UH Catholic Newman Center Spring Break 2009
By JENNIFER HUYNH 
Herald Staff Writer
HOUSTON – Spring break is not simply stated inside the mind of a college student. It is shouted from within the depths of their spirit, proclaiming their freedom from stress and anxiety – at least for a week.
It is a time that all college students look forward to relaxing, catching up with school work and spending time with friends and family. It tends to be a time of self recovery and relaxation – sleeping in and eating out – carefree activities that refresh a student’s mind and body. Amidst a time of self, the Catholic Student Organization (CSO) at the University of Houston hosted their third annual Alternative Spring Break program set aside during the week off for students to spend time serving the community.
“For the past two Alternative Spring Break programs, we concentrated on the history and the rich cultural diversity of the Archdiocese by visiting area churches and different Archdiocesan- sponsored ministries” Giovan Cuchapin, Campus Minister, explained. “This year, we wanted to focus our energy on giving back to the community by reaching out to the homeless/needy and underprivileged children. We chose to minister to the homeless and the children at the Oaks Apartment to live out our baptismal call to evangelize our brothers and sisters, especially little children.”
Cuchapin was recently certified by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by way of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association, a national professional association for campus ministers.
The bright sunny days of March 16th - 18th were a reflection of the light that exuded from each CSO member as they gathered in their home-away-from-home, Newman Center, to attend Mass celebrated by Fr. Dan Walsh, C.S.Sp., to prepare for the mission that was ahead for the day. During his homily, he commended the students’ selflessness in volunteering their spring break and shared his belief that their hearts must have been touched by the hands of God Himself, to sacrifice their time and to serve with so much passion.
With funds through Catholic Relief Services graciously granted through the Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston, the activities for the Alternative Spring Break included making care packages for the homeless and distributing them around the U of H area and downtown, and teaming with YMCA Outreach Coordinator, Aida Garcia, to minister and fellowship with underprivileged children at the Oaks Apartments on Bissonnet.
“Our Community Outreach Program is located in the heart of an apartment complex to serve the needs of its children and to serve the needs of the apartment’s residents who include low-income families and migrants,” Garcia said. “Our outreach programs provide a safe haven for our children whose parents work many hours and are not present to care and/or can’t help with homework because of a literacy problem. These children can participate at one of the Outreach Programs in their school or in their apartment complex if it offers an Outreach Program.”
Each CSO member happily carried boxes of supplies for games and crafts, prizes and food into the apartment complex. The shy and curious faces of little children peeked out from the balconies and windows watching the act of love. With the theme of “Jesus Loves Me,” the college students played games and led Praise and Worship, teaching the youth how to pray twice through singing.
After a high energy morning to get the students comfortable and hyped up, presentations on how to pray the Rosary and a sharing on the life of St. Juan Diego were delivered with humbleness and joy.
Shayne Rodrigues, CSO President, laughed as he saw the line of children who requested his artistic abilities in face painting. “Organizing this event took about 70-80 hours in planning and preparation,” Rodrigues said. “We also provided snacks every day, a meal on the last day, school supplies for every child, toys, and prizes.”
“My sincere thank you to the Catholic Student Organization, especially Giovan Cuchapin for contacting us from the University of Houston Catholic Newman Center and spending three days of their spring break with our children of our YMCA outreach Program. Their faith, time and talents were just a gift to us at Oaks on Bissonnet apartment complex.” Garcia said. “It brought me tears each day. This spring break was about miracles in heart and self-esteem. The children’s way of experiencing God has deeply changed. As we were taught, Jesus is our superhero; and like the children say; ‘We also have our superheroes with our friends, the big kids from U of H.’ Thank you superheroes!”
The Outreach Program offers an after school program, adult ESL classes, adult literacy programs, faith and youth development. YMCA’s goal of developing “healthy spirits, minds and bodies” is open to all who want to contribute their time and talents to provide the needs of these communities. The Outreach Program is constantly looking for volunteers and school supplies, according to Garcia.
To become a part of the outreach program through volunteer work, donations or to make a contribution, contact Aida Garcia, the Outreach Coordinator of Weekley YMCA, (713) 270-4377 or e-mail aidag [at] ymcahouston [dot] org.
