My Week in the Mountains

At Our Lady of the Mountains School (OLM) in Paintsville, Kentucky, every morning begins by gathering in the library, forming a circle, and praying for each student’s special intentions. With a hint of Southern drawl, each student recites their intentions for their favorite nuns and priests, for those with Ebola, for anyone who needed their prayers, and, last week,“for the Notre Dame students.”  My days at OLM ended with students chasing after our car as they rushed to wave to us as we left for the day. From the beginning to the end, the students of OLM embraced our very presence.

            My experience at OLM was part of the Center of Social Concerns Appalachia Service immersion program. Over 200 Notre Dame students took part in the seminar  a series of 6 classes leading up to a week of service in the Appalachia region of the United States. There were various sites to pick from, each tackling an issue of rural poverty. As I hope to someday be a teacher, I was naturally drawn to education. Luckily, I was accepted to the site at Our Lady of the Mountains.

I spent the weeks leading up to the trip filled with anticipation. I planned a play for the students to put on and I got to know the group of six girls who would travel there with me. But, the week before the trip was exhausting and emotionally depleting. I was beginning to regret my decision to go on the trip- surely a week of sleep and the comforts of home might be more of what I needed. Yet, I woke up bleary eyed at 6AM and made my way to the vans.

As our trip began, my hesitations disappeared. When we arrived we met Sister Lillian, the school’s principal, and Sister Nancy and Father Hopp who hosted us in a rectory in  a nearby church. We were joined on our first night in Paintsville by some older students from OLM as well as members of the community. As we played corn hole and ate pizza, we realized how everyone we met was so welcoming.

The welcome continued as we began volunteer work  at the school. I spent each morning working with the younger students on their songs for the play. We put on a production of Noah’s Ark complete with masks and songs. We joined the students for lunch each day, eating at their tables and joining them for recess. My afternoon was always spent with the older kids, helping them rehearse their lines for the play and then helping teach social studies. It was incredibly fulfilling to watch their faces light up as we worked in their classrooms and joined them for games in the school yard after class. We also spent time doing organizational work that the school day might be too busy for the staff to get around to, including organizing a closet and tidying a science lab.

After school, we joined Sister Lillian, Sister Nancy, Father Hopp, and members of the community for Mass. Then we joined different members of the community for dinner. We ate Chinese with the grandparents of two of the littlest and sweetest girls at OLM. We went to a world famous barbeque joint with parishioners and teachers. Four different families joined us for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. It was a great way to get to know their stories and tell them ours.

In the evenings, we often participated in different activities. One night we joined volunteers from the Christian Appalachia Project for a bonfire. We also visited the thrift store that Sister Nancy operated for the people of Paintsville. On our second to last night we went to the Highway Country Music Museum for a Bluegrass and Barn Dance night. We had planned to meet up with another Notre Dame group there, but we also realized that many of our new friends we met in Paintsville, were there too. That night in particular was a coming together of two worlds, two groups of friends- old and new.

Our last day ended with a performance of the play. Every student had a part and several parents came to watch. It went perfectly! We then surprised the kids with a rendition of “The Cup Song” in which we sang about how much we were going to miss their beautiful school. They responded by singing us a song, giving us notes, and other mementos to remember them by. It was a moment of pure happiness. The students seemed so grateful to us for our presence in their school and in return we were so grateful for all the joy they had brought us that week.

In all honesty, the trip felt less like a service trip, and more like something beyond that. It was a union of two communities. Every moment we were at Our Lady of the Mountains, we celebrated the existence of the students and they celebrated ours in return. They were serving us as much as we served them. Last Fall Break, after my trip to France, I wrote, “You trust anyway and you pray with all your heart. And you find that God has taken you exactly where you need to be.” That is how I feel once again about this Fall Break. Without a doubt, Our Lady of the Mountains School in Paintsville, Kentucky, was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Faith Lessons from ND History

Our campus is a picturesque place, constantly rated one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. What many don’t realize is that behind the striking old buildings and stunning landscaping is a rich history. As our university’s history is tied very closely to that of the Holy Cross priests who founded it, we can learn a great deal by taking the time to listen and reflect on their stories.

The Log Chapel

When Father Sorin reached the land he declared as our campus, he created a log cabin chapel to serve all the needs of the new students of the university. The cabin was their chapel, but also their classroom, dining hall, and dormitory. All of the sprawling resources we find across campus were stuffed into their tiny cabin. After classes, students would drag the lake for clay and would make bricks to begin building the actual buildings for their university. Imagine finishing all your academic work and then spending several more hours making bricks!

Lesson Learned: Simplicity. We have so much on campus, from our gigantic stadium to our state of the art science labs. When we think back to this university’s origins, they weren’t ones of excess, but ones of simple beginnings and lots and lots of hard work.

Father Corby’s Statue

Notre Dame was a significant spot during the Civil War. South Bend was one of the very last stops on the Underground Railroad as it was so close to Michigan. Many nearby homes housed runaway slaves. During the Civil War, Father Corby felt very strongly about the North winning. He took a group of students to fight in the Battle of Gettysburg. After the battle was finished, he forgave everyone for the atrocities committed on the battlefield.

Lesson Learned: Forgiveness. It would not have been easy for a priest to watch devastating and horrific battle even if it was for a cause he believed in. In offering forgiveness to those young men, he was truly living out his vocation.

The Main Building

The most notable building on our campus is not without hardship. In April 23, 1879, the building burnt down. It was a devastating fire that also destroyed the music building and infirmary. However, Father Sorin did not give up after this disaster. He delivered one of the most famous speeches in Notre Dame history. He declared that we would be even bigger and even better than before. 

Lesson Learned: Perseverance. Throughout our faith lives we will hit roadblocks and difficult moments. There will be disasters and we will feel like our whole lives are “in flames.” Yet, we are called to rebuild bigger and better.

Take a break from midterms this week to reflect on not just the beauty of the places on campus, but on the rich stories behind them. This month is the bicentennial tribute to Father Sorin, so there are many opportunities to reflect on the beginnings of our university and his role in it.  

Living Your Faith: Spiritual Works of Mercy

In last week’s blog, I discussed how we can live out the Corporal Works of Mercy as Notre Dame students. This week, I am looking at the Spiritual Works of Mercy. These are different in that instead of serving others through physical things- food, water, shelter- we are ministering to others spiritually.

Spiritual Works of Mercy can be practiced just as conveniently, but in different ways. They call for making human and personal connections with people, and they call for understanding and compassion.

To instruct the ignorant

This means taking on the role of a teacher and helping to share your own gifts and talents with others.

On campus and in the community… you can do this by becoming a tutor. There are several different groups on campus that travel off campus to tutor at the Boys and Girls Club, La Casa de Amistad, and local high schools. You can also do this more informally in your dorm by helping others who are struggling with subjects in which you excel.

To counsel the doubtful

This is all about giving hope to others, especially those struggling with their faith.

On campus… you can do this by getting involved in a faith-sharing group where you can help discuss the ways in which your faith has helped to shaped you.. You can also do this in your dorm by helping freshmen who might be doubting their place at Notre Dame or having trouble making friends. Reaching out to them and giving them hope is a great way to live out this Spiritual Work of Mercy.

To admonish sinners

One of the toughest works, this is about “tough love” and calling out things that you see are wrong.

On campus… it is difficult to tell our friends that they are doing wrong and it is certainly not something everyone is comfortable doing. However, college is a time when really dangerous habits can form. I’m not saying you should call out any moral infraction (because let’s face it, college kids have a lot of these), but if you notice a friend who is in danger of hurting themselves or others from decisions they are making, it is a good time to give them a private word or talk to your rector about your concerns.

To bear wrongs patiently

Being patient, especially with those who bother or wrong us, is never easy,which is why this work is so important.

In your dorm… you are called to be patient with your roommates, floormates, and other residents of your hall. Yeah, it is annoying when your roommate leaves their wet laundry in the room (oh wait that’s me) or when the person in front of you takes a long time printing when you are really late for class, but we are called to accept all these things with patience and grace.

To forgive offences willingly

In this same way, we are called to forgive those who wrong us, no matter how hard it is.

In your dorm… those same people we must be patient with are the very same that we need to forgive. It is most important to remember that forgiving also means forgetting. Once you give your forgiveness, you also need to give them a clean slate. We’ve all been in that position before.

To comfort the sorrowful

This work calls us to be a friend to others by caring for them when they are sad.

With your friends… Work hard to be more aware of how each other is doing. If your friend bombed a test, didn’t get into the study abroad program they liked, or had their heart broken,this your time to minister to them. Give them a cupcake, send them pictures of baby animals- do whatever you can do to bring a smile to their face.

To pray for the living and the dead

This work of mercy reminds us to pray for others, it is so easy to pray for things we want, we desire- this is a reminder to pray for your friends, family, and even strangers.

Today… start making a prayer list. Put on it names of people you want to pray for, living or dead. Anyone from your granny to your bestie to the homeless guy you saw on the street. Add to your list and always remember to pray for everyone onit!

As we get deeper into the semester it is inevitable to let ourselves become selfish. Despite our stress and worry, we should always think of others- especially our fellow students. Challenge yourself this week to be the most caring, responsible self you can be and to live out your faith through the Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Living Your Faith: Corporal Works of Mercy

Between classes and extracurricular activities, service is one of the easiest thing to forget to do. I often find myself thinking, “How do I have time to serve others, when I am so overwhelmed?” But yet, it is in serving others that we are really and truly giving ourselves. So how can we work to serve others and our community more significantly while still being students?

When it comes to service, we can look to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy for ways to serve others. This week, I will examine how we can live out the Corporal Works and next week I will look at the Spiritual Works.

Feed the Hungry
This work is as simple as it sounds. There are people around the world and in our South Bend community who seek the basic nourishment of food. With our wonderful dining halls, it’s sometimes hard to remember that there are people nearby who are struggling to get a basic meal.
How to Help:
From your dorm room… sign up for the Wednesday Fast through ND’s World Hunger Coalition. Simply dine on flex points for your Wednesday lunch and the money from your meal will go to help others in need. Check your e-mail at the beginning of each semester for more information.

Give Drink to the Thirsty
Clean drinking water is a necessity. In places around the world and in our own back yard, clean drinking water is threatened. “Care for God’s Creation” is a principle of Catholic Social Teaching. Part of our duty as Catholics is to be good stewards of the Earth and an easy way to start is to protect our water supply.
How to Help:
On your laptop… support initiatives to protect clean water and environments across our country by writing to your senators. You can find out more at cleanwateraction.org.

Clothe the Naked
At places like Notre Dame, where online shopping is a common studying distraction, it is easy to forget that many people can’t afford basic clothing, much less those Tori Burch flats you are saving up for. Clothing is basic human dignity that everyone deserves.
How to Help:
Without leaving your residence hall… give away your old clothes. The best news is boxes are located in your residence hall laundry room where you can donate clothes to local charities.

Shelter the Homeless
Homelessness is a devastating condition that unfortunately affects many in the South Bend area. "Hospitality do not forget; for by this some, not being aware of it, have entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:2)
How to Help
In the local community… is the Center for the Homeless. The Notre Dame Circle K Club visits every Tuesday from 4 to 6PM. You can serve a meal and listen to stories from those who are suffering from homelessness in this area.

Visit the Imprisoned
Prison ministry is vital. People in the justice system are often those who get forgotten about most. It is important to reach out to those imprisoned to show them compassion and Christ-like love.
How to Help
Across campus… the CSC is raising awareness for Hyper-Incarceration and a deeper understanding of the flaws in our justice system. Take the opportunity to learn more by attending one of the many events they host on campus this year.

Visit the Sick
We are lucky to go to a school that is reaching out to find cures for some of the most troubling and infectious diseases. From the Ebola epidemic in Western Africa to Elphantitus in Haiti, we are doing awesome things for research.
How to Help
In our campus community… consider donating your time or money to those traveling to other countries to help with aid. Organizations such as Global Medical Brigade, GlobeMed, and Students Fighting Neglected Tropical Diseases work on campus and around the world on campaigns to help some to the most diseased people.

Bury the Dead
In a campus surrounded by cemeteries, it is impossible to forget the dead at Notre Dame. However, it is rare to actually visit the cemeteries and recall the lost lives that are held there.
How to Help
Without leaving campus… leave a flower on the grave at one of the cemeteries or light a candle for a departed soul at the grotto.

Faith is never passive. We have to constantly challenge ourselves to live out what we preach. The good news is that it doesn’t take a lot to make a difference in the lives of others, it is so easy to give of ourselves without leaving campus. But, don’t stop there. Consider immersing yourself in service more by joining a service affiliated club, going on a CSC break seminar, or spending your summer doing an SSLP or ISSLP!

Dearest Sophomores,

“I have a couple papers due soon.”

“I’ve already gone on a retreat this year.”

“I got invited to a really cool game watch, so I don’t know.”

These are all  excuses as to why students have not yet signed up for the Sophomore Road Trip. But I am here to tell you that you are wrong! By not signing up for SRT you are missing out on one of the most unique and exciting experiences that Campus Ministry andNotre Dame has to offer. So in response  to the reasons not to go, here are some reasons you SHOULD.

1.     Adventure. A year ago, I wrote about how Sophomore Road Trip helped lead me to say yes to adventure. [KM1] But it should also go without saying that SRT itself is an adventure. At this point in the year, you’ve found your routine. Your weeks fall into an ordinary pattern. The biggest adventure you’ve had so far is taking the bus to the mall. Now is your chance to shake things up. You will get to do things that you’d never get to do on campus and will rarely get a chance to do off campus either. Last year I went canoeing, climbed a high ropes course, and tried so many new forms of prayer. Who knows what adventures this year’s trip will hold?

2.     Let it Go. This is your chance to give yourself a gift. Very rarely at Notre Dame do you get to let go of all your worries, stress, and obligations. You don’t have worry about orgo lab reports or literature essays. You don’t have to worry about where you going, if you will fit in, or what will happen next. The chance to surrender everything and immerse yourself in the experience is truly freeing. You may never get this opportunity again  at college, so take advantage of a few luxurious days where you can escape from the stress of school and take time to think about your own direction.

3.     Understand. In all honesty, I had some very low moments my sophomore year. There were struggles with school, trouble with friends, and disappointment for many of my dreams for the future. This wasn’t my favorite part of my college experience so far, but these issues were a real part of it, and something we will all experience in one way or another. People make a huge deal out of the transitions and struggles of Freshman year, but the truth is we always make transitions and we are always facing struggles. It doesn’t stop when you are a sophomore, or even a junior (I can attest). SRT won’t give you the answers to the problems you face. But it will give you stories of people who turned their hardships over to God and of people who faced problems not unlike yours. Their stories are ones of hope. It was in my very difficult moments when I made myself remember the witnesses of faith that spoke at SRT and helped me have the courage to hope.

4.     Make Life Changing Relationships. This past weekend, I attended the wedding of my former RA. Where did she meet her husband? Sophomore Road Trip. Obviously, we cant’ promise that you will find your future spouse, but you will create rewarding new friendships. Sophomore year the new friend making craze of freshmen year has died off, yet here is an opportunity to meet people who care about some of the same things you do- faith, fun, and adventure. The friendships I made at SRT have been so great, from the friend behind me in French class, to one of my favorite fellow bloggers, to a friend who helped me find my new Ugandan pen pal.

As someone who has spent the past month working hard to plan your road trip for you- I can say, that this is YOUR chance to say yes to adventure. The leadership team has spent weeks planning for your arrival- we’ve prayed for you, we’ve planned out crazy activities for you, we’ve worked hard to become the best we can be so that you have the best time imaginable. The only thing our wonderful retreat is missing is you. So what’s holding you back? Nope, nothing, your reason is invalid. There is only one Sophomore Road Trip left and you are signing up for it.[KM2] 

Seeing Jesus: Women Mystics

For those of you who regularly read this blog, you know that the role of women in Catholicism is something I spend a lot of time contemplating. One of the things that helps me most in my faith life is studying strong female role models. This week, I’d like to focus on some women I find both fascinating and inspiring: women mystics.

Women mystics are women to whom Jesus has appeared. They are scattered from early times (such as St. Hildegard) to more modern (such as St Faustina[KM1] ). My mom leads retreats that spend time scoping out the lives of these women and I thought it was time to discover their lives for myself. Here are three that I found most in intriguing.[KM2] 

Saint Catherine of Genoa (1447- 1510)

Catherine was forced into an awful marriage at an early age. Her husband was unfaithful, violent, and irresponsible with money. Despite her suffering, she decided to follow her own path and care for the sick of Genoa, Italy. She also took in her husband’s mistress and child when they were in need. Eventually her husband decided to convert and join her in her ministry. She continued to go above and beyond, becoming a manager and treasurer of a hospital. Finally, on her death bed she had visions of Jesus and her experiences were recorded, leading to her eventual saint hood.

Julian of Norwich (1342- 1416)

There is not much known about this woman; in fact they don’t even know her real name, calling her only “Julian” because she lived at the Church of St. Julian[KM3] . When she was 30 years old, she became very ill and was believed to be on her death bed. During this time, Jesus appeared to her in several visions. At the time, people saw God as a figure of wrath, punishing the world with plague and peasant revolts. Julian changed that notion as her vision revealed a more compassionate and peaceful God. The main message she took away from Jesus was the phrase, “All shall be well.”

Saint Catherine of Sienna (1347- 1380)

She experienced visions from an early age and vowed at age 7 to give her life to God. Arranged to marry a man she detested, she started a hunger strike to protest him, winning her freedom to live reclusively. When she was 21 she experienced a “Mystical Marriage” in which Christ gave her a ring of flesh and asked her to go back out into the world and serve others.  She eventually went on to do many things including opening a women’s monastery and advocating for Pope Urban VI during the Western Schism.

It is easy to find lots of modern inspirations for faith, service, and perseverance but it is also easy to forget that we have women who have been leaders of their faith and vessels of God’s love since the beginning of Christianity. These women come to us from the Middle Ages and Renaissance but don’t fail to be as interesting and faithfilled as modern role models.

7 Day Prayer Challege

I’m a sucker for good hashtags. Lately, one of my favorite trends is for fitness or yoga challenges. Using social media is a great way to keep yourself accountable. A quick tweet about how you are starting the #15dayAbChallege or #30DayYogaChallege means that all your friends know that you are committed to staying in shape (and therefore can bully you if you don’t). It’s also a good way of developing a habit, challenging yourself to do new things, and telling the world what is importantto you.

So on that note, I present my unique challenge for you. The #7DayPrayerChallenge. Starting tonight (Tuesday, September 9^th) I am starting my own challenge!

This challenge is an opportunity to take on different forms of prayer for 7 days. My prayer for you is that in 7days you develop a habit of prayer and find some forms of pray that bring you closer to God. Here is your schedule:

Day One (9/9)- Find your phrase. When accepting any challenge, you gotta give yourself a motivational phrase to help yourself power through. So tonight, right now, as you accept this challenge- go look for your phrase. It can be from the bible, from a religious figure/saint, or really anything that will inspire you and give you strength for the next 7 days. To really commit, I suggest tweeting/instagraming/other social media-ing your phrase with the fabulous hashtag #7DayPrayerChallenge and even including the picture above (especially if you instagram it).

Day Two (9/10)- Seek out silence for 30 minutes. At Notre Dame, it is really hard to find time for quiet. Last week, I snagged a desk on the 12^th floor of the Hesburg Library and used it to spend time eating my ABP sandwich and reflecting and praying about my experience at ND. It was a great experience and I definitely encourage you to mind a quiet moment, even if you are super busy, seek out the silence.

Day Three (9/11)- Get moving. Active prayer is awesome because it gets your endorphins going which leads to a more joyful prayer experience. My preferred way to do this is through Christian Yoga, but I recommend you find a way that works for you. Don’t forget to tweet about!

Day Four (9/12)- Readall about it. Write down your thoughts, struggles, and petitions in a letter to God. Obviously one of my favorite ways to talk to God and talk about God is through writing. If you like doing this, it might be a great beginning to a journaling prayer practice for you. Or who knows, maybe you’ll want to start a blog too!

Day Five (9/13)- And Repeat. Saying the rosary is one of my favorite ways to pray to Mary and reflect on her amazing life. Take time today to say a rosary! If you aren’t Catholic, try repeating some of your favorite prayers as a way of reflecting. Keep updating social media about your progress this week !

Day Six (9/14)- Spread the Love. Last spring, I challenged myself to 40 Random Acts of Kindness- today, I challenge you to do just one! Give back to others by doing a spontaneous nice thing for someone- pay for someone’s Starbucks, write your favorite quote a sticky note, or leave a gift card in a bathroom.

Day Seven (9/15)- Celebrate. You made it to Day Seven! If you are a member of the Notre Dame community, join me (and my boss Kate Morgan and my co-blogger Katie) for 11:30 AM mass in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. If you complete all 7 days of the challenge, we’ll even treat you to Starbucks following Mass!

That’s right, friends- this challenge ends in free Starbucks! So what’s stopping you! A chance to get closer to God, a chance to challenge yourself to new forms of prayer, a chance to develop a prayer habit, a chance to hang out with me your wonderful blogger, and of course, Free Starbucks! So get ready, get set… #7DayPrayerChallenge