Gulf Coast Service Trip
ACE Gulf Coast Service Trip: Winter Break 2009
Location
ACE Schools in Biloxi, MS and New Orleans, LA
Date
January 5-11 (M-Su), 2009
Application
Available now—click HERE
Application Deadline
Friday, October 17, 2008
ACE Staff
Matt Moloney
matthew.j.moloney.8@nd.edu
574-631-6561
Liz Stowe
estowe@nd.edu
574-631-9774
Objectives of the trip
-Foster and deepen commitment to Catholic education
-Serve a need in ACE schools affected by Hurricane Katrina
-Develop relationships among participants and local community
The Alliance for Catholic Education is a two-year service program devoted to serving under-resourced Catholic schools in the South. While teaching full-time, ACE teachers also have the opportunity to work towards earning their M.Ed. from Notre Dame.
There are three pillars of the ACE program: teaching, community and spirituality. These pillars are intertwined in the ACE experience and each has a valuable role to play in the formation of an ACE teacher. ACE teachers strive to build a vibrant sense of community both in their classrooms and at home. They integrate and deepen their own spirituality by sharing their faith at their schools and in the life of their community. ACErs grow into professional educators as a result of the rigorous MEd curriculum complemented with multiple levels of ongoing, personalized support.
This service trip allows Notre Dame under-graduate students to serve in ACE schools in the Gulf Coast Region directly affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In the Diocese of Biloxi, service will focus on Resurrection Catholic School. The building still stands, however everything was thrown out due to water damage and mold. The school is still in the process of rebuilding. They are looking for help in the process of restoring the second floor of St. Joseph’s Hall. In the Diocese of New Orleans, service will focus on Cathedral Catholic School. Cathedral was directly affected by the flooding in New Orleans. They are looking for help in restoring as well as painting.
All of the ACE schools will be in session during this trip, so ND students will be able to interact with the students of the ACE schools. ND students will also have the opportunity to talk to current ACE teachers in Biloxi and New Orleans about what their experience has meant to them. ND students will experience people from the communities affected by Hurricane Katrina and will have an opportunity to listen to their Katrina stories. The ND students will both learn about these experiences and do something in response by helping to rebuild the Gulf Coast.
Participants will stay in the Resurrection Catholic School gym. There will be opportunities for prayer, reflection, journaling and recreation throughout the week.
Application and Registration
An application is due to ace.1@nd.edu by midnight on October 17, 2008. The application is available HERE beginning on September 17, 2008. You will receive notice of your acceptance via e-mail no later than October 28, 2008. The commitments include attendance at three preparatory sessions (November 4th, November 24th, and December 9th), assigned readings, participation in the on-site meetings and activities, and one follow-up meeting on January 27th, 2009.
Criteria for Participation
This service trip is open to any student in good standing at the University of Notre Dame. It is open to all classes, particularly sophomores and juniors. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills, an active faith and a commitment to service.
Fees and Expenses
The cost of the service trip is $100. This fee contributes to van rental, housing, building materials, gas, tolls, and food. If you are accepted onto the trip, and you decide not to participate before November 14, 2008, you will be billed a $40 cancellation fee. If you are accepted onto the trip, and you decide not to participate after November 14, 2008, you will be billed the full $100. (This is necessary because the program has pre-paid many of the expenses of the trip based on your acceptance onto the trip, and your acceptance may have precluded someone else from participating). Participants are responsible for their transportation to Notre Dame by January 4, 2009. Students should bring some spending money for snacks, meals, and beverages required during travel and recreational periods. Financial aid is available for students who have difficulty with the trip fee.
