Holy Cross Mission in Education

Course: THEO 33964/CSC 33964/CST 33964

Location: A Catholic School and Parish Immersion in Arizona

Seminar Dates: January 6-12, 2008
Application Period: Oct. 5 - Nov. 2, 2007

Application Deadline: Nov. 2, 2007

Registration: Nov. 19 - Dec. 5, 2007

Registration Deadline: Dec. 5, 2007

Learning Agreement

Calendar of Events: 2007-2008

The 2007-2008 school year marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Center for Social Concerns, and the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Sollicitudo rei socialis (On Social Concern). Both anticipating and fulfilling John Paul’s prophetic vision, the Center for Social Concerns continues to facilitate solidarity on campus, in the South Bend community, across the nation, and throughout the world. Celebrate both of these remarkable anniversaries by practicing the virtue of solidarity.

“Solidarity is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are really responsible for all.” (On Social Concern, #38)

This seminar focuses on the educational and outreach efforts of St. John Vianney Catholic Parish in Goodyear, Arizona, and builds upon Notre Dame's relationship with the Congregation of Holy Cross. Students also collaborate with those in ministry with Holy Cross in Phoenix.

In particular, participants in the seminar will learn about the creative programming for pre- and grade school children, most of whom are of Hispanic heritage. There will also be opportunities to participate in the special Las Ligas outreach program. And during the week, students will assist in the classrooms of St. John Vianney’s Catholic grade school.

The seminar will also visit social service agencies in Phoenix which are related to the educational and social concerns of the University, the Church and Holy Cross (e.g., immigration). These include: André House of Hospitality, a soup kitchen and guest house ministry; Maggie’s Place, a residential program for pregnant women in need of housing; and St. Joseph the Worker, a job-placement agency for the homeless.

Finally, an integral component of the seminar is time spent with host families. Participants will be staying in the homes of families of St. John Vianney Parish. In addition, students will gather with some of the Notre Dame alumni/ae who have been involved in community service and awareness programs in the Phoenix area.

The seminar will include opportunities for prayer, reflection, journaling, and recreation in the natural beauty of Arizona’s Valley of the Sun, of which Phoenix is the principal metropolis. The seminar will be conducted with a spirit of simplicity, including simple sleeping arrangements on floors and couches (with sleeping bags!) with host families, and immersion into the culture and economy of our host community.

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