April 12, 2007
More than 250 students, friends, faculty, administration and
alumni of St. John’s University gathered early on Good Friday for
the Annual Walk for the Homeless at the St. Thomas More Church on
the University’s Queens Campus. The day began with an opening
prayer service before participants began the 5k walk through the
local community.
Photo
Gallery
The walk, a staple for over 25 years during Lent at St. John’s,
was created as a pilgrimage in solidarity with the homeless in New
York City and is designed to not only raise awareness for the
problem, but to raise money for the cause through donations and
sponsorships.
“The Walk for the Homeless was another wonderful success,” said
James Walters, Resident Campus Minister at St. John’s. “It is
fitting that on the day we remember the ultimate sacrifice made by
Jesus, we spend our day helping others.”
After leaving the campus, participants, guided by a cross
bearer, traveled down Union Turnpike to American Martyrs Church on
Bell Boulevard and stopped for a quiet prayer before resuming the
walk back to St. John’s via 73rd Avenue. After returning to campus,
the walkers replenished with a light soup lunch in Marillac
cafeteria.
All participants were asked to secure pledge money, or pay a $10
registration fee. The Office of Campus Ministry, which sponsored
the event along with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, will collect
donations through May 4 and will donate all proceeds to various
charitable organizations throughout the city, including St. John’s
Bread and Life, Providence House, The Coalition for the Homeless,
Covenant House, The Catholic Worker, New Horizons Counseling Center
in Queens and Habitat for Humanity.
“Alumni, students, and friends of the University generously
donated their time and money to help those in need in our
community,” Walters added. “It is another example of the St. John's
community coming together to help our brothers and sisters in
need.”
Those still wishing to make a donation for this event may
contact the Office of Campus Ministry by calling Angela Seegel at
(718) 990-2680, or James Walters at (718) 990-6327.
For media inquires, please contact Elizabeth Reilly, Assistant
Director of Media Relations, at (718) 990-5789, or by e-mail to reillye@stjohns.edu. For more
news on St. John’s University, please visit www.stjohns.edu/news.