On Friday, September 22, De La Salle Collegiate students, along with faculty and staff members, will be engaging in a “Day of Service” at 15 different local churches and schools, as well as the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.  

Sister Kathleen Matz and Brother Carl Malacalza, DLS Campus Ministers, have organized the mandatory program, along with Principal Brother Ken Kalinowski and the Faculty Service Committee.

“It is important for our Pilots to be involved in generous service to others,” said Sister Kathleen. “When we say Builders of Boys, Makers of Men we certainly include the aspect of helping others. As mentors to our students, we stress that we wish to model the attitude of Jesus when being present to others. To paraphrase the Matthew 25:40 Scripture, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of your brothers or sisters, you did for Me.’ True faith reaches out to people who are hurting, facing injustice, or in need of help.”

Students choose their service in advance. In some cases, DLS transportation is provided. 

In 2022, DLS organized the first schoolwide Day of Service; previously only the senior class was engaged in a Day of Service while sophomores and juniors were taking a standardized test, and freshmen had a half-day retreat.  

At the various church and school sites, many of the activities involve assisting with outdoor clean-up and yard work, moving furniture, and working with students in the classroom.  

Brother Carl Malacalza said, “We are called to be disciples, followers of Christ, in this world. The De La Salle Service Day enables us to build community by working together to be Christ's hands and heart for those who need a helping hand.”

He noted this is a reflective attitude so that students will see this as more than a service project.

At the Rising Stars Academy in Center Line, students will conduct a field day with games. Rising Star Academy is a post-secondary vocational training program for young adults with developmental disabilities. 

Some of the DLS Athletic teams are participating as a group: 

• The DLS Cross-Country team will be assisting at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. 
• The Golf team will be setting up the Soup Kitchen event at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, and also serving the food. 
• The Soccer team will be assisting parishioners in cleaning up the inside of the historic St. Albertus Church in Detroit. 
• The Tennis team will be engaged in clean up at St. Hyacinth Church in preparation for the parish’s Banana Festival. 
• The Basketball team will be assisting the church staff at Sweetest Heart of Mary in cleaning up the parish’s historic cemetery.  

Other service sites include St. Germaine, St. Isaac Jogues, St. Thecla, St. Malachy, St. Faustina, and St. Lawrence. 

In case of rain, students will be relocated inside.