“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular services.”

1 Corinthians 12: 4-6

Every day at St. Mary’s School, we are blessed to have opportunities to serve and be served – to make a difference in the lives of students, teachers and families in ways that are not easily measured. The gifts that we receive from the Holy Spirit allow us to have an impact on our world, in our classrooms and with each other. And we’re proud to say that at St. Mary’s, it’s always a season for giving and receiving. At any given moment, on any given day, volunteers are using their time and talents in small ways that collectively make a big difference!

To highlight the significance of our volunteers and their acts of kindness, the St. Mary’s PTO will shine a spotlight on various individuals throughout the year and introduce each as “someone you should know.” The new Volunteer Spotlight program will include: a certificate of recognition to the designated volunteer, an announcement flyer (to go home with students), recognition on our PTO Web page, and a special feature on the St. Mary’s Voices Blog.

We recognize the value of each and every volunteer–from auction organizers and class party helpers to Market Day sorters and yearbook editors. Together they help foster the spirit of giving and the sense of family that are so uniquely St. Mary’s. They are the reason we can say with pride: St. Mary’s School volunteers don’t only make a difference, they make the difference!

Please join us in celebrating our September and October Spotlight Volunteers!

Congratulations to our September 2009
Volunteer Spotlight Recipient:

Christina DiCiaula

We recognize and applaud Christina for all of her many gifts and talents. We spotlight her generosity and creativity in fashioning a custom food service for the Teacher’s Tea event and for the Bishop’s Luncheon hosted for Bishop Sartain’s visit to St. Mary’s School.

We recognize and applaud Susanne for all of her many talents and gifts of time to the St. Mary’s school community. We spotlight her dedication to students through her work with the Junior High Project and Girl’s Volleyball. She has made a difference in the lives of many of our children, and we are thankful.

Behind-the-scenes, Suzanne coordinates a myriad of critical school functions, including (but not only) the School Directory, the Lunch Parents Program, The Volunteer Program and the St. Mary’s School Auction.

Thank you, Susanne–we are blessed!

Each year, St. Mary’s School selects a theme to guide and enrich  learning.  This year’s theme is “Go Make a Difference!” Activities are planned throughout the year to help teach faculty, students, and parents that there are many ways we can all make a difference in the world. Here are just a few of the “make a difference” activities our students are engaged in now:

• The kindergarteners enjoyed acting out the bible story “Let the Children Come to Me.” They also had a special celebration for Mary’s birthday on September 8.

• Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade have opportunities to help plan and participate in a weekly mass. As soon as students are able to read (usually by December in kindergarten), they get a chance to have a reading part in the mass.

• Our 4th graders adopted a U.S. Army lieutenant who is stationed in Iraq. They send him pictures and emails and remember him in their daily morning prayers. They will have a special welcome home celebration for him in November when he finishes his first deployment.

• The Family Groups Program follows the example of the Holy Family. Family Groups combine small groups of students from various grades, Kindergarten through eighth, with the oldest student in each group acting as the “head of the household.” At several points throughout the year, the group gathers for a school-wide activity, during which each group goes to an assigned classroom to engage in an educational activity led by the “head of the household” under the supervision of the classroom teacher. This program offers an opportunity for multi-age interaction, emphasizing nurturing and acceptance of others. Each Family Group has a Saint’s name. At the first Family Group gathering, students take time to explore the important characteristics of their Saint.

St. Mary’s is excited to welcome 22 new families to our school family this year. Please keep our school in your prayers as we strive to be the hands of Christ reaching out to those in need–learning how to make a difference in the world!

Thanks to Mrs. Bullock for submitting this article.