Service Programs

Mission of the Department:

The mission of the Office of Service & Justice is to foster a relationship with Christ through encounters with the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized in our community and our world. Through these encounters we seek to form “Men for Others” whose love for God and their neighbor manifests in the practice of Christian charity and by a sustaining commitment to justice in the world.
 

The Freshmen Service Experience - Fostering a Culture of Encounter

In many places...the culture of exclusion, of rejection, is spreading. There is no place for the elderly or for the unwanted child; there is no time for that poor person in the street. ... Have the courage to go against the tide of this culture of efficiency, this culture of waste. Encountering and welcoming everyone, solidarity – this is what makes our society truly human. Be servants of communion and of the culture of encounter! (Pope Francis, World Youth Day, July 27, 2013)
Examples of projects: Manna for Others Breakfast, Hillcrest House, St. Nick’s House, Austin Street Game Night, Soul Church
 

The Sophomore Year Service Experience – Developing Empathy

The Sophomore service experience is intended to further a student’s understanding of Christian charity and justice by providing him with experiences and opportunities to develop empathy through walking with and in the shoes of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. By doing so, students will gain a better understanding of the needs of suffering, empowering them to serve in more impactful and meaningful ways.
Examples of projects: Notre Dame School, Brothers for Others, Champions League, Special Education Programs
 

Junior Year – Christian Charity

All juniors are required to complete a Service & Justice Formation Intensive The intensive assignment can also be in the form of an internship experience or other experience that allows students to better understand how an agency operates and how to aid in its sustainability.  Acts of charity have a greater meaning now that students have developed a deeper sense of empathy and understanding. Students are required to complete their intensive with a Jesuit agency partner or Jesuit service initiative.
Examples of projects:  Club Sandwich, Food Rescue, EQuest, Interact, Key Club

Senior Year The Senior Experience - A Commitment to Justice

“Today our prime educational objective must be to form men-and-women-for-others; men and women who will live not for themselves but for God and his Christ - for the God-man who lived and died for all the world; men and women who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the least of their neighbors; men and women completely convinced that love of God which does not issue in justice for others is a farce.” (Men for Others, Father Pedro Arrupe, 1973)
Examples of projects: Intensive assignments at Scottish Rite, City Square, United to Learn (DISD), service in nursing homes, Bonton Farms, Wilkinson Center