Sacred Heart sisters bond during service project.

Last summer, I was beyond blessed with one of the most life-changing opportunities I have ever had. After filling out my application in March to attend a service trip through the Sacred Heart Network, I, along with 12 other girls from Sacred Heart Schools across the nation, got together at the St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in San Diego, California.

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (St. Mads) is a facility that was established for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At St. Mads, “consumers” are given the opportunity to learn life skills not only in their community, but by stepping out into San Diego.

The alumni at the center are put into classrooms based on their different abilities. Throughout our time at the center, we made our way through the different groups and on some days even had the chance to go out into the community with them!

The consumers at St. Madeleine Sophie’s, however, were not the only people we made connections with. Over the week that we spent together, I was able to develop bonds with my other Sacred Heart sisters. I am beyond lucky to be able to say that I met my best friend on this trip.

Although we came from different parts of the country and had different backgrounds, we were all united through our understanding of the Sacred Heart traditions, from goûter to congé. After our long days at the center, we participated in fun activities like visiting the pier and going on a tour with the RSCJ (Religieuses du Sacré-Coeur de Jesu) sisters from the University of San Diego.

At first glance this might not seem like the best way to spend your summer, but I highly recommend you think about doing one of these programs next year. There are plenty of different trips all over the country. I can guarantee that it will be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life and that you will create lifelong memories with the members of our Sacred Heart Community.