Face-to-face interactions reflect humanity at its best
By Connie McKinney
Contributing writer
Michael was shocked to see homeless people living on the street not far from his high school, Seton Catholic Central in Binghamton.
“There’s so much in the world you just don’t see,” the Seton senior said. “It really opens our eyes to people who may not have it as well as we have it.”
He was happy to join a school project where students bring food, clothing, and other necessities to homeless people once a week, he said. Jan DeAngelo, who teaches music and theology at Seton, started the project this fall.
“It gives them an opportunity to live their faith,” he said of the students. “It’s not enough that we educate them in the building. They really need to go out and do the corporal acts of mercy.”
The project evolved from another project DeAngelo and his wife, Shannon, started two years ago at St. James Church in Johnson City: a free monthly dinner known as A Faithful Feast. Many Seton students volunteer at the feast and the school ministry.
Donations come from local community members. Most of the food comes from the Seton school kitchen, which is prepared by the school’s cook, Reiley Evans, DeAngelo said.
Students give up either their lunch breaks or their study halls to join DeAngelo in bringing food, clothing, blankets, and hygiene products to homeless people near the city bus station in downtown Binghamton. Students need permission slips signed by their parents to go. The first 12 students who turn in their permission slips get to go on the trips, he said.
DeAngelo, also the longtime music director at St. James and a deacon in training, said he hopes the students continue helping others long after they graduate.
“I hope it opens their eyes,” he said. “I hope they see the need, and they continue to keep their eyes open so it will foster empathy for those less fortunate.”
This is a way to put the faith students learn at school and church into action, said Sara, a Seton senior. “We are a Catholic school,” she said. “Bringing the Catholic faith to the community can get people through some very hard times. We are practicing what we preach.”
Serafina, a senior, agreed.
“God put us all on this earth to take care of each other,” she said. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Every time they go out to feed the hungry on the street, they learn valuable life lessons, the students said. “I am learning how to be grateful for what I do have and not to take for granted the people and the shelter and the food I have around me,” she said.
Cooper said he’s learning about the joy of giving back. “I have learned helping people makes life better,” the Seton sophomore said.
Parker, an eighth grader, agreed. “I love to give back,” he said. “I find it very fulfilling and comforting to give back to the community.” Parker volunteered at the most recent Faithful Feast in November and accompanied DeAngelo and other volunteers to the riverbanks after the feast. Parker said he saw people living in tents along the river who were so grateful for the food and clothes they received. One couple had a puppy.
Students have also seen a woman pregnant with twins living on the street. Once they saw two homeless men playing chess, they said. Students look forward to visiting the homeless, said Seton senior Cornelius. Every time he visits homeless people, he said he walks away with a good feeling.
“I like helping other people,” he said. “I feel at peace. I feel a boost of energy because I put a smile on their face.”
How to Help:
Donations of non-perishable food, clothing, blankets, and hygiene products can be dropped off at Seton Catholic High School, 70 Seminary Ave., Binghamton, or the porch of Jan DeAngelo’s home at 114 North McKinley Ave., Endicott.
