What is the H.O.P.E. Service Immersion Program?

Inspired by the enduring values of a Holy Cross education, and the belief that learning is enhanced when it takes place in the context of a compelling situation, H.O.P.E. seeks to engage members of the Stonehill community in cross-cultural service experiences. H.O.P.E. further endeavors to challenge the Stonehill community to grow in love of God and neighbor by embodying the Church's commitment to a preferential option for and with the poor.

H.O.P.E. is an acronym that stands for the four tenets of the program:

Honoring our Neighbor

We seek to walk alongside people in the communities to which we travel, showing our love and concern for them mostly by our presence and by any service we are asked to provide.

Organizing for Justice

By encountering situations of injustice domestically and internationally, we seek to name the underlying causes of these situations; that we might be able to work towards their resolution.

Practicing Peace

We foster and build relationships with communities to promote understanding amongst varying cultures at home and abroad, in an effort to end indifference and ignorance.

Encountering God

Rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel, we are open to finding the living God amongst those who are suffering injustices.

H.O.P.E. Mission Statement

H.O.P.E. is a service immersion experience dedicated to understanding the root causes of social injustices by becoming global citizens. Participants learn how to promote peace and equity by living in solidarity and serving with underserved communities. Students are empowered to create a more just and compassionate world by: educating the mind and spirit, promoting advocacy work, and taking action in the spirit of Holy Cross.

Who organizes the H.O.P.E. Program?

The Campus Minister for Service Immersion, Colleen Schoeck, works with student interns and leaders to facilitate and execute the program.  The student leaders begin preparations for all trips at the beginning of the fall semester. They lead orientation meetings and help to prepare the groups to make sure the week of immersion runs smoothly.

Who participates in the H.O.P.E. Program?

All H.O.P.E. experiences are open to students and employees at Stonehill College.  Some alumni have served as employee leaders in the past. 

Support the H.O.P.E. Program

Please consider making a donation in support of the H.O.P.E. program, through Stonehill's secure giving site. Be sure to list "H.O.P.E." as your gift designation. We appreciate your generosity!
Chapel of Mary, – Office of Campus Ministry

Inspired by the enduring values of a Holy Cross education, and the belief that learning is enhanced when it takes place in the context of a compelling situation, H.O.P.E. seeks to engage members of the Stonehill community in cross-cultural service experiences. H.O.P.E. further endeavors to challenge the Stonehill community to grow in love of God and neighbor by embodying the Church's commitment to a preferential option for and with the poor.

Colleen Faith Schoeck

Campus Minister for Service Immersion
Campus Ministry