On Friday, September 22, De La Salle Collegiate students, along with faculty and staff members, engaged in a “Day of Service” at 16 different local churches and schools, as well as the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
President Larry Rancilio, ‘86, had high praise for the school-wide effort. “This day is a compelling testament to our commitment to shaping the character of our young men, showing them the power of kindness, empathy, and community involvement,” Rancilio said.
“I have received nothing but compliments for all of the hard work that was done and the way that our boys were so respectful,” said Principal Br. Ken Kalinowski, FSC, ‘84.
Sister Kathleen Matz and Brother Carl Malacalza, DLS Campus Ministers, organized the mandatory program, along with 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 are in need of help.”
Students chose their service destination in advance. In some cases, DLS transportation was provided.
In 2022, DLS organized the first school-wide Day of Service; previously, only the senior class was engaged in a Day of Service, while sophomores and juniors took a standardized test and freshmen had a half-day retreat.
At the various church and school sites, many of the activities involved 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.
Rancilio also praised the faculty and staff for their efforts. As Rancilio stated, “Their participation in Service Day reverberates far beyond the walls of our institution, touching lives and making a tangible difference.”
At the Rising Stars Academy in Center Line, students conducted a field day with games; Rising Stars Academy is a post-secondary, vocational training program for young adults with developmental disabilities.
Additionally, some of the DLS athletic teams participated as a group:
- The cross country team assisted at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
- The golf team and the Advancement Department staff began the morning at Mass at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, and then assisted with the cleaning of the church and the choir loft.
- The soccer team assisted parishioners in cleaning up the inside of the historic St. Albertus Church in Detroit.
- The tennis team engaged in clean-up at St. Hyacinth Church, in preparation for the parish’s Banana Festival.
- The basketball team assisted the church staff at Sweetest Heart of Mary in cleaning up the parish’s historic cemetery.
Other service sites included St. Anne (Warren), St. Germaine, St. Isaac Jogues, St. Thecla, St. Malachy, St. Faustina, and St. Lawrence.
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