Service to others is essential to Catholics and an essential part of Catholic schools.
Catholic schools build social justice into the curriculum. From kindergarten through high school, students learn to love and serve those around them.
Steve Morissette, principal of St. Philomena Catholic School, explained that the students don’t complete service for a reward.
“You help someone because it’s the right thing to do,” Steve said. “Service is the essence of who we are as Catholics.”
At St. Philomena, each grade participates in a service project. From volunteering at food banks or homeless shelters to participating in the after-school service club, St. Philomena students like to get involved.
The same is true at St. Patrick Catholic School.
Apart from their regular service projects, like “Operation Keep ‘em Warm and Fed” at local homeless shelters, St. Patrick has something special in the works this year.
“It may be the first time all the middle schools in Pierce County are doing a service project together,” said Chris Gavin, Principal. “We are all collecting donations for immigrants at the border.”
This incredible undertaking was inspired by Sister Norma Pimentel, a well-known advocate for immigrants in Texas. Chris was introduced to the work and message of Sister Norma at the Adelante Conference at the University of Notre Dame over the summer. His attendance at the conference was made possible by a grant from the Fulcrum Foundation Building Diversity and Inclusion Grant Program. Sister Norma will speak to the students at Bellarmine Preparatory School in April.
“We have to form kids to have hearts of justice and service,” said Chris. “We walk with them—at whatever age level—to become kinder and more aware of the need for justice.”