Not sure what to do after graduation? Want to spend a year growing as a person while serving the local community?

In the rich tradition of the Spiritans to create a more just world, the Spiritan year of Service Program (SYSP) strives to engage young college graduates as they live their faith in action while growing on their spiritual journeys.

The Three Pillars of SYSP:

  • Prayer and Spiritual Growth / Participants will pray and reflect as a community and will be guided by lay Spiritan mentors.

  • Working with Those on the Margins / participants will commit to working with the marginalized which will include growing in their understanding and knowledge of social justice.

  • Simple Living / Participants will live a very simple lifestyle with a focus on sustainability and integrity of creation

The three pillars of SYSP are based around the three main principles of the Spiritan charism: walking with those on the margins, committing to authentic relationships, and living open to the Spirit.

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Housing will be provided at a large house approximately 20 minutes from the city in Emsworth, PA. Participants will have their own bedrooms with all other spaces being communal.
Living expenses like food, rent, wifi, and household bills are included with the program in addition to a small stipend. A monthly bus pass or $100 fueled stipend will be provided in addition to that. However, it is expected that you fundraise or have personal funds on hand to cover car insurance, cell phone bill, and any other expenses you anticipate.
With the help of program mentors you will be placed at a sight in either the Hill District community or Hazelwood community of Pittsburgh.
SYSP lasts for 11 months, beginning June 1 and ending May 15. You are expected to serve 35 hours a week at your site and participate in spiritual development 5 hours a week.