Vis Seniors with some of our northside friends from Emerge and From Death to Life
For the past 20+ years the Sisters have sponsored an INNER CITY IMMERSION EXPERIENCE in North Minneapolis as one of the options for Senior Project. It has been a wonderful opportunity for service in this community and to experience another part of town!
The past three years we tried something new! We organized a mission trip right here North Minneapolis! Instead of going to Guatemala or Africa a group of 8 seniors discovered missionary territory right here in the city!
“Our prayer is that this will be an experience they can carry throughout their lives.” – S. Mary Frances
This year we have 9 Visitation women who will stay at our spirituality/retreat/meeting center in the neighborhood called the St. Jane House; a young adult Vis Alum will be staying with them and also and act as chaperone.
From May 26-June 4, 2015:
- They will have a more in depth experience of our neighborhood and the people who are our neighbors;
- They will have many opportunities to serve the community, to interact with young children, other teens and senior citizens;
- They will have opportunities to spread the Salesian spirit of gentle presence.
- They will have an opportunity to build community with one another and with the Sisters.
- It will be lots of FUN & a great contribution to North Minneapolis!
Generally, each day will begin with breakfast, prayer, and off to Northside Child Development Center for the morning where they will assist the teachers of 0-5 year olds. Over the lunch hour there will be speakers from the community to help them gain insight into the root causes of poverty, and also learn about many positive initiatives in place in our community. Afternoons include gardening, monastery jobs, help with computer skills at the local technology center, and maybe even Bingo at the Adult Day Care Center!
The students will prepare and serve their meals, have time to reflect on the day, and even go out on a police ride along! Visitation’s school motto is “NOT FOR SCHOOL BUT FOR LIFE.” Our prayer is that this will be an experience they can carry throughout their lives.
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Click to hear more from past Vis Seniors on their Service Immersion Experiences.
Visit our Video page to hear more from past Vis seniors on their Apostolic Service Immersion experiences.