Labouré College Celebrates Lent with Service

 Words became deeds this Lenten season at Labouré College. Through liturgies, reflections, and works of mercy, the College community brought Jesus’s teachings to life. Leo Thibault, mission coordinator for the College, explains that, “the College seeks to not only provide professional and academic proficiencies, but also to link student’s intended careers in nursing and healthcare to the spiritual values that shape human experience.” Students were invited to volunteer at a day of service and attend a bread and soup luncheon as part of the Lenten celebration.

Twenty-five students, faculty, and staff attended the Day of Service on March 19. One group of volunteers prepared and delivered boxed lunches to Father Bill’s and Mainspring Shelters in Quincy and Brockton, while others worked at the shelters to clean and organize. Yet another group of volunteers prepared for the Feast of St. Joseph’s mass at Fontbonne Convent, a retirement home for the Sisters of St. Joseph, for a community celebration. Penny Penniman, Academic Skills Specialist, spent the day volunteering alongside a current student and her mother, a 1996 graduate of Labouré College and said, “the day was very enjoyable and rewarding even though it seemed like a small thing to do.  Seeing the students, staff, and alumna working together, feeling that they were reaching out to people who need support, felt really good.”

The Lenten season culminated on March 22 when the College hosted the 3^rd annual Bread and Soup luncheon, which served as a fundraiser for Father Bill’s & Mainspring shelters.   Throughout Lent, the College collected donations of household items, clothing, and gift cards and presented them to Sandy McLellan, Triage Coordinator at Father Bill’s, at the luncheon. Father Bill’s and Mainspring shelters served over 4,000 households in 2015 and offers transitional and permanent housing and food assistance to homeless individuals, families, and veterans.