Best of the Week 2022-2023: Holy Cross Values

ST. ED'S SOPHOMORE IMMERSION PROJECT KICKS OFF WITH A VISIT FROM BR. PHIL BERNIER '77

The Sophomore class kicked off a year-long service immersion project as part of their annual Sophomore Service Experience. On Wednesday, September 7, and the morning of Thursday, September 8, each sophomore Theology class heard from guest speaker and Alumnus Br. Phil Bernier '77, Associate Pastor at St. Malachi.

The goal of the kick-off event, and Br. Phil's presentation, was to encourage students to explore the complex issues of poverty and homelessness, starting the conversation about the many myths, causes, and misconceptions that exist toward these populations. They were also challenged to take the next steps in their growth as Servant Leaders in our community. To facilitate this, sophomores will travel with their Advisory cohort to St. Malachi to serve during the Tuesday Back Door Ministry on a pre-scheduled date sometime during the school year. There, they will make and serve a meal to the hungry in Cleveland, offering the guests Holy Cross Hospitality.

Br. Phil believes that relationships can change perceptions on both sides. He feels as though it is through relationships that we can truly change the world. He encouraged the sophomores to put aside their judgments, be themselves, and be willing to go beyond their comfort zones to meet someone different from themselves. He states that this will "complement their classroom learning and provide a true Holy Cross experience."