University of Scranton: Week of service 2019

This May, students from The University of Scranton, a Catholic and Jesuit university in Pennsylvania, spent a week of service with the Sisters of Providence. During their time at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice they weeded, mulched and planted. They also did alpaca and chicken chores. They even got to experience the birth of a cria who was named Providence Ignatius in celebration of our ongoing relationship with Jesuit schools. Students also had the opportunity to volunteer at Providence Food Pantry and The Helping Hands in West Terre Haute. We are so grateful for their service. Note: Many of the photos in this album were taken by the students during their stay.

Students from the University of Scranton pose with Providence Ingnatius “Iggy” who was born during their week of service. Iggy was named in celebration of our ongoing with relationships Jesuit schools Front row (LtoR) Kate O’Connor, Grace Dickson, Iggy, Shannon Rattigan, Katie Weisz Back Row (LtoR) Brian Martin, Clare DiGiovanni, Sarah Lajeunesse, Karen Brady, Jake Selingo, Erin O’Shaughnessy, Steven Browning

University of Scranton Students attended mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Scranton students were able to get crops planted during their week of service.

Garden work is never really done. It was such a blessing to have so many extra hands.

University of Scranton students managed to keep smiling even though the work was challenging.

The work is hard but the view is spectacular!

Education is an important aspect of our ministry. Ann Testa, farm projects assistant, helps the students in the garden.

It’s always a good time for a group selfie!

Providence Food Pantry coordinator, Sister Joseph Fillenwarth, SP, gives students instructions for the day.

Sister Patricia Fillenwarth, SP and University of Scranton student, Shannon Rattigan work together at the Food Pantry in West Terre Haute.

In addition to working at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, students volunteered in West Terre Haute at The Helping Hands.

So many chickens!

Reaping the rewards from our flock of chickens.

Befriending an alpaca should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Erin O’Shaughnessy gets up close with new cria, Providence Tracy Dawn.

Students spent some of their time interacting with many of the sisters including Sister Jean Fuqua, SP.

The Hermitages served as a great place to unwind and solidify friendships for the students during their week.

Students enjoyed dining together at the Hermitages where they stayed.

The beauty of the woods was quite evident during the week of service.

No summer is complete without a campfire and s’mores.