Feel the Warmth of Alternative Spring Break

By: Megan Furtado
Posted In: News

Generally, the words “Spring Break” to a college student bring visions of Cancun, warm sunny beaches, the anticipation of volleyball, suntanning and the panicked rush to go to the gym to get in shape to wear that new little bikini. But to some students at Salve, other places come to mind when they hear those words: New Jersey and Kentucky.

Campus Ministry is sponsoring the Alternative Spring Break again this year during the week of March 7 – 12, the regular Salve spring break week. During that week, 20 people will go to Kentucky and to Camden, New Jersey, to participate in a retreat and witness program.

“It is an opportunity to put into practice the basic principles of Catholic Social Teaching,” says Sr. Marianna Sylvester, Director of Campus Ministry. “Mainly upholding the human dignity of all…putting faith into action.”

During their days on the retreat, students and chaperones go into the communities they are serving for the week and work there. Sr. Marianna says that the students spend their free time getting to know students from other colleges who are also participating in the Spring Break.

“We were very pleased with the outcome of last year’s trip,” says Sr. Marianna, “The students were extremely excited and kept in touch with all of the new people they met.”

Chaperoning the eight students who will be attending the Kentucky program is Jose Del Val, the new Campus Ministry Assistant. He is very excited to be making this trip, his first at Salve. A chaperone for the New Jersey program has yet to be found.

As for the outcome of this trip?

“I hope that each person will be filled with a spirit of gratitude for life, and all that God offers us when we are open to unconditional loving and giving,” says Sr. Marianna.