Service Trip to Tennessee

For the second time in a year, Notre Dame was excited to jump into the service immersion experience at Glenmary Farm in Rutledge, Tennessee. The Glenmary Missionaries see rural Appalachia as "mission country" because of the scarcity of Catholics. Our students and faculty traveled there to show the local area what being Catholic looks like, putting our faith into visible action in the service of others.

Organized by our service coordinator, Mary Torpey, 18 students joined 6 of our faculty members for the 650-mile journey to Tennessee, with the goal of learning how to find comfort in the uncomfortable and encounter Christ in one another and the people they encountered. 

During the week, students delivered food packages to people who live remotely or are homebound. They also helped with landscaping and chopped firewood for homes, while learning the importance of "wasting time" to hear people's stories. The group also collaborated with an orphanage, offering a hand with some daily chores that would not have gotten done otherwise.

They cooked for themselves, making meals on a budget as if they were on food stamps in an exercise of solidarity, challenged their shower use throughout the week, and had a group reflection each evening to share experiences, blessings, and challenges. 

Notre Dame's Glenmary experience will hopefully continue to grow as we stretch ourselves in service and faith, gaining new perspectives and energy that can help us grow back here at school.