Lent calls Catholics to pray, give alms, and fast in order to strengthen their relationships with God. Here, at DSHA, this year’s Lenten theme, “Faith that Builds”, reminds us that with every small choice we make we have the ability to strengthen, build, and develop our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. As a DSHA community we are not only doing spiritual building, but are also working to physically build something special. 

Every year, the campus ministry program at DSHA chooses a Lenten project for students to raise money for, with the goal to aid a community outside of the United States. In the 2022 Lenten season, DSHA raised money to buy two school buses for our sister school in Buyuni, Tanzania. This necessary purchase allowed students from ranging distances to receive quality education with a safe form of transportation. The school has been thriving ever since with increased enrollment, but after the children graduate from the 6th grade they have limited schooling opportunities. The students either have to travel far distances or they have to stay home and work. Because everyone deserves the right to education, the Salvatorians are working hard to raise money to fix this issue. 

The Salvatorian Family in the U.S. have set up a fundraising goal of $75,000 to support the building of the secondary school for the community of Buyuni, Tanzania and DSHA has committed to raising $10,000 towards the cause. While this seems like a big goal, there are many fundraisers planned to raise money including penny wars, student auction, and grilled cheese and tomato soup sales. 

Additionally, there is some friendly competition to drive the success of the fundraisers through house system competition. Each house that raises $2,000 will win a day out of uniform pass, but most importantly will have the satisfaction of helping others get the education that they deserve to have.