This February break found five students and two faculty members traveling to Lawrence, MA on a mission trip to serve the marginalized. We stayed at the Marist House of Hospitality on Sheridan Street, hosted by Mr. Jim O’Neill. Our days were sandwiched by morning prayer and evening reflection.
We partnered with Lazarus Ministries in Lawrence, serving one day in their short-term shelter with women and children, another day at their soup kitchen serving breakfast and lunch, and in the afternoon hosting a party for moms and their children in transitional housing. Our last day was spent at a food pantry handing out about 1,400 supplemental food bags (and prepped that many for next week’s distribution!).
The week was filled with a lot of emotions. We were saddened about the injustice in our world and the disparity we saw and were overwhelmed by how unfair it is for little children to grow up in such circumstances when our lives are so blessed. We also felt hopeful because there are so many people who care and give of themselves each day to meet the needs of others.
We lived the Marist Mission of presence. We showed up, we saw, we helped in ways that we could, and we promised to come back to serve again.
We lived the Marist Mission of family spirit. We had a very fun evening at Central Catholic High School playing basketball with Mr. Sullivan.
Imani Campbell ‘24 shared, “This experience was humbling. I felt like I became a better person and I want to volunteer and open up more.”
Written by: Lori Wilson (Campus Minister, Archbishop Molloy High School)
