Students Spread God’s Love Through Four-Day Service Experience  

This unique way of serving the local community is the first of many to provide a hands-on service experience to work towards ending hunger in Orange County. It also includes insightful prayer and reflection among SMCHS juniors and seniors.

“Through this immersion experience, I was able to embody Caritas Christi's commitment to uplifting the dignity of the human person and fostering community. I could live out the love and service central to Caritas Christi through these actions”, said Dolma Arow ‘25.

Seven students carved time out of their summer schedules to participate in four consecutive days of local immersion day trips to learn more about hunger in Orange County.

“Throughout this week, we explored many venues for feeding local communities within Orange County. By sorting food, making boxes, and prepping meals for those in need, God's love has been spread by providing food to those who otherwise would not have access to healthy and whole foods daily. Everyone deserves access to food; through these different organizations, we could share the love of Christ with so many different people”, said Audrey Lee ’25.

During the four-day immersion trip, students served with various organizations that aim to provide equitable, dignified, and healthy food to those who are food insecure. Students volunteered at Second Harvest Solutions Farm, Second Harvest Distribution Center, and Family Assistance Ministries. The experience provided a farm-to-table aspect as each organization partnered in different areas to end hunger in Orange County.

Student Participants

Dylan Bartolucci '25
Narlby Bako '25
Sarah O'Connor '25
Audrey Lee '25
Dolma Arow '25
Daniel Kwentus '25
Madeleine Orozco '26

In July, six more SMCHS students volunteered over the course of four days, contributing through working in the warehouse of OC Rescue Mission, serving as teacher aides in the Children Enrichment Center, assisting with meal prep and lunch service, and working on the Double R Ranch campus through a beautification project. 

“This service experience opened my eyes and showed me how the Lord is working in so many different ways,” said participant Shayne Ireland ’25.

Students Liam McCune '26, Logan Grace '26, Jonathan Packard '26, Hannah Kaed '26, and Lila Lambeth '26 also dedicated their time to this mission.

"Our students truly lived out Caritas Christi each day on this trip. They learned firsthand that service can take different forms,” said Assistant Director of Campus Ministry Donnie Green. “A common theme from our daily reflections was the idea of service is as simple as being present to each person that comes into our life." 

To learn more about OC Rescue Mission and volunteer opportunities, visit this link.