Giving Society and other generous members of the Notre Dame Family create a very real and powerful impact in the lives of Notre Dame students and all those whose lives they touch. This story is one example of many of how talented and dedicated students work to bring about change with help from the Notre Dame Family.
“I don't think I'd be here if I hadn't received so much generous financial aid. My time here is a gift and not something to be taken for granted, which pushes me to use it well. I'm so grateful for the support that allowed me to attend Notre Dame.”
Catherine LaPorte ’24, a theology and Spanish double major from Michigan, takes her education outside the classroom to serve people across North, Central, and South America.
At Notre Dame, Catherine interned with Campus Ministry, putting on retreats to help students find their calling and build a stronger relationship with God.
Through the McGrath Institute, she’s worked as a Vision Mentor-in-Faith, guiding high school students as they explore their faith through programming and small groups.
She then decided to take her efforts abroad to Chile, using her Spanish and theology studies to research how the Church engages with the issue of sustainability, interviewing priests and sisters from religious orders throughout the country.
“I've been very blessed that studying theology and Spanish has connected so practically with what I've felt called to do. Taking things out of the classroom and applying them to the real world is super important—that’s where you see your learning bear fruit.”
This past summer, Catherine pushed herself and her education to new limits—she lived and worked in a faith-based home for migrants in Tijuana, Mexico: Casa del Migrante.
The Center for Social Concerns at Notre Dame helped her find Casa del Migrante, where people from all over South America, Haiti, and Mexico may find accommodations for up to 45 days, collaborate on house chores, and receive help as they prepare to live in Tijuana or migrate further.
“I had always wanted to go to Mexico and learn more about the culture and do service to help the people there in whatever way I could. Theology is about serving others and bringing them to God. Being able to use what I was learning in my classes at Notre Dame practically was beautiful and meaningful for me.”
Catherine worked primarily in the daycare center, where she cared for children as their parents worked during the day. She would also help teach school-aged children.
On other days, she helped prepare and serve three meals daily to over 100 people living there. She enjoyed interacting with the parents during this time as she wouldn't see them as often while working in the childcare unit.
“I'm trying to use the gifts that God has given me. Two of the biggest gifts in my life have been my education at Notre Dame and learning Spanish. I wanted to use those gifts more concretely and practically to do God’s work, which was beautiful. I was living with them, serving them, and doing my best to speak their language.”
After she graduates, Catherine intends to continue to use what she has learned at Notre Dame, both in and out of the classroom, to serve others well. After graduation, she will take a gap year for service.
“I don't think I could have done it alone, but having the financial support to take my learning out of the classroom, I've become a force for good by serving others through hard work and helping people encounter God in their lives. I'm so grateful for the support that allowed me to attend Notre Dame and be developed in such a good way.”
Because of the generosity of the Notre Dame Family, especially through the Sorin Society and Notre Dame Fund, students and alumni like Grace continue to shape Notre Dame and the world for good—thank you.