What happens when busloads of Cabrini Crescents show up at Second Harvest Food Bank for a service day? Hearts open wide, and the Holy Spirit transforms lives! Service was at the core of Mother Cabrini’s mission to uplift the marginalized, and we are honored to continue that legacy through our Campus Ministry Department.
This fall, our students began a new service and retreat initiative designed to help them live out their faith in tangible ways. Each class is participating in a two-day retreat experience: day one dedicated to service at Second Harvest Food Bank, and day two a class retreat focused on reflection, prayer, and community building. These experiences remind our students that living the Gospel means putting love into action.
At the heart of these efforts is our Campus Ministry Retreat Team, a group of passionate students who are pouring their hearts for Jesus into leading retreats not only for our Cabrini community but also for schools across the Archdiocese. Guided by Campus Minister Mrs. Nicole Jouandot, the team has joyfully hosted retreats for St. Louis King of France Catholic School, during which 5th and 6th graders toured the Cabrini Shrine, Mother Cabrini’s bedroom, chapel, and museum, learning about Mother Cabrini’s courage and deep faith. The team also collaborated with the Brother Martin High School Retreat Team to welcome Saint Dominic School’s 5th graders for a day of spiritual growth, prayer, and connection.
As Mother Cabrini once said, “You, my dearest daughters, are destined to live the life of the apostles.” Our Campus Ministry Department embraces that call with joy, serving others, spreading Christ’s love, and helping students encounter Jesus in both service and spiritual formation. The seeds being planted today promise to bear beautiful fruit for years to come.