As students return to campus after a long winter break, they come with stories to share
about the memories they made over the past month. One group in particular seems to have come
back with souvenirs that will last them a lifetime.
Each year through Campus Ministry, students are invited to make the most of their
intercessions by joining them for a service trip. Anselmian B.R.E.A.K. embraces the core values
that Saint Anselm College is built around: Benedictine, Reflection, Education, Advocacy,
Kinship.
B.R.E.A.K. is a week-long journey where students travel locally or across the country to
help serve the communities of the areas that they are in. This hands-on experience fosters
empathy as participants are able to share in both the highs and lows of others lives. The focus is
to meet people where they are, striving to develop a strong sense of community.
One of the groups remained close to campus where they worked within the Manchester
community. Students were able to connect with local organizations on issues surrounding
immigration. They were able to foster a sense of unity while understanding the complexities of
immigration and the importance of advocacy.
Norah Smith ‘27 traveled with her group to Bethlehem Farm in Alderson, West Virginia
where they dedicated their efforts mostly within the surrounding areas. During their time on the
farm, they engaged in a variety of tasks from home repair and power tools to cooking and
cleaning. A central theme at Bethlehem Farm puts emphasis on living simply and making the
most of the available resources.
The experience overall left a lasting impression on Smith, particularly in the terms of
environmental awareness. She reflected, “Will I use a sawdust toilet or shower out of a bucket
for the rest of my life? No, but I for sure am a lot more conscientious.”
There was a second group of students whose journey led to West Virginia, only this
location was Nazareth Farm in Clarksburg. Similarly to the Bethlehem group, there was a lot of
hands-on work such as repairing homes and making meals for the families. They collaborated
closely with the local community that was struggling to maintain stable living conditions due to
insufficient income.
Gabe Lacasse ‘28 was able to comment on some of his highlights from this trip: “having
the opportunity to be with people who are looking to serve others.” He also loved, “being able to
live without distractions and really focusing on those around you.”

Another group of students served the unhoused population in Ossining, New York at the
Mariandale Center. Perrin Drolet ‘28 highlighted the significance of their work as, “A main part
of this was the focus on Pope Francis’ ‘Laudato Si’, where the interconnected nature of the cry of
the poor and the cry of the earth are emphasized.” This experience prompted deep reflection as it
heightened an awareness of social and environmental justice.
The Mariandale Center is set on 61 wooded acres along the Hudson River valley. The
setting in combination with the practices at the center encourages people to take time in nature
and surround themselves in the serenity that it offers. There is a strong implication to connect
health and wellness with the environment.
A commonality amongst all of the participants is the takeaways from their experience.
Although their experiences were unique, they were all equally impactful. Trying to not take
anything for granted is what stands out the most to them all. They will all continue to implement
this new mindset throughout their lives, transforming their time back on campus.