Hofstra's Newman Club Volunteers Their Time at Wantagh Church

Hofstra University’s Newman club volunteered at in Wantagh on March 5 to assist the church in setting up and running a Mardis Gras party for adults with special needs.

Hofstra University Catholic Campus Minister Rosie Scavuzo said the club was invited by the Diocese of Rockville Centre to serve brunch at the Mardis Gras party.

“To pray together with them, to share a meal and to serve them helped us all to remember that we are all part of the Body of Christ and to remember the very dignity with which we were created by God,” said Scavuzo.

Volunteers also came from Adelphi University, Stony Brook University and the Holy Name of Mary Frassati Youth Group.

The volunteers helped Mary Anne Russo, the organizer of the event, set up chairs for the prayer service, along with tables and decorations for the party. A number of volunteers dressed in costumes for the processional. After the prayer service, volunteers served the attendees brunch and festively colored cupcakes. The volunteers stayed late to help clean the church.

"It was a wonderful experience," said Hofstra Newman Club volunteer Molly Tette. "It was great to see the special needs adults with abilities they had, not the abilities they didn't have."