Over spring break 2025, sixteen Carroll students participated in Caritas Service Immersion Trips through Campus Ministry. Five students traveled to Browning to support Blackfeet students in the classrooms of the De La Salle Christian Brothers mission school, while eleven students journeyed to Denver to serve those experiencing homelessness alongside the ministry of Christ in the City.
"During my time in Denver, walking with the homeless, I experienced what it means to accompany others out of love. Fr. Boniface describes accompaniment as "removing our sandals before the holy ground of the other's heart." Through serving the poorest of the poor, I encountered the depth of God's love for each of their hearts, and His love for my own poverty and littleness. It was truly incredible to see how spiritually rich the homeless are, despite being materially poor, and I ended up leaving having received more than I gave." ~ Maria Szpilka, first-year, Helena, MT
These immersion experiences offer our students a powerful opportunity to encounter God—who is love (caritas in Latin)—through acts of love and service to others. Whether assisting in classrooms or offering companionship on the streets, students experienced the deep spiritual connection that comes through both giving and receiving.
"The Caritas trip to Browning was an incredibly beautiful opportunity that allowed me to get a new aspect of life. I think one of the biggest graces I received on this trip was just getting to know the elementary school kids and seeing the love that they had for one another. The children at De La Salle showed me that it is possible to have true, simple love, even in hard or difficult circumstances." ~ Charles Markham, senior, Spokane, WA
As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
"Being in Denver brought so much joy and peace. Being able to meet new friends on the street was very beautiful. I was overcome with so much compassion and love for each person I encountered. My friend Tony who stands on 20th street had a birthday and I got the beautiful gift of being able to celebrate his day. Christ in the City has and will always hold a very special place in my heart. Seeing all these young people having the same desire to serve our friends on the street was amazing!" ~ Sydney Forrey, sophomore, Townsend, MT
May the witness of these students, who chose to spend their break in service, inspire each of us in our own Lenten journey of almsgiving and compassion.
"All of my goodbyes were every bit as precious and surprising in how much the kids already cared for us. It is a remarkable touch of the hand of God in this community to have so many wonderful kids who truly get to be kids, and who get to embody the love the Creator has for His children." ~ Macie Frans, senior, Boise, ID
"I learned a lot about going through each day with the express intention to encounter others, wherever they are in life. These moments open our hearts to empathy and teach us how to better support one another’s emotional needs. I was shown incredible kindness from people I had just met—who have nothing, yet gave me so much—and I am honored to call them friends. This taught me how putting a few more moments and effort into an acquaintance can turn it into a relationship to always be remembered." ~ Clare Daley, senior, West Yellowstone, MT