Definition and Purpose: The Samaritans is an organization sponsored by University Ministry at Saint Leo University. It is an ecumenical organization, enabling students of all faiths and traditions to work together to build the community of Saint Leo University through social, spiritual, and volunteer service opportunities, therefore, creating a better world community in living out their motto: “Wherever You Are, Make A Difference."
Membership: Membership to the Samaritans is extended to any student of Saint Leo University. All students may and are invited to attend any Samaritan meeting and all sponsored activities. This open membership is extended throughout the school year. Students who are members of The Samaritans are encouraged to invite other students to attend the Samaritan meetings, all functions, and invite students to chair various committees. Faculty members and staff may also attend Samaritans’ meetings, volunteer projects, and events.
Meetings: General meetings are held on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the University Ministry conference room. You may e-mail Jessica Cannon if you would like to read the minutes to learn about events. To join, simply show up to a meeting or contact Chelsea Shoemaker.
The Samaritan’s Garment Ivar Jesurun
A cloth is born out of green dye, then pressed with a white symbol.
Many would think this is a complete Samaritans shirt, but the few that wear them know this shirt has yet to be completed.
It is missing the paint blotches that have fallen from a brush which swept across a new house for a homeless family.
It lacks the glitter and glue from the artwork of once sad and lonely children.
It still requires the sweat stains from carrying and packing food and clothes, as well as hope for the future, for families who have nothing else to rely on.
The shirt would be incomplete without coffee stains, a constant reminder of a moment where freedom of expression was not only practiced, but enjoyed.
I can’t imagine a Samaritan shirt that hasn’t been smeared with Sodexho’s frosting, because sometimes Foster children prefer to decorate cookies with that thick layer of sugar and have YOU eat it…again, and again, and again.
The shoulders of Samaritan shirts have been burdened with the weight of many tears: Tears of pain, tears of teenagers who have discovered for the first time that there are people who love and care for them. Tears of joy from an elderly woman’s face after she realized that someone has finally come to visit her. Tears that have fallen from the Samaritan’s own faces. Tears that fell in foreign lands for children who have nothing and are happy to have a friend.
Sticky markings can be found on the garment that brings a subtle reminder of the laughter that can come from making sandwiches with peanut butter, jelly, and love.
All of this is not only held together with the woven cotton, but also with a special strength from the person who wears it. A strength which is formed from many confrontations with a cold shoulder. It is a strength that continues on with money requests and sign up sheets no matter how many “no’s' are heard.
It is a strength that is built from character. The kind of character found in a person who knows that there is more to the college experience than drinking.
And when all this happens, the green may fade and the white might be scrapped up or blotched, but one thing is remembered: Wherever it was, it made a difference.
