Last week marked the start of Xavier's Senior Christian Service program, which places all 253 members of the graduating Class of 2012 at service sites across the New York area. Seniors will be on the front lines serving those in need each Monday at 120 schools, healthcare agencies, shelters and other amazing organizations.

They will spend Mondays educating young children in day care centers, head start programs, and elementary schools, both public and Catholic. They will also serve meals at soup kitchens, provide company for those with disabilities, care for the elderly, and minister to the sick in hospitals.

"Charitable acts of service have always been at the heart of Jesuit education," said Mr. Joseph Petriello, director of Ignatian service programs at Xavier. "As a student at the University of Paris, St. Ignatius Loyola committed himself to the service of the sick and hospitalized alongside his rigorous academic studies. Our seniors reflect that same commitment today, coming to a deeper awareness that the gifts of their lives and their Xavier education ought to be directed to the service of others and the transformation of the world."

From now through April, seniors will meet once per cycle in groups with a faculty or staff member to share their experiences, discuss their concerns and reflect upon the spiritual and religious aspects of their service work. Students are also responsible for two service-related essays assigned in their religion class.

"It is a privilege to work with these generous young men, whose good work will continue to inspire our younger students who will follow in their footsteps as Men for Others," Mr. Petriello said.