Students Kick Off National Holy Cross
Day of Service

Armed with paint, cleaning supplies and a passion for helping others, 20 St. Edward’s students recently took part in the first-ever National Holy Cross Day of Service. Participants visited St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in Austin and spruced up the St. Ignatius Family Center. Before and after service, students engaged in reflection with each other and Holy Cross Brothers.

A Tradition of Solidarity and Service

Campus Ministry and the Office of Service and Community Involvement launched the National Holy Cross Day of Service on Feb. 19, inviting Holy Cross students and educators to join in solidarity to serve their local communities. Seven Holy Cross schools across the U.S. participated.

Religious Studies major Emily Muntean ’11, a peer minister for the Office of Service and Community Involvement, helped organize the event. “We wanted to start something national reflecting the Holy Cross commitment to serving our communities — with St. Edward’s as the centerpoint,” she says.

An Opportunity to Connect and Reflect

Lou Serna, assistant director of Campus Ministry and director of the Office of Service and Community Involvement, hopes that bringing together students from different Holy Cross institutions will deepen their connection to Holy Cross. “We’re encouraging them to engage in conversation and reflection about what it means to be a Holy Cross student,” he says.

“I love the service opportunities at St. Edward’s, especially group events like this,” says Anita Granados ’14, an Accounting major who is a member of three service organizations on campus. “Participating in the National Day of Service lets me feel that I’m a part of the Holy Cross family.”

For Biochemistry major Ali Khorasani ’12, the Day of Service fits perfectly into his St. Edward’s volunteer work — he also participated in Alternative Spring Break and will join an International Immersion in Montreal, Canada this summer. “What I like best about these events is that they guide us through the reflection,” he says. “We learn why we’re serving before we serve, instead of just going through the motions.”

Learn about Alternative Spring Break  »

Learn about International Immersions  »

Taking It Global

Campus Ministry hopes to engage even more Holy Cross institutions in the U.S. next year and, eventually, to expand the Day of Service globally.

Encourage your student to get involved in the many service opportunities at St. Edward’s.

Learn more about Campus Ministry and the Office of Service and Community Involvement  »