We are excited to announce our Fall Service Retreat to Camden NJ. Students are welcome to pick up an application in the Theology Office. Applications are due September 11, 2012.
For more information about the DeSales Service Works: http://www.oblates.org/dsw/index.php
Our video from a previous experience: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yek8kCGzFOk&playnext=1&list=PLDC3F5B352C25F458&feature=results_main
Cost for the trip is $250. Please email Mr. DeLaney with any questions: sdelaney@walsingham.org
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Leaving Camden - Coming Home.
As we pulled in last night to the Amtrak Station at about 9 PM - the group was surprised to be greeted by the sound of cheering. A small but vocal contingent of Camden alum were there to welcome us home. It was a lovely way to return to Williamsburg - to be met by others who had been there and know how special and sacred a place Camden is.
Our Sunday morning was pretty low key. We got up, packed and cleaned, and then spent the rest of the morning reflecting on our time of service. We talked about what it meant, what we had seen, and what we hoped to carry with us as we returned. The students laughed, and cried, and thanked each other for this time.
We left the house at about 11 AM, and walked the mile to the Cathedral. We were met by Fr. Mike McCue and were ushered into the 11:30 AM Spanish Mass. The music and energy of the liturgy were wonderful, and a trio of Walsingham students sang for the community after communion. The assembly applauded loudly.
After Mass we went by subway to the train station. We had about 20 minutes to scramble and get lunch before we boarded, and before we knew it, we were on our way.
We said goodbye to Mrs. Kelleher at Richmond, and settled in for the long (in time) short (in distance) ride to Williamsburg. The students were chatty on the train home, laughing over experiences, teasing each other, and enjoying their new found friendships and camaraderie. And then we were home. We gathered for our last final prayer, and said goodbye.
One of my favorite things about this Camden retreat is to see the children just come to life. They are doing meaningful work, work that engages every aspect of who they are - mind, heart, soul, emotion. And they are experiencing such a hard place, a place where life is not easy, and therefore the parts of life that matter so much - love, family, friendship, stability - take on a deeper significance.
There is a quality to the joy and laughter on these retreats that is different than anything else I know with these kids at school. It is a joy that accesses some deeper place - a joy that rises out of an experience of love, of community, of service. It is an experience of really being alive. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to share in this experience with such loving and beautiful young people. Truly sacred space.
We are very blessed to have this chance. Thanks to everyone who helped us get there, be there, and get home. Thanks to John Caccetta, Anne Zagursky, and Danielle Kelleher - what fantastic team.
Thank you especially to the students - for your courage, your openness, your wisdom. (And your dancing.)
Peace,
Mr. D
Our Sunday morning was pretty low key. We got up, packed and cleaned, and then spent the rest of the morning reflecting on our time of service. We talked about what it meant, what we had seen, and what we hoped to carry with us as we returned. The students laughed, and cried, and thanked each other for this time.
We left the house at about 11 AM, and walked the mile to the Cathedral. We were met by Fr. Mike McCue and were ushered into the 11:30 AM Spanish Mass. The music and energy of the liturgy were wonderful, and a trio of Walsingham students sang for the community after communion. The assembly applauded loudly.
After Mass we went by subway to the train station. We had about 20 minutes to scramble and get lunch before we boarded, and before we knew it, we were on our way.
We said goodbye to Mrs. Kelleher at Richmond, and settled in for the long (in time) short (in distance) ride to Williamsburg. The students were chatty on the train home, laughing over experiences, teasing each other, and enjoying their new found friendships and camaraderie. And then we were home. We gathered for our last final prayer, and said goodbye.
One of my favorite things about this Camden retreat is to see the children just come to life. They are doing meaningful work, work that engages every aspect of who they are - mind, heart, soul, emotion. And they are experiencing such a hard place, a place where life is not easy, and therefore the parts of life that matter so much - love, family, friendship, stability - take on a deeper significance.
There is a quality to the joy and laughter on these retreats that is different than anything else I know with these kids at school. It is a joy that accesses some deeper place - a joy that rises out of an experience of love, of community, of service. It is an experience of really being alive. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to share in this experience with such loving and beautiful young people. Truly sacred space.
We are very blessed to have this chance. Thanks to everyone who helped us get there, be there, and get home. Thanks to John Caccetta, Anne Zagursky, and Danielle Kelleher - what fantastic team.
Thank you especially to the students - for your courage, your openness, your wisdom. (And your dancing.)
Peace,
Mr. D
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Day Three
The weather turned a little cooler and cloudier this morning. We woke up a little later, and the group was moving a little more slowly... two busy days in Camden have everyone a little sleepy!
This morning after a wonderful pancake breakfast cooked by Robert Rust we went to Immaculate Conception Cathedral in downtown Camden to do some gardening. A group of students helped play music and sing for a baptism service in the Cathedral. Eleven kids were baptized, and our students accompanied!
After a delicious pizza lunch, we walked as a group to "Tent City", which is an encampment of homeless people off the highway. Over forty people live there in tents. A couple of the residents talked with us and told us their stories.
As I write this (4 PM) a few students play basketball in the backyard. I hear them laughing and cheering. Others are napping, or reading, or snacking. In a few minutes we will start prepping dinner, and then we will have Mass at the house with Fr. McCue. This evening a group will go to Joseph's House Shelter to serve dinner.
I can't believe we come home tomorrow already... time is going quickly.
Everyone is well... the kids have really been wonderful to have here.
This morning after a wonderful pancake breakfast cooked by Robert Rust we went to Immaculate Conception Cathedral in downtown Camden to do some gardening. A group of students helped play music and sing for a baptism service in the Cathedral. Eleven kids were baptized, and our students accompanied!
After a delicious pizza lunch, we walked as a group to "Tent City", which is an encampment of homeless people off the highway. Over forty people live there in tents. A couple of the residents talked with us and told us their stories.
As I write this (4 PM) a few students play basketball in the backyard. I hear them laughing and cheering. Others are napping, or reading, or snacking. In a few minutes we will start prepping dinner, and then we will have Mass at the house with Fr. McCue. This evening a group will go to Joseph's House Shelter to serve dinner.
I can't believe we come home tomorrow already... time is going quickly.
Everyone is well... the kids have really been wonderful to have here.
Day Two
Sorry this blog is so late... I am writing it past midnight. What a beautiful and busy day!
This AM we went split into two groups - one went to New Visions Day Shelter for the homeless. Our students sat and talked with the guests at the shelter - playing checkers, chess, games, and just talking.
The other group went to the cathedral and worked handing out food and groceries. Both groups has pretty profound reflections about the people they met and served.
In the afternoon we clean up North Gate Park. Local residents walked by and thanked us - and some even helped us clean. We all were saddened by evidence of drug use everywhere in the park and playground. It is a tragic thing to see.
For dinner we split into three family groups and shopped at the Bodegas (corner stores). Each "family" got two dollars per family member to spend on dinner... and you had to eat what could be found in the corner shop. It was an eye opening activity to see what it would mean to feed a family of 7 or 8 with only a few dollars, and no big grocery store to go to.
In the evening we went to Rutgers for a talk, and then a group went to Joseph's House - an overnight shelter. They served meals and talked with the residents for a couple of hours.
We finished the evening with a powerful reflection and prayer time. The students are doing so well - and Fr. Mike McCue commented on how hard they are working and how positive they are.
Please keep praying for us... things are going well. We are praying for you!
Hope all is well.
This AM we went split into two groups - one went to New Visions Day Shelter for the homeless. Our students sat and talked with the guests at the shelter - playing checkers, chess, games, and just talking.
The other group went to the cathedral and worked handing out food and groceries. Both groups has pretty profound reflections about the people they met and served.
In the afternoon we clean up North Gate Park. Local residents walked by and thanked us - and some even helped us clean. We all were saddened by evidence of drug use everywhere in the park and playground. It is a tragic thing to see.
For dinner we split into three family groups and shopped at the Bodegas (corner stores). Each "family" got two dollars per family member to spend on dinner... and you had to eat what could be found in the corner shop. It was an eye opening activity to see what it would mean to feed a family of 7 or 8 with only a few dollars, and no big grocery store to go to.
In the evening we went to Rutgers for a talk, and then a group went to Joseph's House - an overnight shelter. They served meals and talked with the residents for a couple of hours.
We finished the evening with a powerful reflection and prayer time. The students are doing so well - and Fr. Mike McCue commented on how hard they are working and how positive they are.
Please keep praying for us... things are going well. We are praying for you!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
We made it - and had a busy day!
We arrived at about 12:15 in Philadelphia, and shuttled to the DeSales Service Works house in Camden.
We unpacked, found our rooms, and had a brief orientation with Fr. Mike McCue - who directs the program. Then we were off to clean the playground for Holy Name Catholic School, paint over graffiti on the walls, and play some football at recess!
After our outdoor work - we headed indoors to play with Holy Name students who are in aftercare until 5:30. Our kids drew, painted, played board games, ran, dances, played basketball, played tag, and ran themselves ragged playing with about 30 little kids. It was beautiful.
This evening Kenny - a man who works for DSW and was homeless for many years - will speak to us about his experience. And a group will go to Joseph's House night shelter to serve soup and spend some time with the homeless guests.
Right now a group is barbecuing hamburgers for the rest of us in the back yard - where we will eat this evening. It is a lovely day here...
The kids are in good spirits - settling and and getting used to being here. It is such a difference to wake up in Williamsburg and find yourself midday in Camden.
Please pray for us as we experience these days, and we will keep you in our prayers.
We unpacked, found our rooms, and had a brief orientation with Fr. Mike McCue - who directs the program. Then we were off to clean the playground for Holy Name Catholic School, paint over graffiti on the walls, and play some football at recess!
After our outdoor work - we headed indoors to play with Holy Name students who are in aftercare until 5:30. Our kids drew, painted, played board games, ran, dances, played basketball, played tag, and ran themselves ragged playing with about 30 little kids. It was beautiful.
This evening Kenny - a man who works for DSW and was homeless for many years - will speak to us about his experience. And a group will go to Joseph's House night shelter to serve soup and spend some time with the homeless guests.
Right now a group is barbecuing hamburgers for the rest of us in the back yard - where we will eat this evening. It is a lovely day here...
The kids are in good spirits - settling and and getting used to being here. It is such a difference to wake up in Williamsburg and find yourself midday in Camden.
Please pray for us as we experience these days, and we will keep you in our prayers.
On the train
We made it to the train station in perfect time. As a group, they reserved us a car all to ourselves (at least for now). Our train pulled out right at 7 AM.
Most of the kids are sleeping as we roll north. When we arrive, we will have a brief orientation and then get right to work.
Our group is comprised of 18 students (9 boys and 9 girls) and four teachers. The students were very excited and chatty when we met this AM - they have really been looking forward to this.
We will try to post again this evening with some pictures of the house and our first day.
Most of the kids are sleeping as we roll north. When we arrive, we will have a brief orientation and then get right to work.
Our group is comprised of 18 students (9 boys and 9 girls) and four teachers. The students were very excited and chatty when we met this AM - they have really been looking forward to this.
We will try to post again this evening with some pictures of the house and our first day.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
We are off!
We depart tomorrow morning for Camden! Bags are packed, forms are filled out, train tickets are ready. We will meet tomorrow morning at 5 AM!
Say a prayer for us!
We will be updating the blog each evening as we go...
Thanks for all the support for this trip!
Say a prayer for us!
We will be updating the blog each evening as we go...
Thanks for all the support for this trip!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Open Mic Night!
Come out for a wonderful evening of music, poetry, short films, and other talent!
Enjoy a cup of coffee and snacks, and see our talented students step on stage!
Check out our promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBzNyVXhvMw&feature=youtube_gdata
There is no cost for this event. We will have a free will donation table out to support our Thanksgiving charities to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Richmond and to Grove Outreach.
See you there!
Monday, October 24, 2011
We did it!!
It only took us 5 1/2 hours, but we did it! The students and alums did a fantastic job - finishing WAY ahead of the teachers. And way to go Strups and Currans (who also smoked us, by the way).
But we all crossed the finish line!
It was great to have help from the Nanartowich, Werszner, and Gardner families!
Pictures and video to come!
Thank you to everyone who sponsored our athletes! We have raised over $1000 for our service programs!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tough Mudder for Camden!
This weekend the ENTIRE THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT, along with three current students and two alumni, are competing in the TOUGH MUDDER event at Wintergreen, VA. It is a nine mile run and obstacle course, through mud, over walls, with fire and electricity to add to the fun!
Click here to learn more about Tough Mudder! http://toughmudder.com/
We are doing this event not only because it will be awesome but also as a fundraiser for our Camden Service trips. We have put together a short promo video to boost support! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9H-ulPeFgE&feature=youtube_gdata
If you feel like making a donation toward our Camden program, you can sponsor one of our athletes!
Help our students and DeSales Service Works to make a difference in Camden!
Any questions, contact Steve DeLaney: sdelaney@walsingham.org
Click here to learn more about Tough Mudder! http://toughmudder.com/
We are doing this event not only because it will be awesome but also as a fundraiser for our Camden Service trips. We have put together a short promo video to boost support! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9H-ulPeFgE&feature=youtube_gdata
If you feel like making a donation toward our Camden program, you can sponsor one of our athletes!
Help our students and DeSales Service Works to make a difference in Camden!
Any questions, contact Steve DeLaney: sdelaney@walsingham.org
Monday, October 10, 2011
Home!
We pulled in about 7:15 PM to a wonderful crowd of families and friends. It was beautiful to see everyone, especially the group of Camden "alum" from last year.
We are all so grateful for this trip, and all of us are very tired!
Just a short video of some of our meaningful and humorous pictures. We hope to put together a longer on for a keepsake for all who were there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBBRQbtHEx8
Thanks again. Pray for all of those in Camden.
We are all so grateful for this trip, and all of us are very tired!
Just a short video of some of our meaningful and humorous pictures. We hope to put together a longer on for a keepsake for all who were there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBBRQbtHEx8
Thanks again. Pray for all of those in Camden.
Good Morning!
We are packing and getting ready to head home. It has been a great time at DSW. The kids have a much different vibe and perspective from when they first arrived. When we left Friday morning they separated themselves by class. Now, they are much more of a unified group. It has been wonderful to see.
For parents, we encourage you to be patient with your child. They have been through an intense experience that is hard to put into words. We will do some process with them today, but it will take time. Often times students that experience a retreat like this need a few days at home in their normal routine before they start to open up. Please be patient with them as they usually open up after a few days. Ask them questions and be there for them. Coming back home after seeing such poverty can be difficult for some. Thank you for your support and prayers.
After we finish packing this morning, we will reflect on our time here and what it means as we head back to Williamsburg. At 10:30 we will start to head to the train station in groups. Our train number is 95 and we leave 30th street station at 12:00. We are scheduled to reach Williamsburg at 6:10. Last year we ran about an hour late coming home. We will attempt to keep everybody up-to-date. You can also call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245) to check on our train status.
We will see you all in Williamsburg!
For parents, we encourage you to be patient with your child. They have been through an intense experience that is hard to put into words. We will do some process with them today, but it will take time. Often times students that experience a retreat like this need a few days at home in their normal routine before they start to open up. Please be patient with them as they usually open up after a few days. Ask them questions and be there for them. Coming back home after seeing such poverty can be difficult for some. Thank you for your support and prayers.
After we finish packing this morning, we will reflect on our time here and what it means as we head back to Williamsburg. At 10:30 we will start to head to the train station in groups. Our train number is 95 and we leave 30th street station at 12:00. We are scheduled to reach Williamsburg at 6:10. Last year we ran about an hour late coming home. We will attempt to keep everybody up-to-date. You can also call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245) to check on our train status.
We will see you all in Williamsburg!
An Up and Down Day
In our reflections at the end of the day many kids commented on how much today was an emotional roller coaster. We started very much on a high note. Some students took a run with Mike Morgan over the Ben Franklin Bridge as the sun came up.
After a pancake breakfast, six students went with Fr. McCue to help with the Religious Ed. Classes. Each student was able to sit in on a class and help where they were needed. The rest or the group met us at the Cathedral, which is the main parish for the area, for 11:30 mass. Mass was in Spanish with a very lively band. After mass we walked over to a local cheese steak shop for lunch. Most kids had an authentic "Philly" cheese steak.
After walking back to the DSW house we got changed and broke up into two smaller work groups. One group went to Tent City since they did not go yesterday and the other swept up trash and leaves at the local park. The kids at the park commented on how friendly and appreciative people were for our work. After we finished sweeping, the other group met us at the park and we played a little game of pig before some residents came up and started to play.
At tent city today, students were able to talk to three veterans of the Iraqi war that were now unemployed. One man, Anthony, had served two tours in Afghanistan. he was very open and honest with the kids about his experiences. This was especially emotional for our students since we are from a highly concentrated area of military families.
After leaving the park, a group finished the brick project that we started on our first day. Another group painted the bathroom of the DSW house while Collin McAtee painted the DSW logo onto the wall in the dinning room over a bulletin board we had hung earlier.
We had a lovely meal of grilled cheese and baked chicken, followed by a surprise dessert of ice cream from the local corner store!
The kids are shining here - you all would be so proud of their courage and commitment to serving the people here. They are an amazing group.
After a pancake breakfast, six students went with Fr. McCue to help with the Religious Ed. Classes. Each student was able to sit in on a class and help where they were needed. The rest or the group met us at the Cathedral, which is the main parish for the area, for 11:30 mass. Mass was in Spanish with a very lively band. After mass we walked over to a local cheese steak shop for lunch. Most kids had an authentic "Philly" cheese steak.
After walking back to the DSW house we got changed and broke up into two smaller work groups. One group went to Tent City since they did not go yesterday and the other swept up trash and leaves at the local park. The kids at the park commented on how friendly and appreciative people were for our work. After we finished sweeping, the other group met us at the park and we played a little game of pig before some residents came up and started to play.
At tent city today, students were able to talk to three veterans of the Iraqi war that were now unemployed. One man, Anthony, had served two tours in Afghanistan. he was very open and honest with the kids about his experiences. This was especially emotional for our students since we are from a highly concentrated area of military families.
After leaving the park, a group finished the brick project that we started on our first day. Another group painted the bathroom of the DSW house while Collin McAtee painted the DSW logo onto the wall in the dinning room over a bulletin board we had hung earlier.
We had a lovely meal of grilled cheese and baked chicken, followed by a surprise dessert of ice cream from the local corner store!
The kids are shining here - you all would be so proud of their courage and commitment to serving the people here. They are an amazing group.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
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