This past weekend, Cathedral Prep’s campus ministry held their sixth annual Box Village service project to raise money for Emmaus soup kitchen. During this event, more than 80 Cathedral Prep students camped out on the front lawn of Cathedral Prep in sub-40-degree weather from 3 p.m. on Saturday to 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. The only materials that students had to stay warm were cardboard boxes and a few fires. Participants in the event spent their time collecting donations for Emmaus soup kitchen, writing Christmas cards, praying in adoration, and celebrating Mass. 
Senior, Dominic MacArthur participated in Box Village for the first time this year. “I had a great time spending the night bundled up with my friends raising money for a good cause,” he said. “I’ve certainly gained a new appreciation for everything I have.” Dominic was also very thankful for the relatively fortunate weather that students were able to have for the event. Despite the cold temperatures, there wasn’t any of the snow or rain that Erie usually sees during the month of December.
The leader of the event was the head of Campus Ministry at Cathedral Prep, Father Jason Feigh. Fr. Jason has been a part of the event for each of its six years and was thrilled with this year’s success saying, “Box Village is a phenomenal annual event that we are able to both give witness to the community but also help one of our local agencies who does phenomenal work for the community as well.”
Overall, students collected $1,513 in donations for Emmaus and spread awareness for a very worthwhile cause this weekend.