Service and Celebration: A Day in the Life of MSC
Friday was a "fully alive" day at Martin Saints, serious but also joyful. Sometimes both at the same time.
In the morning, our Frassati Friday took us into the city for the corporal works of mercy. Students split into smaller groups to serve at a nursing home, several soup kitchens, a food pantry, and a community center that was sort of a boxing gym but also a food ministry (it's hard to explain).
The work was sometimes menial, but, for those with eyes to see, it was also meaningful. See below for some photos and student reflections.
In the evening, we were back on campus. The students organized a coffeehouse with poetry, violins, an a capella quartet, Bach and Billy Joel (not at the same time), Neil Diamond and an Irish song (also not at the same time), and a skit in which Socrates and Euthyphro satirized our curriculum (affectionately, of course). Again, see below for the photos.
If you were searching for a common theme for the whole day, perhaps it's hospitality, making space for friendship and time together. Service to our neighbor, and feasting with our neighbor, flow from the same divine source. God loves us, and he delights when we, his children, find ways to love each other. When we laugh and when we cry - sometimes at the same time - he is near, tender, growing our hearts. As our school motto has it: "the glory of God is man fully alive."
“At Broad Street we served and bussed tables of the needy coming in to eat. I met a guy named Ted who talked with my classmate and me about the Bible and about his family, especially his mom. He recited the Gospel of John Chapter 1 from memory, and said a prayer to God about us. He then proceeded to give us a mini Bible, which really showed how kind he was. Then he talked about his mom and started tearing up when he did so. It was hard for me to see such a nice and caring person struggling so. Overall I loved this experience and hope to be able to go there again.” - 9th grader
“Chef Al was doing his thing. He was teaching me a few things. I helped him out whenever he asked me to and I enjoyed helping, and doing so for a good cause too: making food for the unfortunate. Just the thought and feeling that here they are treated like real people and they have something to eat leaves me with a good feeling.” - 12th grader
"It not only built community but helped me improve in self-discipline and pushing on, even if the thing I am doing appears useless to me. It was a humbling experience, that, while difficult at times, felt kind of rewarding afterwards. It was intentional work in the sense that I had to be intentional about my attitude, energy, and effort, and it offered a rich view into all the pieces that must come together to make this ministry thrive." - 10th grader
Dishwashing poem, by a 9th grader
kind, short lady bumps my fist
I notice her colorful earrings
she shows me the sink, rags and bowls
brings me fresh hot water
grubby spoons, dishwasher rumbles
continuous rhythm of labor
teenage girls bring soupy dishes
bits of pasta float
Who has eaten from this plate?
Who has licked this fork?
Dear Lord, be with them,
warm them, feed them
use my imperfect work.
