To commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees will challenge the Sisters to a volleyball game Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Angela Athletic Facility.
The Sisters’ team will consist of sisters, faculty, members of Friends with Sisters — an organization that connects students with Sisters living on campus — and other members of various student organizations, while the opposing team will include members of the Board of Trustees. This event will serve as a fundraiser to assist the ministries of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
Mary Burke, chair of the Board of Trustees, said that the purpose of the game is threefold.
“[The game will] raise awareness in the Saint Mary’s community of the many ministries of the Sisters here in the U.S. and throughout the world, raise money to support these ministries and create a fun event for the whole Saint Mary’s community where we can spend time together and do good together,” Burke said.
Sr. Suzanne Brennan, who was in charge of the game, said the funds will be used for basic needs such as food, assistance with tuition, transportation and building projects that may include hostels and schools. She said planning this event has been a positive experience for her.
“My favorite part is turning a competitive sport into fun collaboration and a great opportunity to work together to address how each one of us has to use our resources to address healthcare and educational needs that will benefit our global reality,” Brennan said.
Senior Maggie Carswell, a student trustee on the Board, said the game builds a stronger sense of community on campus, which became apparent throughout the planning process for this event.
“The Sisters are a big part of the heart of our campus and have put so much faith into this school,” Carswell said. “This is sort of our chance to turn the tables and do a fundraiser for them.”
Carswell said Friends with Sisters is active in planning events with the Sisters, but that this an opportunity that is open to the whole community.
“There’s a lot of excitement with the Board simply just to play, but I’m excited to see the impact we can have on [the Sisters],” Carswell said.
Carswell said this game will play a substantial role in bringing the two communities together.
“This is one of the first big events to bring the two together in my time here, and it’s important for girls to come and show support.” she said. “You see the Sisters walking around, and they always say how much joy we bring to the campus. We want to show how much joy they bring to us too.”
In addition to the volleyball game, Sr. Eva Mary Hooker will read a specially commissioned poem prior to the game. The Student Pep Band will play the national anthem, and other musical offerings will take place throughout the game. Dinner will also be provided in a tent set up next to Angela from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., and will be open to students, sisters, players and other guests.
