Inspired by the Gospel call to "love your neighbor," we encourage students to act as agents of positive change.
Rooted in our Holy Cross mission to develop servant leaders who bring hope to the world, our service learning program goes beyond simply logging volunteer hours. It focuses on building empathy, understanding social justice, and developing a servant's heart.
Through service learning, Edsmen directly address critical community needs while building genuine relationships with the individuals they serve. By confronting the realities of poverty, inequality, and hardship, students are pushed out of their comfort zones to gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it.
Edsmen are required to complete 10-20 service hours per year, based on grade level. Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to explore various service opportunities to discover causes they are passionate about. By junior and senior years, the goal is for students to concentrate on missions that resonate with them personally.
Service Initiatives
Labre Ministry
Labre provides an invaluable opportunity for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of St. Edward to serve the immediate needs of the poor every Thursday throughout the year. Named after St. Benedict Joseph Labre, the patron saint of the homeless, this immersive initiative allows students to witness and understand the struggles faced by our homeless friends on the streets.
Led by trained faculty and staff, the outreach team follows a designated route to serve our poor brothers and sisters in their own environments—under bridges, in vacant lots, woods, and other areas. They hand-deliver food, clothing, hygiene kits, and other essentials to those we visit each week. Through this experience, Edsmen learn to recognize the inherent dignity of every human being and the importance of prioritizing charity for the poorest among us.
Community Meal
For over 30 years, St. Edward has welcomed neighbors in need to campus for a complimentary meal and fellowship. On the fourth Wednesday of every month, approximately 100 guests gather in our Commons to enjoy food, prepared by our students, parents, alumni, and volunteers.
Campus Farm
Our on-campus FarmSTED is a social enterprise with chickens, bees, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Students tend the garden and animals, harvesting produce, honey, and eggs for charitable distribution and sales. Proceeds from our on-campus Farmer’s Markets support our Holiday Food Drive, which provides food to 600 families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Community Partners
St. Edward partners with more than 50 non-profit organizations in Northeast Ohio and beyond to offer students a vast array of service opportunities.
Service Trips
For over 25 years, we have offered summer service trips, providing students with opportunities to engage in meaningful service both across the United States and globally. These trips are designed to immerse students in different communities and broaden their perspectives.