Christian Brothers High School • Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE
December 2015 FALL SEMESTER Christian Brothers High School Monthly Newsletter
www.cbhs-sacramento.org
impact, especially close to home. Collaborating with Williams Memorial and collecting food to be distributed to the people in Oak Park has been an amazing opportunity to share with others, to be involved in a larger community, and to just be good neighbors.” Molly Hallsten on donating baskets, baking cookies, and decorating the Christmas tree for the Cathedral Square Homeless Program: “Today we live in a society where we take for granted all that we have and all that is provided for us. We should take the time to be grateful for everything we have. And while we are thankful, it is important to consider those who are less fortunate or have fallen on hard times. The harsh conditions that homeless people encounter are significant and damaging. When the opportunity arrives to provide for others what they may not be able to obtain by themselves, we should act accordingly.” Luci Plazibat on the Lasallian Youth Christmas Party for the children at Rosa Parks Middle School (K-8): “Last year I participated in the first Lasallian Youth Christmas Party at Rosa Parks Middle School. With the help of the gracious students, faculty, and staff at CB and the families of St. Robert, Lasallian Youth was able to donate a massive amount of toys and books to the students at Rosa Parks. The students at Rosa Parks wrote letters to Santa asking for all types of toys. When we walked into the classroom carrying bags full of wrapped presents, the children’s faces lit up. Seeing the excitement and gratitude on the children’s faces was unforgettable. The same unforgettable feeling is present when the members of Lasallian Youth tutor at St. Robert. The students love it when we help them with their homework and play outside with them. It’s amazing to be a part of this school club.” Why do we serve? The reasons are different for everyone but I do believe we are called to take care of and mercifully hold each other in this remarkably sacred world.
INSIDE
A few years ago, early in the cold morning, I was driving to work when I saw a homeless man covered in thin blankets. Standing outside a closed store he began gathering his few possessions. I slowed into the parking lot and stopped my car next to him. As I got out of my car he gave me a puzzled look like, who is this woman and why is she approaching me? “Hi.” I said. “You doing okay?” “Okay, just cold,” he said, stuffing his blanket into the little carrier behind his bicycle, not making eye contact. “I have some water and clean socks if you’d like.” I felt awkward but I headed toward the trunk of my car, opened it, and pulled out the items before he could answer. I smiled at him. He looked a bit taken aback when I handed him two bottles of water and two pairs of new socks. He slowly took them, smiled, and said, “Thank you ma’am, thank you for caring.” “Be well,” I said as I got into my car and pulled away. In the review mirror I saw him open the water and drink. Most likely facing a day of difficulty, he got on his bike. Where would his next meal come from? How far must he ride to get his meal? What would he encounter on his day’s journey from others-goodness or disdain? Would he find evening shelter to keep him warm and safe? I thought of him on the way to work and later asked my students in Social Justice class those same questions. Why do we serve? Why do we serve others when it would be much easier to be less involved, to turn away and focus solely on ourselves? While it is important to evaluate why we serve, it is equally important to understand that the Dignity of the Person must be the heart of service, the call to action. Serving others develops empathy. Serving others is work toward the common good. When I ask students why the CB community continually serves others in need, I get quite a mix of responses but here are a few from Christian Brothers High School students: Valente Araiza organized the Yes We Can canned food drive for Thanksgiving. This year our students collected 2,000 cans to give to our neighbors at Williams Memorial Church. Araiza says, “The canned food drive is a way for CB to help our neighbors in need and to give back to the Oak Park Community. A large part of our Lasallian education is modeled on core principles and learning to serve others. It is one thing being taught how to serve others, and it is another to actually be a part of something that makes a positive
Be well,
Jennifer Lystrup Director of Christian Service
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