For their day of service, seniors separated into groups and drove themselves to a location in need of volunteers provided by Mrs. McCaig. Seniors volunteered for organizations such as the SPCA and Meals on Wheels, where they offered service to their facilities. One group of seniors enjoyed a relaxing day spent with a widow in our community. They dusted, vacuumed, and cleaned her windows, before going to the grocery store to take care of errands. Afterward, this group joined her for Mass and lunch with her friends, which she kindly paid for. This special day was a great way for all seniors to bond during their last Mercy Week, which is a privilege given to all students who attend Notre Dame. 

This Mercy Week, the class of 2025 got to take a bus all the way out to Ithaca. Our destination was the Ithaca Armory, where we would help set up for a Feed My Starving Children packing event that weekend. On the way there, we made a stop in Newfield to visit Second Wind Cottages. This organization is headed by Carmen Guidi, whose goal is to “Provide housing, support, and encouragement to homeless and at-risk people in [the] community,” as it reads on the website. In other words, Second Wind Cottages provides housing for men who need a place to live for a while. Mr. Guidi is a lovely and hardworking man who has clearly encountered many struggles in his own life and has taken the initiative to improve the lives of others. It was very admirable to see the work he and the people who work with him have done. When we got to Ithaca, we stopped quickly for lunch and then made our way to the Armory. It is difficult to chronicle every single task we completed in the two or three hours we were there because everyone was constantly working to set up for the event. I personally helped set out equipment, set out boxes for the food to be packed in, and contributed to setting up the store, which sold handmade items and Feed My Starving Children merchandise. Our time at the Armory was very rewarding for me. It humbled me to think that I was contributing to something that would benefit so many people, and I realized how privileged I am during the process. I think the Junior Class had an amazing time volunteering! 

The 2023 Mercy Day for the sophomore class was full of activity. The class was split into three groups. Then they met back up together at Chapel Park to have pizza! 

The first group went to St. Joesph’s community center and made lunch for the less fortunate in the community. They made chili, salad, cornbread, and chocolate chip cookies. The food ran out so fast and the people were so grateful. Seeing how needy the community was was very eye-opening for the students.

The second group went to the Food Bank to help package food for those in need in our community. The Food Bank is a perfect place to learn about what you can do to help others. For Mercy Day, these students donated their time packaging potatoes which are grown by local farmers in upstate New York. By the end of the day, this group packaged over eight thousand pounds of potatoes which are sent out to local food pantries and soup kitchens.

The final group went to the Family Fitness Center in Elmira. While they were there they helped clean up the gym.  The bleachers were so dirty so they wiped them down. It just so happened that there was a senior citizen line dancing group there the same day so the students got to learn how to line dance! You never know how small of a deed could make someone’s day so much better.

This Mercy Week 8th grade was pretty busy with their projects. For their projects, some baked cookies and cake for the ND Supper Club, while others made epistle kits for the elderly people and others made gift bags for single mothers struggling.  

Havana Glen, Montour Falls, NY -  Havana Glen is also known as Eagle Cliff Falls. Havana Glen has a small hike before its beautiful waterfall. The waterfall is small with a consistent water flow. Next to the waterfall is an eagle carved into the stone. The adventures of the 7th graders of Notre Dame High School started the morning in a bus or van and journeyed to Havana Glen.  At the Glen, the 7th Graders did a little prayer and went hiking. They hiked up the small trail and spent time admiring the waterfall and exploring the nature around them. After all the admiring and exploring the 7th Graders played on the playground and talked and bonded with each other. 

Classic Chefs is a small, family-friendly restaurant that has been serving since 1949. After Havana Glen, the hungry 7th graders traveled to Classic Chefs. The 7th graders ordered drinks and lots of fries along with the choice of chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, or hamburgers. The food was great and everyone had a good time. After the food was finished, the 7th graders got on the bus or in the van and traveled to the next destination.

Ice cream, ice cream is a treat everyone has enjoyed forever!! After the great food, the 7th graders went to get ice cream. At the small ice cream place, there were many varieties of soft serve to choose from. After ordering and waiting in line, they ate their ice cream and played in the backyard of the small ice cream place. Ice cream was finished and they all got on the bus to begin their journey back to school. On the bus on the way back to school, many songs were sung and then it was time to get back to school. It was a great retreat and a good break from school. We are so thankful to Mrs. Ryan and Mrs. McCaig for taking all the 7th graders on the amazing retreat.