From Observation to Action

The annual Faculty Day of Experience was held on Monday February 19, when the Brother Martin faculty and staff were asked to select one service agency from a list of seven that seemed interesting as well as informative. While visiting each agency, our faculty and staff learned and experienced how that agency addresses Social Justice. This experience branches from the roots of our Founder, Father Andre Coindre, whose life defined the charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart by rescuing two abandoned young girls from the freezing temperatures of a wintry evening in Lyon, France. Feeling compassion for them, he took them to a safe haven where they could find peace and comfort. From this one empathic act of kindness, a charism was born, a charism that responds to the marginalized, to the helpless, a charism that governs each of these seven agencies.

The day began with a viewing of a 75 minute documentary, Shelter, produced by Vice Documentary Films about Covenant House which followed a number of individuals, for about a year, to whom they minister. Take one of the individuals, Matthew, for example… He came to Covenant House because he needed structure in his life. Coming from a dysfunctional family, he received counseling and guidance from the experienced personnel there whose motto is “you got to love ‘em; you got to protect ‘em.” Matthew eventually found a job in the restaurant business, located a place to stay at night so he is off the street, is functioning on his own, and is glad to be back in society.

According to Jim Kelley, executive director of Covenant House, no one is turned away. He believes wholeheartedly that the 16 to the 22 years old individuals who walk through their doors are resilient and brave despite the hardships that have colored their lives, despite the feelings of abandonment, despite the drugs and alcohol that for them makes life a little more bearable. Such is the story of Elizabeth who after multiple relapses now finds herself pregnant and back on the street. According to Jim, you cannot give up on them, cannot stop believing in them because they will stop believing in themselves. Of the homeless youth they see, 70% of them are abused, while 80% suffer from some type of psychological depression. Despite these startling statistics, the staff at Covenant House offers a safety net for a growing population of young people who are lost and a sanctuary of unconditional caring and love. The documentary left everyone in awe and was a fitting prelude for the next experience.

After all of the site visits, each individual must find his or her way to serve, for as St. Vincent De Paul said that “the uglier and dirtier they are, the more unjust and bitter, the more you must give them your love. It is because of your love, only your love” that they can feel any hope of survival. In addition, you make real the words of Christ according to Matthew 25: 31-46 and as part of this day’s readings, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did / For one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” The Brother Martin faculty and staff used the model of Catholic social teaching which calls us to act justly though “seeing or observing, judging and acting.” The faculty has observed service in action, judged the situation in each agency, and must now act. As Father Andre Coindre emphasized in his letters that “you have been called [to] serve the Lord in their person.” As a Christian, what other choice does one have?

Faculty Day of Experience site visit reflections:

St. Mary of the Angel Head Start

A group of 11 Brother Martin teachers and staff visited St. Mary of the Angel Head Start Center in the Ninth Ward which serves children from six weeks to 5 years old. No fee is required and the Center is available to any family who qualifies. According to Rhonda Taylor, Director of Early Childhood Education Services at Catholic Charities, our main objective is “to prepare them for kindergarten. We are an early learning school.” The group witnessed first-hand the various learning exercises in the classrooms visited. The Center provides not only early childhood education but also health, social, and nutritional services as well. With an enrollment of almost 500, the Center serves these children a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack. Federally funded, it provides speech and hearing screening, psychological testing, and a comprehensive program that encourages parents to develop a collaborative relationship with the Center. The work done here is impressive, but ceases for some when these children return home to a challenging environment that often leaves some physically hungry and emotionally starved.

The Good Shepherd Nativity Mission School

Another group of educators visited The Good Shepherd Nativity Mission School, which seeks to help low-income urban youth realize their full potential and become productive members of society. Often coming from an unstable home environment, these young students find this school a safe haven for learning and directive guidance. One Brother Martin faculty member recalled the words of a young man the group met that day: [“We] can’t judge God for what He didn’t give [us],” an observation that identifies the many challenges of the staff at Good Shepherd. Just like the conditions in Lyon, France where two young girls were abandoned in the freezing cold, Tommy Moran, President of GSS, and his staff hope to rescue as many children as possible with unconditional love and compassion. In the words of one teacher, “God gives us opportunities each day to teach and guide the young men who are currently in our care.”

St. Michael Special School

Another group visited St. Michael Special School designed especially for those individuals ages six to adulthood who may have multiple disabilities, as well as other health impairments and educational needs. Mrs. Ann Higgins, Assistant Principal, emphasized the importance of developing the whole child, of addressing their physical, mental, and emotional challenges. The group witnessed this holistic approach in action as they saw a physical education class working out in the gym, then proceeded to the Joy Activity Center where they viewed woodworking and other crafts taking place. In another room students were busy sorting beads. The classrooms revealed students hard at work while the tour ended in the kitchen which serves as a learning center for culinary arts and dining etiquette. The work that these trained professionals do and what they accomplish is amazing. One faculty member observed how fortunate he felt to be in good health and how these people here are so giving of themselves – ‘it makes me pause in gratitude with a strong desire to want to help in any way possible.’

Covenant House

An additional group went to Covenant House where the personnel there presented information on two crucial areas related to helping the city’s homeless population: mental health and human trafficking. The group learned that through social work and targeted programs, Covenant House hopes to address mental health issues faced by its residents. In addition, the trained staff gave a presentation on human trafficking which was an eye-opening experience for the Brother Martin group. From its proximity to the French Quarter, Covenant House may just be the first line of defense as well as a place of refuge for those men and women who are trying to escape a life beyond their control. Undoubtedly, Covenant House helps make their world more tolerable, more loving, and more caring.

Ozanam Inn

“Who are the others?” This was the question presented to our group of Faculty members who visited Ozanam Inn. Ms. Shandra welcomed the group and provided background information about the people that they serve. She explained about the services that are provided to the needy in our community. The services include meals, clothing, and legal assistance free of charge.They include dental and health check-ups, and mail service for the homeless without a permanent address. Ozanam Inn is an outreach program of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, and whether you are someone who visits it for its services, or is the person serving others, you feel the love of God. Before leaving Ozanam Inn, the group was introduced to Ted. He came to Ozanam Inn because he was tired of living the life of an addict. He received counseling and education in order to become sober and free of drug addiction. Once he completed these challenges, he was asked to become a site worker at the Inn. In eleven years he has cooked, worked in the main office, and is now a case manager. He shared that he is happy with his work because it gives him the sense of worth. As he concluded his sharing, Ted looked at us all, smiled, and said, “Ozanam Inn has given me a good life.”

Cornerstone Builders

The final agency is Cornerstone Builders. The Cornerstone Builders is a prisoner re-entry program that deals with the challenges that prisoners face once they leave prison. Without this agency and the various services they provide, life’s obstacles would be too overwhelming and the urge to return to the streets too tempting. Additionally, Cornerstone Builders is constantly looking for adult mentors to work with and be role models for the children of the imprisoned, to give them guidance and hope.

– Reflection provided by Mr. Dean Songy, English Teacher and Campus Ministry.