In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left a path of destruction and hardship in their area, the staff and teachers of St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton have shown that resilience is best built on the foundation of compassion, sacrifice, and faith.
This Christmas Season, these dedicated educators have turned their focus outward – not toward themselves, but toward the families in their community still struggling to recover.
Recognizing the challenges families in their school community are facing, the staff made a decision to forgo their customary Christmas traditions. Instead of exchanging gifts and attending a Christmas luncheon for themselves, they chose to channel their school and personal resources, and their holiday spirit, toward helping families impacted by the storms.
The staff approached Principal Deborah Suddarth with the idea of simplifying their own celebrations and instead uplift others. Suddarth was profoundly moved, knowing that Christmas has always been about selfless love and giving. The staff’s choice is a testament to the depth of their commitment to the mission of St. Joseph Catholic School.
The teachers and staff agreed to host only a simple cookie exchange to mark the holiday season amongst themselves. Instead of physical gifts, they became prayer partners for one another, focusing on spiritual support and intentional connection during this holy time. The money that would have been spent on gifts and festivities was directed to families within the school who were hardest hit by the hurricanes, offering tangible assistance—and a heartfelt reminder that they are not alone. The staff also asked that the school not spend money on them personally, but rather put school funds toward the hurricane repairs needed on their campus. Even amid their own recovery efforts, the hearts of St. Joseph’s staff have remained firmly rooted in service.
The hope generated by their actions hasn’t gone unnoticed. Parents and community members have commented on the teachers’ unwavering example of Christ-like love, and their choice to prioritize others, reminding us all of what Christmas is truly about.
“Every day, I see how resilient our families are, and I’m inspired by how everyone—from the students to the staff—embodies the values of faith and hope,” said a teacher at St. Joseph. “This Christmas, it just feels right to lighten someone else’s burden, even if just a little.”
As St. Joseph Catholic School looked to Christmas Day and beyond, their message was clear—though their campus may still need repairs, and some families may be struggling, their faith in God and their bond as a community remains unshaken.
The intentional simplicity adopted by St. Joseph’s staff stands as a powerful reminder that true joy is found not in material abundance, but in the richness of love shared and burdens lifted. During this season, when so many feel the weight of life’s challenges more acutely, the actions of these staff members offer a shining example of what it means to serve with an open heart and to embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
For more information about ways to support St. Joseph Catholic School’s hurricane recovery efforts, please contact St. Joseph Catholic School, office@sjsfl.org.
Catholic Charities assisted more than 350,000 people in need, providing a wide range of services throughout the 10-county Diocese of Venice this year. The support of the faithful allowed Catholic Charities to meet the overwhelming demand for aid following the devastation caused by the double-barreled shot-gun approach of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which collectively displaced tens of thousands of families across Florida. Additional services offered include food and housing assistance, counseling and mental health services, and programs for seniors and children. For example:
Bishop Frank J. Dewane noted that the continued support of Catholic Charities by the faithful of Southwest Florida is inspirational and critical, “ensuring our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to receive the help and support they need. Please remember that every number represents a child, family or individual who relies on the support of Catholic Charities to get through a crisis. Catholic Charities does a tremendous job in providing programs that not only help in a crisis but assist in improving the daily lives of those they reach. Your support is appreciated and critical!”
As Hurricane Helene approached, Bishop Dewane met with members of the Diocesan Emergency Response Team on Sept. 24 and 25, 2024, at the Catholic Center. The first of these meetings was to review and then implement existing emergency plans for all Parishes, Schools and other entities within the Diocese. The storm approaches the region near the second anniversary of the devastating Hurricane Ian. That hurricane caused widespread wind, storm surge, and flooding damage throughout the Diocese. Some of those recovery efforts are ongoing.
