Service. Spiritual values. Social responsibility.
As three of the five pillars of St. Joseph’s College, these principles are incorporated into the every-day life of students at the College. Even while they’re on winter break.
As part of the institution’s ongoing service effort Alternative Winter Break (AWB), eight students traveled to Camden, New Jersey, with SJC Long Island Director of Campus Ministry Cristian Murphy ’14 and Director of Global Studies Linda Lubranski. They stayed there Jan. 6–12, helping serve the impoverished community. An additional group of six students visited Agape, Massachusetts, from Jan. 14–17 with Murphy to strengthen their spiritual values.
“These trips are self-reflective opportunities to grow in faith and service,” Murphy said. “Camden is a trip revolved around the Catholic Social Teachings and is rooted in service to the community. The trip to Agape is a spiritual retreat for students seeking a deeper relationship with God and their faith.”
Last year, St. Joseph’s students traveled to Camden for AWB, as well, working at homeless shelters and soup kitchens while learning about poverty.
One of the largest community service efforts SJC Long Island students participate in, AWB provides excellent opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the College’s goal to serve and make the world a better place. St. Joseph’s College students from both campuses also participate in Alternative Spring Break, providing help to areas in need. Destinations of previous alternative winter and spring break trips include Oklahoma, Colorado, South Carolina and Houston.
