BELMONT — High school students are invited to sign up for a week of learning, fellowship and fun this summer through the Schola Program at Belmont Abbey College.
Schola offers an opportunity for students to read classic works of literature and philosophy, take part in group discussions with faculty from Belmont Abbey’s Honors College, experience Charlotte’s culture and recreation and meet new people.
The theme for the July 6-12 program is “Wisdom and Foolishness.” It is open to in-state and out-of-state students who will have completed one year of high school by this summer.
Schola is designed to help participants nurture their faith by participating in the spiritual life of the college, including daily Mass, Adoration, prayer with the Benedictine monks from Belmont Abbey.
They will also participate in a variety of activities that recently have included rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, hiking, talent shows and chances to explore the city of Charlotte.
“I think the best aspect of Schola was the people that I met and the kind of conversations I could have with them – people were really excited to learn and talk about what we were reading,” said previous participant Marino Alexander in a promotional video for the program. “Although it’s just a week, it feels like such a long time because it’s so full – it’s really something you’ll remember!”
Former participant Mary Amanda Weaver said the summer program made her “fall in love” with learning.
“Talking with my peers and the teachers about these texts, about the big questions in life, was so intellectually stimulating in a way that I had never experienced before,” she said.
The cost for the week-long session is $700, which includes room and board on campus, seminar sessions, and cultural and recreational activities.
To learn more, go to www.belmontabbeycollege.edu/academics/honors-college/schola-summer-program.
— Christina Lee Knauss
SWANNANOA — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte had its first agency-wide Helene Disaster Day of Service Feb. 3, helping rebuild local homes impacted by the tropical storm.
From debris removal to installing insulation funded by generous donors, 18 dedicated Catholic Charities staff members were on hand to help bring renewal and hope to a community in need of both. During these relief efforts and many others throughout the year, volunteers have been a lifeline.
Being a Catholic Charities volunteer has enabled her to be a channel of God’s love and mercy for people in need, said Donna Bange, a Catholic Charities advisory board member at its Western Region Office.
“Catholic Charities DOC is blessed with incredibly generous donors and the parish contributions via the Annual Appeal,” Bange said. “Additionally, there has been an overwhelming outpouring of donations to support the Helene Hurricane relief effort.”
Volunteers are the bridge from these donations to the individuals seeking assistance, she said, because they are there locally, turning those donations into basic necessities at food pantries and being the helping hands that rebuild lives.
— Photos provided by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte
