Service in Dominican Republic
17 Montrosians care for children at orphanage over spring break.
Spring break had a new meaning this year for seventeen Montrose students. Instead of relaxing over April vacation, these girls embarked on a journey that encapsulates one of the most important aspects of the Montrose mission: service to others.
The students, all juniors and seniors, traveled to the small town of Cangrejo in the Dominican Republic, to an orphanage for children with physical and mental disabilities. They spent their week ministering to the children, as well as constructing the foundation of a new wing of the orphanage.
The girls were universally moved by their experience. Bridget Rose '13 loved the opportunity to do hands-on work with the children. “Although I have done work for Mustard Seed for years, this was different because we got to experience the people. I loved how the children recognized us and responded to us more each day. That was so important - it reminded us that the volunteer work you do is helping someone real." Dina Roche '14 agreed. "I realized that much of what we can do for these children, we can do from home," she said. "If we donate a little bit of money, that really does matter. It will provide something important that the whole orphanage can share in."
The girls also relished the physical labor involved, as they helped to build the foundation of a new building to house the orphans. They noted that an older volunteer worker was surprised by their strength and enthusiasm for the work of building the foundation. "I loved the significance that we were building the foundation, the beginning of this building," said Grace Schiller '13.
Several attendees found a new appreciation for “the things that really matter,” such as their faith, family and school community. "In the Dominican Republic, their lifestyle was very simple, but they were all very happy," observed Megan St. Martin '14. "The people we met had such a personal community. It helped us realize that what matters is who you are with." Katie Fair '14 loved the evident joy that the local residents brought to their celebration of their faith. Several girls noted that celebrating Mass in the Dominican Republic brought home the universality of the Catholic Church.
After such a powerful trip, the Montrosians returned home vowing to remember and apply what they had learned. Upper School Theology and English teacher Ms. Mary Jane Rice, who chaperoned the trip, had each girl write a letter to herself about her experience. Ms. Rice holds these letters, which she will return to the girls in six months. “We have to work to make this trip a life-changing experience. It doesn’t just happen,” Ms. Rice pointed out.
The girls brimmed over with suggestions for how to apply what they had learned. “Everyone there was so happy. I wanted to bring that joy back, even just by being more friendly to others,” said Catherine Schickel ’14. Ceili McLaughlin ’13 admired the strength of community she saw in the Dominican Republic. “I want to try to spread that here,” she said. Sarah Maguire ’13 loved the hiatus from her busy life, which gave her time to stop and reflect. Maggie Driscoll ’14 even found that after a week away from technology, “coming home, I’ve started using it less and trying to live in the moment more.”
In all, the girls were deeply grateful for the joy, love and sense of community they found working with the children. "We were taken out of our comfort zone," said Caroline Cassidy '13. "We realized how we take so many things for granted, and how blessed we are."
Also in attendance were Maggie Fitzgerald ’14, Taylor Agapite ’14, Kristina Brewer ’14, Emily Flynn ’14, Emma Woessner ’14, Dorothy Crevier ’14, Alexis Katinas ’14, and chaperones alumna Allyson McHugh ’00 and Upper School Science teacher Ms. Bridget Higgins.
Back
The students, all juniors and seniors, traveled to the small town of Cangrejo in the Dominican Republic, to an orphanage for children with physical and mental disabilities. They spent their week ministering to the children, as well as constructing the foundation of a new wing of the orphanage.
The girls were universally moved by their experience. Bridget Rose '13 loved the opportunity to do hands-on work with the children. “Although I have done work for Mustard Seed for years, this was different because we got to experience the people. I loved how the children recognized us and responded to us more each day. That was so important - it reminded us that the volunteer work you do is helping someone real." Dina Roche '14 agreed. "I realized that much of what we can do for these children, we can do from home," she said. "If we donate a little bit of money, that really does matter. It will provide something important that the whole orphanage can share in."
The girls also relished the physical labor involved, as they helped to build the foundation of a new building to house the orphans. They noted that an older volunteer worker was surprised by their strength and enthusiasm for the work of building the foundation. "I loved the significance that we were building the foundation, the beginning of this building," said Grace Schiller '13.
Several attendees found a new appreciation for “the things that really matter,” such as their faith, family and school community. "In the Dominican Republic, their lifestyle was very simple, but they were all very happy," observed Megan St. Martin '14. "The people we met had such a personal community. It helped us realize that what matters is who you are with." Katie Fair '14 loved the evident joy that the local residents brought to their celebration of their faith. Several girls noted that celebrating Mass in the Dominican Republic brought home the universality of the Catholic Church.
After such a powerful trip, the Montrosians returned home vowing to remember and apply what they had learned. Upper School Theology and English teacher Ms. Mary Jane Rice, who chaperoned the trip, had each girl write a letter to herself about her experience. Ms. Rice holds these letters, which she will return to the girls in six months. “We have to work to make this trip a life-changing experience. It doesn’t just happen,” Ms. Rice pointed out.
The girls brimmed over with suggestions for how to apply what they had learned. “Everyone there was so happy. I wanted to bring that joy back, even just by being more friendly to others,” said Catherine Schickel ’14. Ceili McLaughlin ’13 admired the strength of community she saw in the Dominican Republic. “I want to try to spread that here,” she said. Sarah Maguire ’13 loved the hiatus from her busy life, which gave her time to stop and reflect. Maggie Driscoll ’14 even found that after a week away from technology, “coming home, I’ve started using it less and trying to live in the moment more.”
In all, the girls were deeply grateful for the joy, love and sense of community they found working with the children. "We were taken out of our comfort zone," said Caroline Cassidy '13. "We realized how we take so many things for granted, and how blessed we are."
Also in attendance were Maggie Fitzgerald ’14, Taylor Agapite ’14, Kristina Brewer ’14, Emily Flynn ’14, Emma Woessner ’14, Dorothy Crevier ’14, Alexis Katinas ’14, and chaperones alumna Allyson McHugh ’00 and Upper School Science teacher Ms. Bridget Higgins.
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12 guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church.
