BCU students fast to remember less fortunate

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
Posted April 17, 2003

Students at Briar Cliff University participated in the 30-hour fast that has been held for several years at BCU.

"I think it went pretty well for my first time organizing it," said Christy Huls, a freshman at Briar Cliff. "A lot of the students said they had fun. We ended up raising $700 to donate to Catholic Relief Services."

The fast started at 10 a.m. on April 11 and ended at 5 p.m. on April 12 after a Mass planned by the students who participated in the fast. The activities were held in the St. Francis Center at BCU and in Our Lady of Grace Chapel.

"All of us need to be reminded that we are at one with people in need, and we need to find ways of living that in our lives - helping to motivate and inspire people to get more involved with service projects and to include people in need in their prayers," said Valerie Kolarik, director of campus ministry at BCU.

In all about 25 students participated. They came and went depending on their activities.

"It was really rewarding because you gain that understanding of what people really do go through on a daily basis," said Josh Rickert. "I guess that is something that I was looking for. Since we are coming closer to Easter and Jesus sacrificed for us, it was a small thing that I could give back."

During the fast, students were able to drink juice (apple, orange and grape) at the times when they would normally eat a meal. Otherwise the only thing that they consumed was water.

"First of all, I had to find speakers to come and talk to the students," Huls said.

The speakers included a representative from the Food Bank of Siouxland who spoke about poverty and hunger; Father Brian Hughes who spoke on reconciliation; and Sister Gabriella Sanchez from Hastings, Neb. who spoke on sacrifice.

"I felt God was giving them words of wisdom to tell me and others because I learned a lot," said Carrie Wadle, a BCU sophomore.

"We also planned activities to help the students keep their minds off of their hunger," said Huls. "We also participated in community service at four different places that went along with remembering the less fortunate during the 30-hour fast."

The different sites the group provided service to were the Salvation Army helping with a volleyball tournament, Salvation Army food pantry, Holy Spirit Retirement Home trimming bushes and setting up for an Easter egg hunt at BC on April 13.

"It was very gratifying to be able to help out and not expect anything in return," said Rickert. "It is always a good feeling to serve others in that way."

The group also took part in icebreakers, games and skits and watched movies.

"I think we came together as a community," said Huls. "The students were fantastic. We really got to know each other over the little time we spent with each other."

There were about 10 participants who decided to sleep on the floor in the St. Francis Center for the night instead of going back to the comfort of their own bed.

"We actually went over 30 hours because we ended up going until after Mass," said Huls, who helped plan the 30-hour fast. "Everyone that helped in the Mass was part of the fast, the lectors, the EMs, the hospitality people and all the singers."

After the Mass, students were able to eat a meal for the first time in 31 hours.

"I think it is a good experience because people in the world everyday go to bed hungry, and we don't remember that," said Wadle, a second-time participant. "We go to the cafeteria and we say this food stinks, but it is 100 times better than what millions of children have all around the world. It gives you a new perspective and deeper gratitude."

The 30-hour fast has been provided for students and community members at BCU for about six years and will continue to be offered to those who decide to participate.