Monday, May 21, 2012 - Sunday, May 27/ Monday 28, 2012**
** The program formally ends on Sunday, May 27, at noon.
Most participants elect to stay and return home on Monday, May 28. A subset of the participants will leave for home on Sunday, May 27
Why New Orleans? Why now? New Orleans has become a forgotten place. It is no longer part of the news cycle. As of the summer of 2010, 38-40% of the homes are still unoccupied. While much progress has been made and vast improvement seen in the quality of life, there is still much to be done. Most of the recovery work that has been done in New Orleans has been by faith-based organizations.
In August of 2006, Hurricane Katrina struck Mississippi and New Orleans causing catastrophic damage and killing over one thousand people. Even after all these years, in New Orleans over 30 percent of the homes are still unoccupied and need restoration.
For over twenty years, Canisius College Campus Ministry has had successful student service and immersion programs to work with people in need in Buffalo, in places all over the country and even in places all over the world. Each May since 2007 a group of Canisius alumni and staff have journeyed to New Orleans for a week of service and solidarity with the people of who are still recovering from the tragedy of Katrina. This alumni trip has been a wonderful opportunity for alumni, staff and friends of the college to be part of these transformative efforts.
While much progress has been made and vast improvement seen in the quality of life in New Orleans, there is still much to be done. Much of the recovery work that has been done has been by faith-based organizations.
In addition to our “construction work,” our program involves connecting with the people we are trying to help and listening to their experiences. Our participants are introduced to people and situations that they normally would not come in contact with or meet. Our participants have learned about others and themselves. They have emerged with a profound sense of gratitude because of the community service and the rich conversations they have encountered. People often find they encounter God most directly through service.
This service and immersion program is based on four cornerstones: service, simple living, reflection/prayer, and community.
· We will assist St. Bernard Project rebuilding homes (Habitat for Humanity type work. No experience is required). We will also prepare and serve a meal for the homeless at the Harry Tompson S.J. Rebuild Center in downtown New Orleans. We will work with the Presentation Sisters Collaborative Ministry at the Rebuild Center, Lantern Light, Inc.
· The program includes several cultural and educational experiences. We will attend Sunday Mass at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, the oldest African-American church in the country and the location of the Tomb of the Unknown Slave.
· Cost: All participants are responsible for their own transportation to New Orleans plus $150. Lodging and most meals are included.
This photo essay will also tell the story of our shared experiences and our program objectives.
Download a photo essay of a pervious trip. (Adobe Acrobat)
To apply and for more information, contact Joe Van Volkenburg, in Campus Ministry, at (716) 888-2875 or vanvolkj@canisius.edu.
Please apply by: April 2, 2012