Article by Phoenix writer Olivia Iorio ’25:
During the week of February break, fourteen Kellenberg students demonstrated their Marianist commitment to service when they helped improve the Stella Maris retreat house and the motherhouse of the Sisters of Life in Montebello, New York.
St. Joseph’s Mission has been going strong since 2006, when Hurricane Katrina hit and caused much devastation, especially to a Marianist school in St. Louis who had endured over $20 million worth of damages. This spurred the first St. Joseph’s Mission, when 20 students from Chaminade and Kellenberg went to New Orleans.Now in 2025, the St. Joseph’s Mission is still going strong and serves organizations in New York.
During the retreat, the group of two seniors and twelve sophomores, accompanied by Mrs. Rodney, Brother Roger Poletti, S.M, and Brother Michael Patrick, S.M., first went up to Stella Maris to move firewood, clear out the dining room and foyer, repair cracks and holes, and paint ceilings, walls, and trim. The group then returned to Kellenberg and painted the band and orchestra rooms.
On Thursday, they traveled to Sisters of Life in Montebello, New York. There, they assisted with cleaning, prepped a new sister’s room, and helped sand down cabinets. Afterwards, they enjoyed an afternoon of prayer containing a witness speech by Sister Faustina.
Regarding their event, sophomore Emma Bacelis shares how the events impacted her,“ I also enjoyed meeting the sisters of life, and learning about their lifestyle. The overall experience was great! I loved this trip and would most definitely do it again.”
Mrs. Rodney, one of the moderators, was very proud of the hard work shown by the students. She also highlighted how impactful the trip truly was. “The St. Joseph’s Mission Trip was an extraordinary opportunity to provide service to others in our Kellenberg Community and the Sisters of Life in Montebello. Listening to the powerful witness of service that the Sisters of Life dedicate their lives to was incredibly moving. I am so grateful for the hard work and dedication of the students that were able to participate in this mission to serve others.”
Overall, the St. Joseph’s mission is a powerful testimony to the commitment Kellenberg students have to service and their ability to go above and beyond for the Marianist mission.
