Leave To Serve: Lasallian Youth
“Leave To Serve”
The sign every person sees when they leave The Academy. It is a very important message to all students at CBA.
Lasallian Youth, which came to CBA in 2001, has brought on many powerful experiences for each individual who has participated. Led by Mr. Ciro Saverino and Mr. Tim Sewnig, the organization has been an integral part of CBA for many years.
From tutoring grade school students to delivering supplies to less fortunate people, Lasallian Youth embodies the spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle, who had always wanted to help the youth. Tutoring and handing out food are just two ways the members of Lasallian Youth can demonstrate the teachings of our founder.
On Tuesday, September 20, Mr. Saverino and Brother Tim ran a trip down to the People’s Pantry in Asbury Park. In the images displayed, the aspect of brotherhood and service can certainly be seen.
Handing out food, organizing the tables, and hanging up clothes were just a few of the ways the men of The Academy could help out in Asbury. While people waited to get food and supplies, Mr. Saverino played a few tunes on his guitar, and even showed a young child how to play a few notes, as seen below.
The moment with guitar may have been a small one, but it embodied the entire idea of service in a beautiful way. It touched the hearts of the students on the trip and really showed them what Lasallian Youth is all about.
Whether it be a large-scale service trip or a short bus ride to Asbury Park, the idea and goal remains the same: CBA students “serve and stand for those in need,” as it states in the Academy Oath.
I sat down with Mr. Saverino, to ask him a few questions about the impactful organization:
Q: What does Lasallian Youth mean to you?
A: Lasallian Youth is very personal to me. It goes all the way back to when I was a student here at CBA, taking trips to Asbury Park with Mr. Sewnig and Mr. Thawley. These were very impactful trips in my life. Standing at a street corner, handing out supplies to strangers, it gave me a glimpse of a reality I did not previously possess. I didn’t know that people struggled that much here in Monmouth County.
Q: How has Lasallian Youth become more impactful in recent years?
A: We’ve had to adapt in the face of COVID. Now more than ever, people need help in the aftermath of a global crisis. Fortunately, we made a partnership with the People’s Pantry of Asbury Park at the Pine Street parking lot, and this has become our newest outreach on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month from 4:00-5:00 PM.
Q: How have the trips affected the students from your POV?
A: Similar to my experience, the trips are very impactful. The trips force students (and myself) to be others-centered for a short while amidst our busy week. We’re forced to break out of our tunnel vision of school, work, and our personal concerns, and we get outside in the fresh air, away from our cell phones, and we’re present to total strangers for a few hours. It’s kind of a whirlwind. The hour goes fast, and when it’s over, it hits you, “I’m so blessed. I’m so grateful for so many things. My problems could be so much worse.”
Q: What is the future looking like for Lasallian Youth?
A: During the Enrichment Period, the Young Lasallians are planning to support and promote the Food Drive which currently is underway until November 21st, and then the Coat Drive which begins November 28th.
Lasallian Youth is a great way to get involved in the service aspect of the Academy, and they are always welcoming new members. Lasallian Youth meets once a month, every first Monday, before and after school. To get involved please email Mr. Saverino or Mr. Sewnig.
