Freshmen Religion Classes Learn More About the Father McKenna Center

This week, freshmen in Ms. Hudson's Religion classes had the opportunity to talk with three staff members from the Father McKenna Center, a social services agency for homeless men housed in the basement of St. Aloysius Church. They heard from Dr. Kim Cox, who has led the center since 2014; Mr. Cortez McDaniel, the center's Director of Services; and Mr. Michael Broughton, who works as an Assistant Case Manager. All three discussed how the McKenna Center lives out the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy on a daily basis.

The students particularly enjoyed hearing about Cortez's life journey; he is a former guest at the center who struggled with addiction and homelessness. "This presentation inspired me to want to go out and take action," wrote Daniel Rogers '24. "Even though I can't help at the McKenna Center right now, I can find other opportunities to serve the homeless." 

"The relationship between the Gonzaga community and the McKenna Center is such an important one. Sadly, since the Covid 19 pandemic has started, the students haven't been able to be as involved in the McKenna Center. This is a particular challenge for the Class of 2024, our freshmen," said Ms. Hudson. "We were so lucky to have Dr. Cox, Mr. McDaniel, and Mr. Broughton share their experiences, and particularly highlight how they provide not only the Corporal Works of Mercy, but also the Spiritual Works of Mercy to the men who are struggling with homelessness, especially during this pandemic." 

Here are some photos of the presentations. Thank you Dr. Cox, Mr. McDaniel, and Mr. Broughton! 
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