Stepping Out to Serve: The B.L.A.S.T. Experience

By Ximena Garcia | Class of 2027

Be Light and Salt Together is the basis of the Providence Cristo Rey’s B.L.A.S.T Trip. Each year, Providence Cristo Rey grants students the chance to experience a meaningful summer through their hosting a service trip called B.L.A.S.T. The trip enables students to travel outside of Indiana, allowing them to take a step outside of their community to serve the nation. One to two B.L.A.S.T Trips are hosted annually; a trip to Chicago during spring break and a trip to Cincinnati during summer break. 

During the Chicago B.L.A.S.T Trip, students learn about inequality and injustice that occurs in the city. They are able to explore and assist historically underprivileged neighbors in Chicago such as Little Village and Back of the Yards. Hearing anecdotes from those who have experienced challenges and witnessing common struggles deepens student’s understanding of the hardships that occur in our nation. It fuels motivation to fight against social issues such as homelessness, crime, and poverty. 

Furthermore, the B.L.A.S.T trip offers various service sites for students to participate in. From volunteering at homeless shelters to helping children read at schools, students engage in a variety of ways to perform service, making a difference in our country