Mission Collection
Mission collections have been a part of Walsh Jesuit’s history for many years. The goal of the mission collection is to build a foundation of mindful giving-that it is something to be done first, not last. Often, our philanthropy comes from our excess. We try to challenge students to consider an idea of simple living or omitting one outstanding purchase (Starbucks, Chipotle, etc.) and giving that amount to the collection. Students are informed where their donations will be going, and as always, the destination of the collection is in line with our Jesuit mission.
Over the past two years, mission collections had been difficult to coordinate due to COVID restrictions and protocols the school had to follow. Having to briefly abandon this Jesuit tradition, translated into to some loss of our Jesuit identity.
This past Friday, Walsh Jesuit returned to this time held tradition – a mission collection for Jesuit Refugee Services to help support refugee families who are currently fleeing violence and war in Ukraine. This collection was done in community with other Jesuit schools around the world as we attempted to do something to assist our brothers and sisters who are hurting.
Our collection was beyond successful considering it was a day when the students didn’t receive something in exchange, such as a free pass to dress down. Students were encouraged to wear light yellow and blue, the national colors of Ukraine, and to contribute as much as they could. We knew the student body would show up but not to the level they did. As of Friday afternoon, we collected $11,336 for Jesuit Refugee Services!
Friday’s collection was amazing and quite possibly a turning point for the history of our school, not only because we were able to get back to being who we are, but because over half of our students had never experienced a mission collection at Walsh Jesuit. Having the turn out that we did with this collection is testament to Walsh Jesuit students knowing how to be men and women for and with others, how to stand with the oppressed, and how to act as they can.
For additional information on the support of Jesuit Refugee Services read more . . .
As a Christ-centered community, we strive to be Men and Women for and with Others.
