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| Pictured with some of the boxes being shipped to the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal in New York City to help those in need are St. Joseph students, from left, first row: Gavin Jochum, Nicholas Busch, Evelyn Tranel, Olivia Donovan, Michaela Runde, and Ella Middendorf; second row: Mya Runde, Payton Heller, Tanner Middendorf, Laynee Runde, and Fr. Ken Frisch, pastor. (Contributed photo) |
HAZEL GREEN — Students and staff from St. Joseph School recently completed another successful Christmas outreach activity.
Part of our Catholic faith and identity is to help others in need, so the students and staff decided to live out their faith by helping people they may never meet. But we know that when we help our brothers and sisters, we are living the way Jesus wants us to live.
Helping those in need
Sr. Josephine Marie Schuler, an alumnus of St. Joseph School, is studying in New York City to become a religious Sister. After talking to Sister Josephine this summer, she shared that the children in the Sisters’ school and religious education program come from families who have had some hardships in their lives.
Sister Josephine shared that many families do not have enough funds to purchase the proper clothing for their children, especially during the cold winter months. She also said that their convent has many homeless men and women who visit and are also in need of adequate clothing for the winter months.
Fr. Ken Frisch, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, felt that it would be a great idea to help Sister Josephine and the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal by sharing the gifts that God has blessed us with. In November, the students and staff began collecting socks, hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens to send to New York.
Generous response
Father Frisch stated that people in our area are so kind and generous and his words proved to be true. Seventeen boxes stuffed with hats, socks, scarves, and mittens were sent to New York.
An anonymous donor paid the postage to send the boxes, and there was also $250 in donations for the Sisters to purchase items that the children and adults may need to get them through the winter months.
Sister Josephine and the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal were so amazed at everything they received and that their prayers were answered. They feel so blessed and grateful for the people who helped them meet the needs of others.
Father Frisch, Principal Barbara Wills, and St. Joseph’s students and staff thank all the generous people who helped them with this activity and making the lives of others a little brighter this Christmas season.
Barbara Wills is the principal of St. Joseph School in Hazel Green.