland, Maria Boyd '72 and Suzanne Walker '99 chaperoned six students whose weeklong service experience incorporated powerful aspects of a retreat with prayer, reflection and educational exercises through which they learned of the factors that contribute to poverty and perpetuate it in certain areas. Joining them in service at the South Jersey Food Bank, MANNA in Philadelphia, a community garden and the Neighborhood Center in Camden were students from Fordham Prep and Boston College High School.
Additional service opportunities are available this summer, including the Share Food Program at 2901 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia. There, volunteers are needed to help pack boxes of nutritious food for local seniors and community partners. Upcoming dates are June 28, July 19, and August 11, 9 a.m. till noon each day. Interested students and parents should contact Pat Sack at psack@merion-mercy.com.
