Lourdes College: Campus Ministry Encourages Values-centered Volunteerism

The Lourdes College Habitat for Humanity Alternative Spring Break team in front of the house they worked on in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Enlarge

Helping Hands: Lourdes students serve meals to those at Helping Hands of St. Louis. Enlarge

A Lourdes College art student paints a mural in the Padua House during the College‘s Week of Service. Enlarge

Francis of Assisi lived his life in service to God and to others. He was, at heart, a peacemaker, a rebuilder and—most importantly—a volunteer. Lourdes College is grounded in this spirit of Francis and the Franciscan values of community, learning, reverence and service.

For over twenty years the department of Campus Ministry has given life to these values by promoting volunteerism in the greater community.

“Our activities allow participants to grow and to reflect on their experiences with fellow students, faculty and staff,” notes Sr. Barbara Vano, Director of Campus Ministry. “Through our outreach efforts, we build relationships and place our gifts at the service of others in order to make our corner of the world a better place to live.”

The Lourdes community volunteers its time and talents to a variety of projects including:

Habitat for Humanity

Since 1996, Lourdes Habitat teams have touched lives in seven states and twelve cities.

“Being part of the Habitat team was an amazing, hilarious, exhausting and life-changing experience,” says Anna Proshek, Lourdes nursing student. “I met new friends, grew closer with other friends, made many awesome memories and worked very hard. It felt great to leave the worksite at the end of the week and feel like I had really helped people.”

Helping Hands of St. Louis

For several years, Campus Ministry has connected members of the Lourdes community with Helping Hands of St. Louis, a soup kitchen located in East Toledo. Lourdes volunteers assist those in need by serving as the Helping Hands kitchen crew on the third Friday of each month.

Josina Lott Residential & Community Services

Since 2004, Lourdes students, faculty and staff have volunteered at Josina Lott Residential & Community Services, an agency serving adults with developmental disabilities. Volunteers join the residents in activities such as Bingo and Josina Lott's annual Lawn Games.

Lourdes Week of Service

In celebration of Lourdes' 50th Anniversary, Campus Ministry hosted a Week of Service in the Fall of 2007 to honor the college's ongoing commitment to its Franciscan values. Members of the college community completed clean-up and maintenance work at Sylvania Area Family Services & Josina Lott, delivered meals through Mobile Meals, and painted a mural at the Padua Center.

Make a Difference Day

Each October since 2001 members of the Lourdes community have participated in Make a Difference Day Ohio. The newest activity was a “Rake and Run” project. Students and staff identified homeowners that needed assistance and anonymously raked their leaves to spruce up their yards and brighten their day.

Mobile Meals of Toledo

Following the success of Lourdes' Week of Service, Campus Ministry adopted a permanent Mobile Meals delivery route. Lourdes faculty and staff members make deliveries to a route near St. Anne's Hospital the first, third and fifth Tuesday of each month.

Sylvania Area Family Services

Lourdes' connection with Sylvania Area Family Services (SAFS) continues a relationship dating back to the early days of the Sisters of St. Francis. Lourdes students, faculty and staff have volunteered with a variety of their programs. As part of the Lourdes Spreading the Joy Christmas Outreach coordinated by Campus Ministry, members of the college community have donated gifts and food items to assist families through SAFS.

“Lourdes is steeped in its Franciscan heritage. Our values of reverence and service remind us that we are part of a much larger community,” said Sr. Barbara. “Whether in the classroom or beyond the campus, at Lourdes we don't just focus on how to make a living; we focus on how to live.”