Campus Ministry offers a number of service-immersion experiences that are based upon the cornerstones of simplicity, solidarity, social justice and spirituality. Seven students and lead mentor Donna Ortolani from the Griff Center journeyed to Erie, PA to Mt. St. Benedict’s Monastery to be with the Benedictine community for winter service week.
The group served with the sisters in a variety of ministries throughout the inner city and within the monastery itself. Volunteer opportunities took place at education centers for adults and children, a community center for disabled adults, after-school programs, a children’s art house, soup kitchens, and a food bank. Students also helped 
the sisters with projects at the Mount. Participants lived in the monastery and experienced the sisters’ daily life of prayer and service. The community welcomed our Canisius community with open arms. The group was part of the Benedictine sisters in every way during their time together: eating, serving, playing games, reflecting and praying.
Campus Ministry is offering an opportunity just for faculty, staff and administrators to have a three-day experience that mirrors winter service week from March 30 – April 1. If you’re interested in participating, please contact Sarah Signorino at Ext. 2424 or signoris@canisius.edu. You can visit https://www.eriebenedictines.org/ministries to learn more information about the ministries of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. There is also a Smilebox video of what the group did on winter service week this January.
Submitted by: Sara Morris, PhD, associate vice president, academic affairs
