Jesuit Day of Service

What is the Jesuit Day of Service?

The Jesuit Day of Service is an annual university-wide day of community engagement coordinated by the Center for Service-Learning and Social Action (CSSA). It unites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local Jesuit organizations (such as area Jesuit high schools and community networks) to collaborate on service projects across the Greater Cleveland area.

The day emphasizes the Ignatian principle of "being with" rather than just "doing for"—working side-by-side with local partners on projects ranging from neighborhood revitalizations and environmental cleanups to supporting local youth and family centers. 

Connection to the University Mission

John Carroll University’s mission calls on the community to "learn, lead, and serve in the community and throughout the world" through academic rigor, care for the whole person, and inclusive excellence. The Jesuit Day of Service directly translates this mission into practice in several key ways:

1. Living as "Men and Women For and With Others"

• Solidarity in Action: The event embodies the foundational Jesuit call to act in solidarity with local neighbors. It encourages participants to look beyond campus boundaries and use their energy, skills, and time in direct service to the broader community. 

2. Putting a "Faith That Does Justice" into Practice

• Social Responsibility: JCU’s Jesuit Catholic identity grounds education in a commitment to social justice and human dignity. Jesuit Day of Service provides a tangible space where ethical reflection leads to real-world action, addressing community-identified needs directly.

3. Fostering Cura Personalis (Care for the Whole Person)

• Holistic Student Formation: Mission commitment extends beyond classroom learning. Participating in collective service helps students grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally, cultivating empathy, humility, and civic responsibility alongside academic knowledge. 

4. Experiential Learning and Reflection

• Striving for the Magis: True Ignatian service doesn’t end when the physical work is complete. The day incorporates structured reflection—allowing participants to consider the root causes of local social issues, reflect on their experience, and commit to ongoing civic engagement.