In the weeks before Christmas break the students at Sacred Heart Parish School raised money to buy clothing and gifts as part of Adopt-a-Family. Oftentimes students raise money and don’t fully understand the connection between their giving and the end result. This past week, however, the students sat and listened to an invited guest, Ms. Grace Orta of Community Services.
Ms. Orta, invited by the Student Council, explained how she helps to house some 20 homeless families between December and March each year. Ms. Orta seeks assistance from the community to provide clothing and food to the families she houses. Along with food donations from St. Benedict/Sacred Heart Parish, the students raised money to buy clothes and toys for these same families. For many of these students, the connection between their donation and the joy that they provided the children was a realization. They could see, or hear rather, the impact of their effort.
As the students of Sacred Heart Parish School kick off National Catholic School’s Week they can expect to be a lot more hands-on as they focus on the ministry of community service. Their challenge: 40 hours of Community Service! However, this is just one part of the theme of Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service.
The students will kick off National Catholic Schools Week with a welcoming Mass at St. Benedict’s Church on Sunday, followed by an open house at Sacred Heart Parish School from 1-2:30.
Events:
- Monday, the students will kick off the 40 hours of community service.
- Tuesday, the teachers will celebrate their students with an ice cream social.
- Community leaders and religious leaders are invited to a Living Rosary at Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday.
- The students will gather to learn about religious vocations from priests, deacons, sisters, among others on Thursday.
- Friday, the students will honor the faculty, staff, volunteers, and grandparents as they celebrate their Grandparents’ Day.
- Saturday, the parents and community will close National Catholic Schools week with the Ranch Dance and dinner at Bolado Park.