tvc.dsj.org | March 20, 2018
CATHOLIC
SCHOOLS
21
J U N E 1 2 – J U LY 1 9
Unique, Diverse and Hands-on Charity Work at
Saint Lawrence Elementary and Middle School
Providing service to others, the
environment and the community, has
always been a part of the Saint Law-
rence Elementary and Middle School
philosophy. From monthly service proj-
ects to all-school participation in giving
and volunteer work, the idea of truly
being involved in the surrounding
community has been very much alive
for decades. However, service projects
and community involvement have a
fresh and vibrant look this year! Led by
Religion Coordinator, Sherry Scott, the
students and staff have been provided
the unique opportunity of joining in
the Sunday Friends Program. Sunday
Friends is a non-profit organization
founded by a mother of three in 1997,
that collaborates with three elemen-
tary school sites in San Jose to bring
their program to local students. The
Students of Saint Lawrence and their
families are invited to attend monthly
outings of charity work, interacting
and giving to those in the community.
The outings have not only provided
community building for the students
of Saint Lawrence, but have made the
idea of charity work relatable, acces-
sible and hands-on.
Providing service to others has also
become more relevant in the curricu-
lum itself. Inspired by Principal Mar-
tin Procaccio, students in the middle
school were challenged to create ser-
vice projects and spring them into ac-
tion. One example of those project ideas
was a knitting service. Students taught
themselves how to knit, practiced with
their teachers and peers, and got all of
their supplies donated. They worked
on their knitting for over a month, and
dropped off over 50 hand-knit scarves
to The Bill Wilson Center! The success
of this story has spread throughout the
Community, inspiring others to find
unique and diverse ways to achieve
charity work. The desire to help others,
learn about others, and give to others
is more alive than ever throughout the
campus of Saint Lawrence Elementary
and Middle School!
Holy Spirit School Embraces Village House
In January, Holy Spirit Parish hosted
a monthly rotation of Village House, the
temporary housing cooperative for 15
medically fragile women in San Jose.
For 30 days, the women were part of the
Holy Spirit family and the opportunity
to serve and be served was a gift to
every member of Holy Spirit Church
and School.
Students in the lower grades cre-
ated placemats that were used at every
meal and pillow notes that greeted each
guest when they arrived in the evening.
The school’s Cub Scouts prepared and
served dinner once a week and brought
along bingo cards and markers for
spirited games after dinner. Teachers
collaborated another evening for a taco
spread that included the usual toppings
and an opportunity for fellowship.
Lunch bags were decorated with draw-
ings and sweet notes from the children
Bellarmine
Summer Programs
Holy Spirit Cub Scouts played bingo with
guests during the visit from Village House.
who volunteered with their parents.
Families and classmates, old friends
and new gathered for one month to
envelope these women in loving care.
Providing sustenance and friendship,
our community endeavored to be the
face of Jesus – all the while seeing Jesus’
face reflected back.
Camps and
classes for
1st–12th
graders
Register now at
bcp.org/summer