Revitalizing Beaumont's Tradition Of Service With 5th Counsel Trips

Author: Brianna Mejak, Director of Campus Ministry

Our newly introduced 5th Counsel Trips program is new in name but rich in Beaumont history. Mission and service-related trips have long been part of Beaumont’s Campus Ministry offerings, particularly in El Salvador where Sr. Dorothy Kazel, OSU served. While these trips have not taken place in recent years for a variety of reasons, 2024 marked a significant return with renewed energy and purpose.

When I was hired, it was clear that our administrative team was eager to revitalize Campus Ministry and to reintroduce more outreach opportunities for our students. This enthusiasm was contagious and deeply encouraging to me. Participating in trips like these during my high school and college years was foundational. These experiences fostered friendships with classmates I might not have otherwise gotten to know—friendships I still cherish today. They also exposed me to diverse cultures and people with unique stories to share, significantly shaping my faith. Often, it was the faith of those we visited that served as the greatest testament to trusting in God. Reflecting on my own experiences, I am excited to facilitate similar opportunities for our Beaumont students.

In April 2024, Beaumont traveled with seven seniors and two chaperones to Philadelphia, PA. Ms. Kristin Osborne, Social Studies teacher and co-chaperone, facilitated historical sight-seeing and cultural immersion while I coordinated the faith and service components. We volunteered at St. Francis Inn, a soup kitchen that has been serving the Kensington neighborhood every day since 1979, echoing St. Angela’s legacy as a Third Order Franciscan. Each day began with Mass, where “the friars’ homilies struck a heart chord,” according to A’Kayla Ivory ’24. This sentiment was shared by many. “Fr. Mike and Fr. Pat used their wisdom and experience to deliver some of the most meaningful homilies I have ever heard, in just 5-10 minutes,” said Lilly Jarc ’24. Each Mass set a reflective and purposeful tone for the rest of our day.

Our students helped package fruits, vegetables, and desserts for pick-up and worked alongside staff to prepare meals. From 11:30am-1:00pm, they greeted the guests of St. Francis Inn, serving meals, bussing tables, and cleaning up afterward. Beyond their physical labor, they were profoundly affected by getting to know the people they served. “The people on both sides of the operation have so much to give to one another, and to be a part of it even for a few days is a life-changing experience,” expressed Lucy Salata ’24. They witnessed the deep care the staff had for their guests and quickly developed their own connections. “The one recommendation that I have for the trip is to make it longer. If, in 3 days, I already knew the names and stories of so many, a week would allow for deeper and more meaningful interactions,” said Lilly.

Evenings were filled with Philly Cheesesteaks and visits to the African American Museum of Philadelphia, The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross’ House, and more. Each corner of Philadelphia overflowed with history that Ms. Osborne brought to life during our visit. Each day and night offered our IB learners opportunities to grow more caring, reflective, and knowledgeable.

Next school year, we will return to Philadelphia. We will embark on our next 5th Counsel Trip to Western New York, where students will learn to build ramps for homes needing wheelchair accessibility, tend a community garden, meet new people, hear their stories, and experience a more rural lifestyle. As this program grows, we plan to offer local, national, and international trips, with El Salvador on the horizon. “I can’t express how grateful I am to have been able to come on this trip, and I can only hope that more Beaumont students take this opportunity to be changed and make a change,” said Lucy.

More information about 5th Counsel Trips can be found at beaumontschool.org/faith

Brianna Mejak, Director of Campus Ministry, has been in ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland since 2016. She attended an all-girls, college-preparatory school in Connecticut, similar to Beaumont, where Campus Ministry profoundly shaped her. Brianna holds a B.S. in Education with minors in Theology and English from St. Bonaventure University (2016) and an M.S. in Education from the University of Dayton (2018). She is currently pursuing Lay Ecclesial Ministry Certification through the Diocese of Cleveland. Brianna hopes Beaumont students will fondly remember their Campus Ministry experiences, just as she does.