For the past three years, a group of Cristo Rey St. Martin students and faculty opt to devote a week of their summer to doing service work at Nazareth Farm in West Virginia. The week requires all participants to completely “check out”, giving up cell phones, laptops, television, and any other forms of communication with the outside world. This year, nine CRSM students and two faculty members participated in the annual immersion trip. Along with our CRSM group, several students and staff from other Cristo Rey Network schools joined in this week of faith, service, and connection.
Students spend the week immersed in nature and engaging in service activities to benefit the surrounding community. Some activities include building houses, doing maintenance work, and doing yard work. Students also have the opportunity to help facilitate prayer groups and develop their faith and leadership skills.
Recently graduated CRSM ‘24 alum Arlette Silva reflects on why she decided to participate in the trip. Arlette says, “I knew it would get me out of my comfort zone, and as I am starting my new chapter in college this fall, I just wanted some time to reconnect with friends and nature. I was also really looking forward to helping community members in West Virginia better their homes.”
Students are able to connect with their faith and one another on this excursion without the distractions from everyday life like cell phones and social media. Although the thought of being completely unplugged can be anxiety inducing for some, students like CRSM rising senior Jennifer H. really ended up enjoying the opportunity. “My biggest takeaway was probably taking the time to enjoy and appreciate the nature that is around me. This trip really opened my eyes… since I started paying more attention to my surroundings. I also learned a lot more of the different forms of prayers… and it was really quite a fun and enjoyable experience,” said Jennifer.
At CRSM, we are grateful to provide our students with a holistic and faith-based education. We are looking forward to many Nazareth Farm trips to come!