Matthew Mead ’24

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As Christians, we are called by God to live always not for ourselves but for others, and at Strake Jesuit where our motto is to be a Man For Others, a certain club promotes that philosophy.

The Labre Club is a longstanding organization at Strake Jesuit with one purpose: serving the community beyond our gates. Founded by a student named Taylor Lee ’15, for the past years that the club has been established at Jesuit, it has been serving those in need. Whether it’s feeding the homeless, assisting in food drives, or even facilitating after-school programs at elementary schools, there are always a wide variety of service opportunities to participate in.

“Joining Labre is an eye-opener for many,” club moderator, Mrs. Othon, said. “Although many students join for service hours, the most beautiful part about service is that it opens up our hearts.”

Mrs. Othon has been the moderator for Labre since 2017, and she recalls her first experience of serving with Labre, admitting an initial feeling of anxiety.

“I was scared to go downtown on that Friday night, going under a bridge and feeding people,” she said. “I didn’t really know what to expect.”

Despite her fear, she went anyway, and she has no regrets.

“I started to realize that people like us need to stand up and start to do what God called us to do,” Mrs. Othon said. “When you serve others, you become a more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding person.”

According to Mrs. Othon, service to others inspires a feeling of gratitude for the kindnesses otherS have shown us.

“I now think it was really beautiful what those people did for me,” she said. “They shaped my life in ways I didn’t even know was possible.”

Service should be at the center of all our lives. It’s what we are called to do, and the fulfillment you get after participating in it is unparalleled. Please consider joining Labre to aid in your development as a Man for Others. (You also get extra service hours)!