University Ministry

Service and Outreach Opportunities

The charism of St. Francis of Assisi at the University of St. Francis begins with the community of the university reflecting on the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

St. Francis of Assisi, deacon, founder of a religious order, a spiritual guide, medieval man and an Italian dreamer of the early 13th century, made a deep impression on the history of the world and gained the respect of people everywhere. His memory continues to create a better world.

Service is one of the four values of USF - Respect, Integrity, Service and Compassion. We strive to serve all people, especially the poor and powerless. Knowing our own dependence on God and others, we engage in active service to the poor and to those with special needs, such as children who are physically underdeveloped and mentally weak, homeless adults and children, hungry and lonely people, and seriously ill people.

Throughout your years of education at USF, you will follow in St. Francis' footsteps and serve the underprivileged. In doing so, like St. Francis, you will embrace with Christ.

MOPPETS - "I assure you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of God. Whoever makes himself lowly, becoming like this little child, is of greatest importance in that heavenly reign" (Mthw. 18:2-4). Mothers of Pre-Schoolers, a.k.a. MOPS, a Christian mothers group, meets for fellowship twice a month and asks you to become "like little children" and crawl on the floor, jump like a monkey, play Pat-A-Cake and enter into a child's world of silliness and fun and games with their kids. This, too, is ministry. This is how you can help build the kingdom of God. Your presence to these kids will be the greatest present you may give anyone all year.

Strides/Trinity Services - His name is Steven and he's struggling to develop his coordination and muscles while riding on a horse. Would you walk beside Steven as he rides? He wants to laugh with you and tell you jokes and sing for you. Join Steven and others at Strides Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center .

Big Brothers/Big Sisters - The "Reach for the Stars" after-school tutoring program is a partnership between Big Brothers/Big Sisters and area elementary schools, high schools, universities and colleges in Will and Grundy counties. With this program a Big Brother or Big Sister Tutor spends time once a week with a Little Brother or Little Sister at a USF classroom and helps them with school work, plays games and talks with them. Big Brothers and Big Sisters may also tutor students weekly at Washington Jr. High on a time basis more fitting with their schedule.

Guardian Angel Home's mission of improving the quality of life for those suffering from abuse, neglect or emotional trauma is made possible by volunteers. Through various programs, volunteers work together to assist women and children in the fields of education, parenting skills, tutoring, crisis intervention and vocational and life skills training. Training is required for some of the programs.

Daybreak Center's Shepherd's Table - Living on the streets is a way of life for some people. They know of no other way. Their lives are simple. The clothes on their back is all they own. They sleep at Daybreak Center. Would you come help feed them? "Then the just will ask him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you …?' The king will answer them, 'I assure you, as often as you did it for one of the least of my brothers, you did it for me'" (Mthw. 26:37, 40).

Morningstar Mission helps feed the homeless in Joliet and assists men whose lives have fallen into the grips of alcohol and drugs. These evil forces are relentless. Morningstar provides a supportive environment for recovery. Together we work in the kitchen with the men who have devoted their lives to recovery and spiritual growth. We prepare and serve meals with them. We dine with them. We share our life stories with them. And together, we pray.

Junior Achievement - I could feel my stomach begin to pull itself into a tight knot as I lifted my hand to grasp the handle of Room 11 at Carl Sandburg Elementary School in Joliet. I was about to embark on my first teaching experience as a member of Junior Achievement, an organization that enlists the help of volunteers to teach economics and the value of free enterprise to grade-school children. This program intends to give students a head start on economic issues that will one day impact their lives. In my case, this program was also responsible for giving me my first taste of teaching.

As a sophomore English/Education major at USF, my experiences with teaching were lacking, other than the fact that I had been a student all my life. JA gave me a glimpse of what it was like to be on the other side of the desk. As I pulled open the door, I was greeted with 27 shining smiles.

As I made my way to the front of the class I could hear my third-grade students whisper to each other about who I could possibly be. Their questions were answered when their teacher introduced me as "Ms. Megan" and told them I was there to teach economics for JA. The floor then became mine. I remember my heart raced as I began my lesson. A thousand thoughts and fears ran through my mind, "Were the students listening?" "Was I boring?" "Am I really cut out to do this?"

To my surprise, I found each and every one of my students seated at their desks, quietly with their eyes glued on me. When it came time for them to answer the questions I posed, or the moment of truth as some teachers refer to it, I was over-whelmed by their response -- the students were eager to answer -- so much that they were jumping out of their seats!

Over the next few weeks I found their level of participation remained constant. The students were always excited to see me come to class, and they continued to remain attentive and involved. I was told that they couldn't wait for "Ms. Megan" to come to class, and I was welcomed with hugs on more than one occasion. I fondly remember the phone call that I excitedly made to my mom once outside in the car after my first day of teaching. "Mom, I love this!" I spoke into the receiver. It was true, and I thank JA for giving me the wonderful opportunity to learn this.
(submitted by Megan Kearney)