From the Classroom to the Community: St. X Students Step Up to Serve

St. Xavier High School’s motto is “Men for Others,” and a recent mission trip to St. Francis Seraph Ministries (SFSM) gave students a chance to put that motto into action.

In June, St. X students volunteered in the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room and supported SFSM’s work in a variety of ways. The school also offered mission trips to Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

“The students who choose to perform their mission work here in Cincinnati are truly special,” says Susan Walsh, SFSM Volunteer Director. “They want to know more about the needs of those in their own community.”

J K Klaiber, St. X’s Community Service Director, says the longtime partnership between his school and SFSM gives students the chance to “zoom out a bit” and get a broader view of life in Cincinnati. For many of the students, coming to SFSM might be their first exposure to Over-the-Rhine or to people facing homelessness, poverty, and other challenges.

At the end of each day of service, the students journaled about their experiences, then discussed their reflections with their chaperones.

“We want our young men to see what different slices of American life can look like and to introduce them to and make them aware of vulnerable populations,” J K says. “When they enter adulthood and the workforce, we hope these types of experiences will help them make compassionate and informed decisions.”

Rising senior Will Burkart says he came away with a better understanding of the importance of organizations like SFSM not just to people experiencing homelessness, but to Cincinnati as a whole. He also was impressed by the amount of detailed work and logistics that go into running a ministry like the SFSM dining room.

He and his classmates were moved by how dedicated SFSM’s staff and volunteers are to serving people who are often ignored or unnoticed.

“I felt like I was part of a community of volunteers whose main goal was to serve others,” Will says. “It is a great feeling to be a part of a community like that.”

Do you have a group that would like to participate in community service together? We’d love to welcome you to SFSM! Please contact Susan Walsh at swalsh@sfsministries.org or 513-549-0542, ext. 284.