Moments for Reflection
By Sr. Helena Monahan, CCVI
Sr. Helena is the University of the Incarnate Word’s new chancellor, a position she began in January. Most recently, she served the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word as the congregational coordinator. Welcome, Sr. Helena!
In this amazing summer of 2009, we see in the daily news that people in the United States are reluctant to take vacation! This is probably not a good development, given the reality that these stress-filled times require rest and quiet time to reflect on what is really important in life.
If you find yourself financially unable or hesitant to travel, why not create a “community service” vacation modeled after some of your experiences at UIW?
At the heart of the UIW Mission is “a spirit of Christian service” and commitment to meet “the spiritual and material needs of people.” For more than 20 years, UIW students have fulfilled a requirement of 45 hours of community service, taking many different forms from assisting with local projects, visiting the homebound, engaging in environmental work, to pursuing alternative spring break opportunities, serving God’s people in Mexico and southern Texas.
Receiving a UIW degree does not signal an end to living the Mission. In fact, the life of integrity and service lived by UIW alumni is the pinnacle of Mission effectiveness! UIW Director of Alumni Relations Lisa Schultz plans to open community service opportunities to our graduates beginning this fall. So if you don’t travel this summer for whatever reason, why not take some days to serve your community? Opportunities are countless, and the need increases daily. Not only will you refresh your own soul, you’ll meet new friends and boost your self-image in remarkable and unexpected ways.