March For Life by Olivia Gilbertson '19

Friday, January 18, 2019

“Neumann University cares for all creation” we proudly waved with thousands of other people, united in one cause—the March for Life in Washington DC on January 18^th. This was my second time at the March for Life, a march which so beautifully stands for a cause so important, life. Life at all stages, the unborn, the elderly, those who cannot care for themselves or are misrepresented. The truth of the matter with life is that we are all children of God, made in His perfect image and likeness. I was lucky enough to travel to Assisi over my Christmas break, and one of the most moving moments of the trip for me was when we visited the places in Assisi where the lepers stayed, the outcasts of society, a place where Francis went and gave those outcasts the dignity they deserve.

Wouldn’t it be so beautiful if we all could hug the lepers as Francis did? As college students, we are capable of spreading so much love around us. We can show dignity to all human life every single day in the simplest of ways. The March for Life serves as a great reminder every year to ignite a light of service to others. By being united with thousands of people with the same purpose, I think that it is very possible to make a difference in this world if we all saw each person, at any stage of life, as a child of God.

Giving Tree Distribution by A'Shia McIntosh '19

Friday, January 25, 2018 

Every year Neumann University Campus Ministry participates in “Giving Tree” where they ask faculty, staff and students to donate gift cards, hats, gloves, and blankets to give to persons experiencing homelessness in the Center City area of Philadelphia.

I remember hearing the concept of the “Giving Tree” but I wasn’t able to do it last year. So, this semester I had the opportunity to volunteer my last year of college. When we first arrived in Center City, I was so excited to help those in need but still a little nervous because of the potential awkwardness in approaching someone in need. It was a cold and windy day, however, which helped me realize that this was very needy. 

There was one guy that my friend and I had came across who said, “Is there really something on this gift card, one time someone gave me a gift and there was nothing on it. I was getting food and felt so embarrassed.” I was able to help their immediate physical needs, but most in importantly I was also there to put a smile on their face. Just walking the streets of Center City could’ve been a life-changing experience for someone. It was really an eye-opening and I learned a great deal from this experience and it has helped me become more understanding of others’ situations.

I challenge you this year to help someone in need, whether it is through buying them food, donating clothing, or your time through volunteer work. Make sure you participate in the “Giving Tree” next fall - you won’t be disappointed!