Sunday, March 10, 2013
Day 3 (and 4)
Sorry for missing our post last night... we were all having an intense game of Apples to Apples (a board game) and wore ourselves out!
Yesterday was a beautiful day - in many ways. The weather turned from snow to sunshine overnight, and by the afternoon we were wearing shorts and t-shirts. And the day was also a joyful day of work and laughter. In the morning most of the group went out to flyer the neighborhood with flyers publishing the schedule for Holy Week - basically a personal invitation to church. The kids really enjoyed this because they got to see Camden, and they got to talk to many people in the neighborhood. They were surprised by how friendly everyone was - as one student commented, "Everyone I said hello to said hello back - everyone."
Another group went to North Gate Park to continue the cleaning project from the day before. We swept, and raked, and picked up trash. We were joined eventually by the group doing the flyers, and when our cleaning was done, we went home for lunch.
After lunch we spent the afternoon working in the garden, filling an enormous pothole in the alley, and painting. The students built and painted a huge cross which they made from old boards found in the alley. The kids worked so hard, and made a real impact on the space around the house and the Catholic grade school.
In the evening we enjoyed a wonderful dinner of chicken and rice (cooked by the boys) we spent over an hour reflecting on our work and our time here. We have been so impressed by their thoughtful reflections, and the questions they are asking about poverty and hope in Camden. It has been a privilege to be with them.
This morning we will have our final reflection and prayer, and then head to the Cathedral for Mass. From there we go off to the train station, and home. 
Friday, March 8, 2013
Camden Day 2
It has been an intense couple of days... filled with hard work, a lot of laughter, and some powerful experiences of service.
This morning we woke up to a beautiful snowfall. A few of us braved the snow to go for an early jog around Rutgers Campus. After breakfast, we walked to the Cathedral in Camden, and met a group from Salesianum High School, a Catholic boys school in Wilmington, DE. Our students and teachers spent the morning ministering to the homeless. Half of our group worked in the sandwich ministry at the Cathedral, cooking and distributing food to the homeless. The other half visited New Visions, a day shelter, and spent time talking to the men and women who were gathered there. It is a safe and warm place where they can rest, wash up, and get a hot meal.
We then traveled back to our home in North Camden, and spent some time with the students at Holy Name, enjoying their lunch and recess period with them. Back at our house, we had lunch and listened to a talk by Kenny, a man who works for DeSales Service Works, and was homeless for most of his adult life. He is our shepherd in the community, always walking with us and keeping an eye on us. He told us his story, and we were deeply touched by his honesty and humility.
After lunch, we went out to shop for dinner. Dinner today is called the "Bodega Meal". The bodega is the term for the small corner stores that are the main source of food for most people in Camden. We divide our group into "families", and each family receives $2 per person, which is about what families in Camden have to spend per meal. We had to shop for dinner as a family, and you could not spend more than your two dollars per person, and you could only eat what you could find in the shop. It is an eye-opening experience.
After shopping, we went back to the school to help with the after school program. It was a beautiful sight - our students running and laughing and playing with dozens of little kids from Camden. The room was filled with laughter, and the little ones certainly wore out the teenagers!
This evening we spent about 90 minutes talking about the day. The kids had really good questions, and I was so proud of how deeply they are feeling and thinking about their time here. It is a challenging thing to experience a community that suffers such poverty. Our kids are making the most of their time here.
Tomorrow morning we get ready for some manual labor! We will be working to repair the alleyway behind our house, and cleaning up North Gate Park.
You are all in our prayers!
Thank you for keeping us your prayers. 
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Spring Camden day 1
Good evening,
We made it safe and sound after a very smooth train ride. The kids did well with the ride and we made it to DeSales Service Works around 1:00. We had a brief orientation and then right to work. We split into three groups: one group went with Kenny, one of the workers at DSW who was formerly homeless, to clean up the local park a little bit, the second group worked on salvaging plants from a garden to move to another garden within the DSW back yard, and the last group traveled to a local church that is no longer being used to remove a statue of Mary to be placed within the garden. After this service time, we went to the local grade school, Holy Name, to help work with the after school program. Our kids did an outstanding job of being present to these kids who are starting for attention. They played games with kids, helped them with their homework, and most importantly simply spent time with them. When we returned to the house a group cooked dinner while the others settled in, played basketball, and relaxed a bit. After dinner, Fr. mike McCue said mass for us in the small chapel and in his homily he challenged the kids to live in the moment and be moved by the little things in live. He said that often times we do things that do not change culture or society, but they can push things in the right direction. As long as we keep pushing and helping others see the good in things than we are truly being present and human toward one another. At the end of long, simple day this was a good message to hear. The reflections about the day were thoughtful and meaningful for our kids. You can see that they are taking things seriously and living in the moment which we often do not get to do.
Off to bed now with pictures and more to follow in the morning.
We made it safe and sound after a very smooth train ride. The kids did well with the ride and we made it to DeSales Service Works around 1:00. We had a brief orientation and then right to work. We split into three groups: one group went with Kenny, one of the workers at DSW who was formerly homeless, to clean up the local park a little bit, the second group worked on salvaging plants from a garden to move to another garden within the DSW back yard, and the last group traveled to a local church that is no longer being used to remove a statue of Mary to be placed within the garden. After this service time, we went to the local grade school, Holy Name, to help work with the after school program. Our kids did an outstanding job of being present to these kids who are starting for attention. They played games with kids, helped them with their homework, and most importantly simply spent time with them. When we returned to the house a group cooked dinner while the others settled in, played basketball, and relaxed a bit. After dinner, Fr. mike McCue said mass for us in the small chapel and in his homily he challenged the kids to live in the moment and be moved by the little things in live. He said that often times we do things that do not change culture or society, but they can push things in the right direction. As long as we keep pushing and helping others see the good in things than we are truly being present and human toward one another. At the end of long, simple day this was a good message to hear. The reflections about the day were thoughtful and meaningful for our kids. You can see that they are taking things seriously and living in the moment which we often do not get to do.
Off to bed now with pictures and more to follow in the morning.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Day Two
Hello! We had a very busy day. In the morning, we cleaned Northgate park, the park next to Holy Name. Two years ago, when we started coming to Camden, the park was unusable. Today there is new park equipment and things have been painted. Today we rakes leaves and the boys removes old trees stumps with simply an ax. This allows for a fence to be built to close in an empty lot. The clean up took all morning since there was a lot of debris from the recent storms.
After lunch, Kenny, a former homeless man who works at DSW, gave his story. He explained how he lost his job and found himself on the streets for roughly 30 years. He told the kids to push themselves and get as much education as possible because that is the one thing people cannot take from you. He also explained how the downward spiral toward homelessness could happen to anymore. I was a powerful hour that ended with a very insightful question and answer session. After Kenny spoke, we split into two groups. One group cleaned the tennis courts in the park while a group of girls painted a fence.
For dinner, we split into family groups of four. Each family was given $8 and taken to a bodega, corner store. This is to simulate what a normal family has to experience in Camden. In a citythesame size as James City County there is no grocery store. Residents must rely on these bodegas for food. Families had a wide variety of meals from Romen noodles to eggs and pancakes.
After dinner we went to South Camden for a play by the south Camden players. The professional theater was created 8 years ago as part of a neighborhood revitalization project around Sacred Heart parish. The pastor, Michael Doyle, has transformed his neighborhood one house ata time and the theater has become an anchor in his community. The play was a story of the transformation of the neighborhood from 1968 to 1988. It was a powerful story that showed the real life issues of the community and how it went from a thriving ship building community to urban decay.
The student reflections attend of the day were profound. Everyone had something else that stuck out to them and they are all doing very well. They are all currently playing a game of catchphrase before bed and enjoying each other's company. They are making all of us and you very proud by their openness and willingness to live in the moment.
Pictures to follow.
After lunch, Kenny, a former homeless man who works at DSW, gave his story. He explained how he lost his job and found himself on the streets for roughly 30 years. He told the kids to push themselves and get as much education as possible because that is the one thing people cannot take from you. He also explained how the downward spiral toward homelessness could happen to anymore. I was a powerful hour that ended with a very insightful question and answer session. After Kenny spoke, we split into two groups. One group cleaned the tennis courts in the park while a group of girls painted a fence.
For dinner, we split into family groups of four. Each family was given $8 and taken to a bodega, corner store. This is to simulate what a normal family has to experience in Camden. In a citythesame size as James City County there is no grocery store. Residents must rely on these bodegas for food. Families had a wide variety of meals from Romen noodles to eggs and pancakes.
After dinner we went to South Camden for a play by the south Camden players. The professional theater was created 8 years ago as part of a neighborhood revitalization project around Sacred Heart parish. The pastor, Michael Doyle, has transformed his neighborhood one house ata time and the theater has become an anchor in his community. The play was a story of the transformation of the neighborhood from 1968 to 1988. It was a powerful story that showed the real life issues of the community and how it went from a thriving ship building community to urban decay.
The student reflections attend of the day were profound. Everyone had something else that stuck out to them and they are all doing very well. They are all currently playing a game of catchphrase before bed and enjoying each other's company. They are making all of us and you very proud by their openness and willingness to live in the moment.
Pictures to follow.
Friday, November 2, 2012
We Made It!
We made it to Philadelphia 3 minutes ahead of schedule at 12:00. We had lunch in the train station and then walked 15 blocks to the subway to go across the river to Camden. Right outside the subway stop in Camden in front of city hall is a tribute to all those who have been killed in Camden in the last year. It is a drastic eye- opening experience that we are not in Williamsburg anymore. Once we arrived at DSW, we had a quick orientation and went right to work leaning the school yard of Holy Name, the local Catholic elementary school. After cleaning the yard, we helped run after school care for the school children. Our kids wherein their glory playing football, kickball, jumping rope,and racing around with the elementary school kids. After we went back to the house we had dinner and are now getting ready fora reflection on Camden and mass in celebration of All Soul's Day. Pictures and more information to follow.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Leaving Tomorrow!
Tomorrow morning we are leaving for our fourth Camden trip. Fr. McCue, the priest who runs the program, sent us a preliminary schedule and he is going to keep us busy. The community was not hit as hard as others by the storm, but there is plenty of cleanup. We will also be able to take in a community play Saturday night in South Camden.
We depart from school at 5:00. Please be on time since our train leaves Richmond at 7 and will not wait for us.
We depart from school at 5:00. Please be on time since our train leaves Richmond at 7 and will not wait for us.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Fall Camden 2012
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
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
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)