Seniors Sent Forth to Serve

Seniors were sent forth to serve their communities at this year’s Service Mass, held at the Church of St. Francis Xavier on January 23.

“Although we are not quite ready to let you graduate, we are sending you forth to be men for and with others,” Rev. James Donovan, S.J., told Xavier’s 232 seniors in his homily. Now more than 30 years old, the Senior Christian Service Program will send students in grade 12 to work at 122 different placements (including 27 new locations) on Mondays this spring.

“Throughout their time at Xavier, our students hear that they are called to be ‘men for others,’ young men who can transcend the self-centeredness that so often marks modern society and begin to live lives not only for themselves but for the betterment of others,” said Director of Ignatian Service Programs Mr. Paul Wendel. “The Senior Christian Service Program offers students a chance to utilize their gifts and talents in a way that works for the common good.”

Seniors choose their own placements, allowing them to follow their own service interests. Organizations that have hosted Xavier students over the past few years include such diverse locations as Escuela Hispana Montessori, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, the Association for the Metroarea Autistic Children, Inc. (AMAC), Stein Senior Center, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy, and Hoboken University Medical Center.

“Through direct service with and for others, we hope our students come to realize their potential and talents as persons as they also come to appreciate the unique mystery of other people,” Mr. Wendel said.

As the spring semester progresses, the Xavier E-News will check in with seniors to learn about their service experiences. Look for their reflections in the E-News on the final Thursday of each month.