By Kathy Neve, Pacelli First Grade

The first grade classes at Pacelli Catholic Schools planned a service project to complete during this Lenten season. Our classes chose to give of themselves by collecting donations at home and school for the Parenting Resource Center – Seibel Center.

“As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, almsgiving is “a witness to fraternal charity” and “a work of justice pleasing to God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462). Beginning the week of March 10, they collected items to help stock the personal care needs shelf as well as games and art supplies. The donations will provide the young children, who come to the center for a place to be safe, with games and activities to do while spending time there.

As part of their daily religious education, during this time of the year especially, first grade students learn more about the great sacrifice that Jesus made for us by dying on the cross. In order to make this more relative to their lives today, we talk about how they can give up something and/or give of themselves in some way to help those who may not be as fortunate as they are. In choosing this project, the students are able to help others who could be their own age.  

The first grade students took great pride in being the leaders of this service project. Twice each week during Lent, groups of students collected donations from each of the classrooms in the elementary school. This project also provided them with the opportunity to show how respectful and responsible they could be while they were gathering the donations. The donations will be presented to Gema Alvarado, director of the center, the week following Easter.

If you are interested in learning more about Pacelli Catholic Schools visit our website at www.pacellischools.org, email admin@pacellischools.org, or call 507-437-3278.