Rambler Families Serve Together at Annual Family Mass & Morning of Service

The morning began in Loyola's Chapel, where Campus Ministers Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ, and Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ, presided over a beautiful Mass that set the tone for a day rooted in faith, compassion, and service. From there, families moved to the East Gym and the surrounding neighborhood to take part in two hands-on service initiatives: a community cleanup around Lake and Laramie and a special project supporting Phil's Friends, a Wheaton-based organization providing Christ-centered care to those affected by cancer.

The collective impact of the morning was both tangible and deeply personal. Volunteers assembled 80 care packages that will be delivered directly to the homes of cancer patients, offering comfort and encouragement during difficult times. Alongside these packages, participants wrote 127 heartfelt Cards of Hope, each one a reminder to its recipient that they are not alone.

Creativity and care were evident throughout the gym, where families decorated 32 boxes and crafted 18 fleece blankets, adding warmth (both literal and emotional) to each delivery. Meanwhile, outside on the streets surrounding campus, Rambler volunteers worked side by side to leave the neighborhood cleaner and more welcoming.

Together, these efforts tell a powerful story: a community united not just in intention, but in action. In a single morning, Rambler families demonstrated how small acts, when multiplied by many, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this inspiring day of service. We are especially grateful to Fr. Stan and Fr. Arek, Campus Minister Kati Byrne, our partners Phil and Steve Zielke from Phil's Friends, and our event chairs, Michelle Mellinger P '26, Silvija Jakubowski P '28, '29, Susan Poulos P '26, and Mary Trehan P '25, for making this day possible.