Seton Hill University students and staff will spend time over Christmas break lending a helping hand to families in need. Approximately 19 Seton Hill volunteers will travel to Americus, Ga., to work on projects for Habitat for Humanity January 16-23, 2010.

The Seton Hill volunteers will be working on homes in the rural areas around Americus, Ga. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They will be working to build a new home as well as assisting in the rehabilitation of existing homes in which individuals currently reside.

The Christmas break trip is being coordinated by Seton Hill’s Campus Ministry office and provides opportunities for students to assist the very young and the elderly, the unemployed and economically disadvantaged, the homeless and the disabled. This particular service outreach program will help build and renovate homes for low-income families.

“We have a wonderful opportunity to travel to Americus, which is where Habitat for Humanity was founded. Through the help we provide the families, we are able to foster a sense of stability,” said Cindy Boland, director of campus ministry.

The 17 student volunteers include: Laura Boord, of Columbiana, Ohio, Rosemarie Brown, of Belle Vernon, Pa., Karlee Cleary, of Glassport, Pa., Coryn Kalwanaski, of Ashville, Pa., Katie Lemon, of Lower Burrell, Pa., Kirstin Logan, of Cap May Court House, N.J., Erica McCarthy, of Ipswich, Mass., Cloina McConnville, of Newry, United Kingdom, Marlaina Miller, of Uniontown, Pa., Kalie Mills, of Greensburg, Pa., Chelsea Oliver, of Ellwood City, Pa., Ben Poorbaugh, of Scottdale, Pa., Denmark Reed, of Penn Hills, Pa., Liz Rettger, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Gabby Scanga, of Gibsonia, Pa., A.J. Schell, of Sharpsburg, Md., and Lorin Schumacher, of Greensburg, Pa.

Boland explained that the students “seem to have an inherent desire to help others. They want to do something meaningful and see the fruits of their labor help those less fortunate. They have a growing concern about the situations of the families in this area.”

The two staff volunteers include Darren Achtzehn, director of dining services, and Cindy Boland, director of campus ministry.

Seton Hill University’s Campus Ministry program provides opportunities for students of all faith traditions to enrich their university experience by participation in prayer and worship, community service, social responsibility and sharing the gifts of faith with the entire community.

Spiritual programming and sacramental ministry are provided to foster student’s spirituality and human growth. In addition to regular liturgical and prayer experiences, there are opportunities for retreats, evenings of reflection, discussion groups, bible study, and faith sharing. Ecumenical prayer services for the entire University community are held several times each semester. Campus Ministry provides opportunities for students to train for, participate in, and reflect upon meaningful service to the community. These service experiences include aiding the very young and the elderly, the unemployed and economically disadvantaged, the homeless, and the handicapped. Students enrich their own lives while helping others in the search for justice and liberation from needless suffering. All students are invited to participate in Campus Ministry programs.