Novices Experience an Enlightening Day of Service

By Novice John Taylor

(Richmond, CA – June 5) – Two weeks ago, Novice Pascal and I accompanied Mrs. Porter, a theology teacher at Salesian College Prep, as chaperones for around 20 Salesian College Preparatory students to volunteer for a couple of hours at St. Anthony's Dining Room and the Free Clothing Store. We started the day at Salesian College Prep, where we drove students to the local metro subway station where we took a subway to St. Anthony's in downtown San Francisco. St. Anthony's is a multiple-program Franciscan foundation serving the poor of San Francisco by providing free food, free clothing, a substance recovery program, and more. When we arrived at St. Anthony's, a volunteer coordinator named Carlo showed us a video of the history, impact, and services of the organization. Then, Carlo divided the students—half served in the dining room, while the other half sorted through donated clothing at the Free Clothing Store.

Novice Pascal and a Salesian College Prep mother, Jane, went with the group of students serving in the Free Clothing Store, while Mrs. Porter and I went with the students serving in the Dining Room. For the next couple of hours, Novice Pascal and Jane sorted lots of shirts, pants, shorts, jackets, and more. They sorted by size and discarded worn-out clothing that couldn’t be given away. In the dining room, some students bused guest tables; others served hot dogs, chili, cabbage, and fruit, and students also gave out cups of water. Everyone was very busy and served efficiently with a smile. We worked alongside permanent volunteers and a few staff members. It was very surprising to see how most people who served were volunteers. It was a great charitable work of love.

After we finished serving in our respective areas, the dining room and the clothing store, we all ate the food we had served. Some of us sat and ate with the guests and were touched to discover the joys and pains of experiencing poverty and homelessness. We could see each other as human beings, equals, and God ́s children living this same experience of life. After we ate, we all met with Carlo in another room to talk about our serving experience. Many young people felt heartfelt compassion for the guests and their plight for dignity and love.

Afterward, three young men from the substance rehabilitation program of St. Anthony's told us their stories and how they came to experience homelessness, and how they're trying to turn their lives around. We learned how they lived relatable lives to ours and how a couple of bad decisions had led to their living on the streets. It seems very difficult to quit doing drugs and to be in a better situation as far as working and living. One of the young men was a graduate from a Salesian school here on the west coast, and the students seemed to pay particular attention to his story. He warned them that it is not worth experimenting with drugs or making money in an immoral way. After this, we walked to the subway station and took the subway back to our local station and everyone went home from there.

It was very enlightening to see how the students seemed to internalize the values of charity and for staying on a good path in life. For me, I experienced great compassion for the guests whom we were serving and I remember thinking how I could easily be in the same situation as them (experiencing homelessness and addiction) if I make a couple bad choices. Upon reflection, this service day reminds me of how when we serve the poor and vulnerable, we are serving Jesus.