News Post

Nine St. Joseph’s Academy students traveled to Camden, New Jersey, for a week of service, held June 14-20. The experience was hosted by Romero Center Ministries, formerly a Franciscan convent now owned and run by St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral Parish. 

The students participated in the Urban Challenge, a unique educational and retreat opportunity that helps participants gain an understanding of urban poverty, its causes and the many issues that people living in these communities confront every day. 

The Urban Challenge invites participants to look through the lens of faith at issues including a failing educational system, lack of affordable housing, absence of employment opportunities, homelessness, hunger, violence and environmental injustice. Students explore urban poverty with the purpose of growing in understanding, compassion and willingness to act on behalf of the poor and vulnerable long after they have left the Romero Center.

Trip chaperones were Dean of Women Christina Richardson and Laurie Rozas of the SJA finance department. 

Service sites for the week included The Neighborhood Center, where students gardened, worked in the kitchen, cleaned and organized. They also worked in the Neighborhood Collaborative Community Gardens; served in the elementary school at St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral School and the SSJ Neighborhood Center; assisted with preschoolers at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries; and volunteered in the STARS Adult Care Center, working with adults with chronic illness and/or limited mobility.

“It was a great week filled with sisterhood, service and building relationships with others,” Richadson said. “I hope that each girl was able to walk away filled with compassion for others, a servant heart and a love for the city of Camden.”

Rozas said the week included hard work as well as fun. “We met some amazing people in Camden and Philadelphia,” she said. “I hope the girls learned that God’s love is often revealed in simple acts of service, meaningful relationships and shared hope.”