January 2003

 
Sisters host ND Urban Plunge Students

Chris from Morgantown, WV, a senior at Notre Dame, wondered out loud why the wealthiest country in the world needs homeless shelters and why some of those shelters are so troubled, unsafe and disrespectful that even the people they’re meant to serve are frightened to go there.

During the 48-hour Pittsburgh Urban Plunge, Jan. 6-8, 2003, sponsored by University of Notre Dame, Chris and Notre Dame fellow student, Jeff, slept nights at the Pleasant Valley Men’s Shelter in Pittsburgh’s North Side.

In addition ten female students, who ordinarily would also sleep in homeless shelters, stayed with the Sisters of St. Joseph at Visitation House in the South Side and our Novitiate community in Morningside because women's shelters throughout the city are full.

The students, all of whom prepared for the experience by writing a pre-experience paper and reading articles and publications on urban social experience, ranged from first-year students to seniors and participated in the experience for reasons ranging from their interest in urban social conditions and social justice to seeking service opportunities as a means of utilizing their gifts and giving back to the community.

In just a brief 48 hours the students visited and learned about at least nine urban ministries and human and social service agencies serving the Pittsburgh area, in most of which Sisters of St. Joseph are in active ministry.

Erin, a theater and finance major from Oakdale, Pa, was inspired by Sr. Barbara Czyrnik’s passion and commitment to the people of McKees Rocks through her ministry at Focus on Renewal Center, a neighborhood center which, in its 25- year history, has expanded from a small drop-in center to a provide a full-scale health center, literacy program, senior citizen's support programs, mental health services, transportation services and is currently working toward securing a building for a cultural arts center.

Bridget, a freshman from Pittsburgh, believes that it’s important to not think of service as something that we do when we have time or when “the kids are grown,” but as something that is an integral part of our lives. She was inspired to find people like Sr. Barbara and others she met throughout the experience who have found a way of not only making service a part of their lives, but making their lives lives of service.

Sponsored by Notre Dame University, Pittsburgh Urban Plunge is open to both Notre Dame and St. Mary's students and is coordinated locally through the Pittsburgh Notre Dame Alumni Club. Deb Hines from the Center for Individual and Organizational Effectiveness, and Kevin Hayes, of Hayes Design Group Architects, were the alumni coordinators of this year's plunge.

 [ Discernment ] [ Vocation Inquiry ] [ Candidacy ] 
 [ Novitiate ] [ Temporary Profession ] [ Glossary ] [ Look at the faces ] 
 [ Are you searching? ] [ Learn more! ] [ The More newsletter ] 

©2008 Sisters of St Joseph - Baden
1020 State Street, Baden PA 15005
724.869.2151 | 412.761.3700 | Fax: 724.869.3336
Feedback, questions and comments are welcomed at csjprbah@stargate.net