2023-2024
Communication will be sent to parents when we are ready to begin. **
One of the unique things about having children attend a Catholic school is that they are given the opportunity to put their faith into action. As Christians, we are called to serve those in need. The third graders work with St.Margaret’s House, a local agency, and are able to be “Disciples of St.Margaret’s House”. Please take a moment to learn more about St.Margaret’s House (SMH) and how you can be of service to the women and children of SMH during the coming months.
St.Margaret’s House is a day center for women and children in downtown South Bend. SMH provides a place of hospitality and support for women and their children who are challenged by day-to-day needs (food, clothing, support-emotional and physical). Here, women and children can receive a warm meal 5 days a week, access donated clothing and household items, do laundry, experience fellowship as well as participate in supportive programs. Staff of local health agencies provide educational and health information. Bible study and prayer groups meet weekly as well as other formative experiences. SMH depends on the generosity of many volunteers in order to fulfill its commitment to the gospel value of hospitality as reflected in Matthew 25:35 – 36.
“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing,I was sick and you took care of me …”
Groups of third graders (8-9 students at a time) go to SMH at least once a month so they can learn more about this special service place and donate needed items. A guest speaker (from SMH) comes to help kick off the service project. We will find out specific needs that SMH has and those items will become our focus for the collection.
While many people take basic toiletry items for granted, for those at SMH these items are a luxury. A donation box is located in the middle floor hallway at the school, once the service project begins, for any school or parish member that would like to donate items. There are specific items, identified by St.Margaret's House, that we will be collecting. More information will be provided when we are ready to begin.
This is the twenty - third year that the third grade has been involved with St.Margaret’s House. The children not only visit SMH and donate the needed items, but we pray for SMH regularly and make cards and crafts for special occasions. We hope that all of these activities will help the children build a deeper connection of service to those in need.
In addition, to these activities, we encourage families to participate in the SMH winter walk that is held every February. If you are interested in this activity, please contact St.Margaret’s house (574-234-7795) for more information.