For many, spring break is a time to unwind, decompress and catch up on some rest and relaxation. However, for a group of students attending St. Joseph’s University, New York, it was an opportunity to give back. On March 17, Directors of Campus Ministry Johnathan Galo and S. Marie Mackey and eight SJNY students embarked on service and mission trip to Chicago, IL. The goal was twofold: learn the history behind one of America’s great cities while also helping those less fortunate.
Funded in part by the University and the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, NY, the trip spanned four days—beginning with tourist activities such as visiting the Chicago River (dyed green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day), The Bean, Millennium Park and Buckingham Fountain.
“This trip was our first service and mission trip since before COVID and the first time that the Brooklyn and Long Island campuses came together for an experience like this,” said Johnathan Galo, director for campus ministry on the Long Island campus. “Our students found the trip to be very memorable and left them with a desire to extend love and compassion to those who are most in need.”
Making a stop at Chicago’s Mexican Consulate.
Students had the opportunity to visit Chicago’s Mexican Consulate to learn about the services the institution provides and the difficulties facing Mexican immigrants in today’s climate. The afternoon was spent at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, where SJNY students saw firsthand the school’s approach to bilingual education as well as its unique work/study program.
St. Joseph’s students volunteered at the St. James Catholic Church food pantry. By serving the community, students realized the impact they can have on the environment around them.
“Everything we do, matters,” said Suraj Chaudhary ’27, an SJNY international student from Nepal studying mathematics and computer science on the Brooklyn Campus. “Even carrying a genuine, warm smile can give someone the hope they need to live another day. That courage then creates its own ripple effect and helps countless others.”
This year marks the 375th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s and as such, students joined a local congregation to celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph in LeGrange Park. It was a day filled with food, fun and shared experiences. The sisters informed students about the work on they do in and outside of Chicago, in addition to imparting wisdom that would help find success and inspire others in the future.
The trip was funded in part by the University and the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, NY.
“Sharing a meal with the Sisters of St. Joseph was the highlight of my trip,” said Jawad Zaman ’27, a computer science, mathematics, and business administration student. “It gave me the opportunity to share my journey with them and build meaningful connections through after-dinner games.”
The remainder of the trip served as an ode to the history and development of The Windy City. Students visited the American Indian Center and learned of the various American Indian nations that are represented in the city.
Other museums visited included National Museum of Mexican Art, the DuSable Museum of African-American History, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture and the Ukrainian National Museum. All helped students to understand the city’s diverse population as well as their contributions into making Chicago what it is today.
The last days of the trip were spent at Old. St. Patrick’s Church—one of the city’s oldest churches—and the Mother Cabrini Shrine, where students had an opportunity to delve deeper into the Catholic faith and its influence on the world.
“As we look towards the future, I would like to encourage more students to apply for our next spring break trip as these are memorable experiences that will, in many ways, help them to come closer to our ‘dear neighbor’ and inspire them to work for others. We will hopefully have more information about next year’s trip sometime in the early fall,” Galo concluded.
There was plenty to see and do in the Windy City.
Throughout the trip, SJNY students visited a number of museums, learning about the city's native heritage and history.
Students spent an afternoon at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, a bilingual school in Chicago.
In addition to a tour of the school, SJNY students learned the ins and outs of a bilingual education.
Students joined a local congregation in celebrating the 375th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Students visited the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Learning the rich history of one the country's most prominent cities was a main focus of the trip.
Closing out the trip were visits to the Old. St. Patrick’s Church and Mother Cabrini's Shrine.
