Mass at Holy Name Cathedral

We've begun our journey with mass at Holy Name Cathedral. Monsignor Dan Mayall was kind enough to give the group a special blessing.

During the weeks leading up to our Agora week, students have worked to understand more about the crisis of homelessness through research, watching videos, listening to guest speakers and sharing their own experiences.

Guest speakers have included Fr. Jason Malave, pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Elizabeth Kustusch, pastoral associate at St. Benedict Parish, and Mike Camus, associate for homeless ministry at Back on My Feet, Chicago.  One of the clients from Back on My Feet accompanied Mike and was able to share his own personal experiences with homelessness and how Back on My Feet was able to provide him the support he needed during his struggle.

Students researched data to challenge common attitudes and misconceptions about homelessness and created posters that reflected some visions of what it means to be homeless today.

Chicago is not only a vibrant city but is also a city with great need.  We are excited to venture out of school for this unique learning opportunity and hope the students get as much as they can out of this experience.  This project will include service and education at outreach sites and programs around the city and suburbs.  

Scheduled sites include:

• Franciscan House - 1645 W. LeMoyne, Chicago
• Pacific Garden Mission - 1458 S. Canal, Chicago
• Common Food Pantry - 3744 N. Damen, Chicago
• St. Thomas Canterbury Soup Kitchen - 4927 N. Kenmore, Chicago
• Feed My Starving Children - 1072 National Parkway, Schaumburg
• Deborah's House - 2822 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago
• Inspiration Kitchens - 4715 N. Sheridan, Chicago
• Cornerstone Community Outreach - 4615 N. Clifton, Chicago

Students will have the opportunity to cook and serve meals, visit with guests, sort donations, and learn about various outreach programs throughout Chicagoland. 

This is where we'll be posting videos and pictures of our week of service to the homeless in and around Chicago.  Keep checking as we will be updating the page during the week!