The Camden, New Jersey retreat for sophomores took place last week from February 6-9.

This retreat is an optional for sophomores at John Carroll. The service opportunity had been a recurring event each year but paused a few years ago. Director of Mission and Ministry Ken Goedeke, reinstated the retreat last year and plans to continue the annual retreat for future sophomores.

The Urban Challenge is “where students embrace the principle of solidarity and go out into the community to meet Christ in the faces of the poor,” Deacon Goedeke commented.

At John Carroll, the Mission Statement “calls us to discover, develop, and share their God-given talents for the greater good,” said Deacon Goedeke. The Romero Center in Camden has led thousands of high schools and college groups through an Urban Challenge.

The service opportunity consisted of two days of direct community service. Deacon Goedeke said, “These service sites could include soup kitchens, nursing homes, childcare facilities, food banks, and other emergency aid centers.”

In the evenings, students participated in activities where they were able to learn about poverty and the various systems and structures within society that put those who are poor and vulnerable at a disadvantage.

At the Romero Center, where the students stayed while in Camden, there is a quote on the wall that says, “You say you love the poor… name them.”

Sophomore Corrine Vatenos said, “My favorite part of the trip was meeting people from all over Maryland and New York to come together every day and reflect on the importance of service in impoverished urban communities.”

JC works with the Romero Service Center as well with another school while at Camden.

“This service opportunity impacted me by informing me on the three most fundamental things: faith, service, and community through helping those in need while reinforcing Christian values,” said Corrine.

“The end result of the experience is often that students walk away from the weekend knowing the names of people they encountered, and those leave a lasting impact on our students,” commented Deacon Goedeke.

Sophomore Devin Jablon said, “This service retreat helped open my eyes to the horrors of poverty within our society. Now home from the retreat, I feel moved to do more and more in my community.”