Big and Little Pals serves the community by pairing university students with elementary students from Jefferson and Goodview Elementary Schools in Winona, MN. The Big Pals spend time with and act as role models for their Little Pals. To establish a solid relationship with the Little Pal, each Big Pal is required to make a year-long commitment to the program and meet with the child on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. At least two “get-togethers” will be held over the course of the year to bring all the program participants together for different activities on campus. Interested Saint Mary’s students can apply to be a Big Pal by filling out an interest survey (used in matching the student with a Little Pal) and writing an introduction letter to the Little Pal. Usually, Pals are matched up only in September, but applications are accepted year-round. |
The B.U.D.D.I.E.S. program at Saint Mary’s provides an opportunity for people who are developmentally delayed to interact with each other and with college students by doing activities like coloring, playing basketball, hunting for Easter eggs or just hanging out. Saint Mary’s students and “Buddies” meet weekly throughout the school year. Participating in the program doesn’t require any kind of special degree or experience; all that is necessary is for you to be willing to be yourself, have fun and see life from a different perspective. |
Participants of Friends of St. Anne’s visit elderly and disabled residents of St. Anne’s Hospice, located in Winona. Students have the chance to visit one-on-one with residents, build friendships and participate in large group activities. These activities include monthly ice cream socials, decorating for holidays, holiday gatherings and Christmas caroling. Transportation for the bi-monthly visits is provided by the Office of Campus Ministry. |
The Outreach Retreat Team plans and facilitates Confirmation retreats for area parishes throughout the year. Team members are expected to attend the training retreat in the fall and to participate in as many parish retreats as possible over the course of the academic year. Come be a part of helping today’s youth better understand their faith! |
This program gives Saint Mary’s students the opportunity to teach children and youth about the Catholic faith through area religious education programs. Students interested in participating are paired up and assigned to their classes in September. Classes meet every Wednesday throughout the academic year, and a year-long commitment is required of all university students who wish to participate. Transportation is provided by the Office of Campus Ministry. |
Tiny Tot Express is an organization through which students are able to share their time and talent with local day care centers. The group sends volunteers to a local day care center in Winona up to three times a week, for several hours at a time. The volunteers play and read with the children, and at the same time, give some relief to the day care employees. Students who participate in the program are not required to have any special certification, as they are required to have a professional day care staff member present whenever they are working with the children. |
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