I first traveled to Nicaragua in 2003 with a group from Old St. Patrick's Church in Chicago, and my life has never been the same!  Today, as one of the Campus Ministers at the Sheil Catholic Center, it is my great joy and privilege to lead students on this adventure of faith and service. 

Our student coordinators for this year’s trip have embraced the idea of service as a pilgrimage.  As we prepare to journey to San Jose de Cusmapa (a tiny mountain village, shrouded in extreme poverty), we’ve been putting a lot of thought into work projects and what we hope to accomplish there.  As pilgrims on a spiritual journey, we are also preparing for lessons and laughter, joy and trials, letting go and making room for something new.  I always tell students, “Be prepared to be surprised, and be prepared to be different when you return.”  God meets us on the journey.  We carry the presence of Christ with us, but we will also meet Christ in and through and with the people who are already there.  

I invite you to join us on this 6th annual service-learning experience through your prayers and financial support.  All of the money I raise goes directly into our Scholarship Fund, which provides assistance to students who need help with travel expenses.  Please join me in our fundraising efforts by making a donation!

Thank you for believing in and supporting the mission of the Sheil Catholic Center as we strive to be the presence of Christ on the campuses of Northwestern University and throughout the world. 

(photo by Evan Rich Photography: http://www.evanrphotography.com/ )