Instead of relaxing at home during their winter break from school, nearly 50 Assumption College students have opted to participate this month in community service trips to Ecuador, Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Baltimore, M.D.; and Camden, N.J. The students are volunteering their time to help families impacted by economic strife and to rebuild neighborhoods.

As part of the College’s Campus Ministry Office’s  SEND Service Immersion Program, established in 1986, the students—accompanied by faculty, staff and alumni—are participating in an eight-day experience that integrates service to communities in need with education about that area’s culture and opportunities for personal reflection rooted in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching. Through their participation in this program, students are responding to the call of Pope Francis to go out into the world to be among the poor.

The “alternative winter break” SEND program runs in January, during Assumption’s winter break, before spring semester starts. The students are volunteering at the following locations: Baltimore, MD. (Habitat for Humanity and Catholic Charities); Camden, NJ (Romero Center Ministries); Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Habitat for Humanity); and in Ecuador (Rostro de Cristo ministry organization).

“SEND trips offer students and leaders an opportunity to serve others, to foster community, and to gain insight into our personal spiritual lives,” said SEND Coordinator and Assistant Director of Campus Ministry Vincent Sullivan-Jacques. “Participants develop strong bonds with other Assumption students, staff, faculty and alumni through a combination of shared service experiences, prayer activities, immersion opportunities, and critical reflection rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.”

Assumption’s SEND Program provides these service opportunities three times a year, during the winter, spring and summer.

• Read about Assumption students’ service this month in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in the Tuscaloosa News.
• Read Assumption students’ reflections on their 2013-2014 SEND experiences.