Tag: schools

Local athletes do well

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Staff Report – Florida Catholic

12/4/2018

The Fall sports season has come to an end and many athletes and teams from Diocesan Catholic High Schools did themselves proud with the performances on the court, in the pool and on the field.

The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Lady Cougar Volleyball Team reached the State 5A Championship Game on Nov. 10.

The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Lady Cougar Volleyball Team fell on Nov. 15 in the 5A State Final to Trinity Catholic High School of Ocala, three sets to two. The Lady Cougars finished their season with a record of 25-8.

Madeline Burt, a student at St. John Neumann Catholic High School, swam her way to two medals at the Nov. 16 Class 1A State Championships at Sailfish Splash Park and Aquatics Center in Stuart. Burt took silver in the 100-yards butterfly with a time of 54.10, and bronze in the 50-yards freestyle in a time of 23.37. Way to go Madeline! Both times were good enough for All-American consideration.

The St. John Neumann Celtic Football Team fell in the Regional Final of Class 2A to Champagnat Catholic High School of Hialeah, the defending State Champions, with the final score of 21-10. The Celtics finished the season with a record of 10-2. This was the farthest any Neumann football team has ever advanced.

The Bishop Verot Catholic High School Viking Football Team also fell in the Regional Final for Class 4A on Nov. 23 to Cocoa High School with the final score of 38-14. The Vikings finished the season with a record of 9-3.

 

Thanksgiving celebrated around the Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Staff Report – Florida Catholic

12/4/2018

The Thanksgiving holiday brings people together for a meal with the opportunity to thank the Lord for all that has been provided during the past year.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane helps serve a hot meal at the Knights of Columbus Council 3358 in Sarasota for the traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for the community.

While Thanksgiving is typically a celebration of the family, many take the opportunity to help those in need, whether it is through bags of food or offering a hot meal, the outreach throughout the Diocese is impressive.

The Young Vincentians from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota delivered more than 1,000 pounds of food to Bethesda House, a Catholic Charities program for people impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities in Immokalee and the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center in Naples both offered baskets of food to hundreds of needy families. This included food that would not only be used for the holiday itself but could feed a family of four for up to a week.

One mother, who received a gift basket from the Judy Sullivan Center, noted that the food was much appreciated as it would allow her to provide a special meal for her two children at Thanksgiving. “I’m just so grateful to everyone who provided the food. It means so much to my children too.”

The St. Joseph Food Pantry handed out more than 1,200 bags of food Thanksgiving Week in Bradenton.

At St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton, volunteers handed out more than 1,200 bags of food in three days. Meanwhile, the Young Vincentians from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota delivered more than 1,000 pounds of food to Bethesda House, a Catholic Charities program for people impacted by HIV/AIDS. At St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers, more than 120 turkeys and other items were donated to St. Margaret Parish in Clewiston and St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Moore Haven.

Volunteers at St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers load turkeys for delivery to parishes in Clewiston and Moore Haven just before Thanksgiving.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was in Sarasota on Thanksgiving Day when he joined the Knights of Columbus Council 3358 for the traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for the community. The Bishop gave the opening blessing and helped on the food line. This annual event is in its third decade and this year provided about 600 hot meals for many people who have nowhere else to go on Thanksgiving. An additional 200 meals were delivered to the homeless in the area. Earlier, Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch.

In Immokalee, the faithful of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples offered “Thanksgiving in the Park” which provided more than 2,000 meals. More than 100 volunteers helped prepare the meal and then serve the food on Thanksgiving Day.

Several other parishes had Thanksgiving dinner for the faithful, including at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples which served about 300.

These were just a few examples of what took place throughout the Diocese of Venice Thanksgiving week.

St. Mary Academy first Diocesan school to be STREAM certified

Posted on by Bob Reddy

By Christine Wyckoff – Special to the Florida Catholic

11/15/2018

After a thorough assessment and examination, St. Mary Academy in Sarasota was awarded the title of a certified STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) school.

St. Mary Academy is the first Catholic school in the Diocese of Venice, and the first ESE (Exceptional Student Education) school in the State of Florida, to earn this prestigious certification through the Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) and the National Council for Private School Education. The Academy joins just three other schools in the state with a STREAM title.

As a school serving students with special learning needs, St. Mary Academy realizes the value of a STREAM concept of learning, Principal Rebecca Reynolds said.

“With nearly 20 years of excellence in education, St. Mary Academy continues to offer its students a progressive education, affording them a strong foundation to ensure future success,” Reynolds said. “A STREAM curriculum model allows them to do just that.”

Dr. Ben Moore, Diocese Superintendent of Catholic Education, said the Diocese is proud of the administration, faculty and staff of St. Mary Academy for achieving the STREAM certification from the FCC.

“Such a designation is the culmination of years of preparation and professional commitment to this initiative,” Dr. Moore said. “The FCC has validated our schools’ unique ability to provide a balanced educational experience designed to prepare our students for the future while remaining grounded in our Catholic identity.”

A STREAM education is the collaborative blending of six concepts (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) through the platform of the Catholic Faith in an exploratory and inquiry-based learning environment. STREAM schools integrate Catholic identity into every aspect of the curriculum and promote a culture of innovation. STREAM lessons educate students for their future, make learning relevant, and emphasize interdisciplinary connections.

St. Mary Academy operates using a STREAM curriculum model. Teachers provide students with meaningful instruction and authentic assessments by using project-based learning, which provides their students with real world situations and applications. From kindergarten through Grade 8, the teachers at St. Mary Academy design units of study that challenge and empower students.

A recent STREAM unit of study titled “Tham Luang Cave Rescue,” encompassed all subject areas.  From science to art class, middle school students studied the progression of the cave rescue. Each student was assigned to a rescue team and planned accordingly. Rescue teams developed plans to feed, deliver medical attention, devise an escape route and secure life safety for everyone involved.

Students didn’t stop there. They continued their exploration in each class by: measuring distance in math class; calculating escape route times in technology class; researching amount of oxygen necessary in science class; creating mock caves in art class; developing overall escape plans in engineering; and discussing the value of preserving human life in religion class.

“It’s exciting to see the students so engaged in their learning,” said Kathy Wilde, STREAM Coordinator. “They ask higher level questions and seek the answers independently. After all, 21st century learners are problem solvers. It’s rewarding to see students so empowered to find solutions, both in and out of the classroom.”

St. Mary Academy offers a STREAM lab, vegetable garden, prayer garden, open fields, and the Zazarino Center/gymnasium as dynamic learning spaces, in addition to collaborative classrooms. Parents recognize the value and appreciate a STREAM curriculum model.

St. Mary Academy Home School Association President Jessica Alcala joyfully exclaimed that the STREAM foundation of the school is obvious.

“The faculty and staff, led by Mrs. Reynolds, continue to impress me with the way they include so much relevant learning across all subject areas” Alcala said. “It’s a new way of learning, and my son loves it.”

St. Mary Academy also takes careful consideration to differentiate instruction. The teachers accommodate the academic and developmental needs of their students in various ways. St. Mary Academy takes great pride in encouraging and fostering each child’s academic success, while maintaining a rigorous, developmentally appropriate curriculum.  St. Mary Academy students continue to thrive in a progressive academic environment, where they are faithful to God, inspired to serve, responsible for their actions, and engaged to learn.

For more information about St. Mary Academy, or to make a donation, please contact Connie Taft, Development Director, at ctaft@stmarysarasota.org.

Donor-Advised Funds

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Susan Laielli – Special to the Florida Catholic

11/15/2018

It’s difficult to imagine that with one simple phone call a person can donate to any number of their favorite Catholic, social service, and other pro-life causes such as Pregnancy Care Centers, abstinence programs, Catholic Schools, Catholic Charities and beyond, through the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida (CCFSF).

After investing in other foundations in Southwest Florida, philanthropists Janine Marrone, and her husband Steve, decided to place their hard-earned money into a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) at the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, where their Catholic and pro-life passions could prosper, and hopefully change hearts and minds along the way.

A Donor-Advised Fund is a charitable investment account for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care most about, while offering an immediate tax deduction. Donors make a charitable contribution to their fund and recommend grants from it over time to their favorite Catholic, pro-life or social service programs and ministries.

In the Marrone’s case, they advance many Catholic and pro-life missions, such as creating Luncheons4Life. They are assisted by many good people in Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties within the Diocese, each offering monthly luncheons in support of life. The luncheons, also held in Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Georgia, and Alton, Illinois, bring like-minded supporters of life together without politics, and with no cost or “ask” at the end.  Through their Donor-Advised Fund, the Marrone’s are able to raise awareness in hopes of bringing an end to abortion and offering healing to those who have had an abortion.

“The Donor-Advised Fund allows our contributions to be forwarded to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center for the luncheons, or to our Parish, the Catholic Faith Appeal, and Catholic Schools,” said Janine Marrone, who was excited to open the first Donor-Advised Fund with the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida this year.

“We can also contribute to the Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation, Pregnancy Care Centers, and to Catholic Charities through this fund,” added Marrone, who was well-versed and experienced in donor-advised funds.

She approached the Catholic Community Foundation when she heard they were launching their own Donor-Advised Fund program that was more in alignment with her faith and values.

Funds with the Catholic Community Foundation are invested in socially responsible, Catholic-screened investments.  Distributions can only be made to Catholic, pro-life or social service agencies whose mission and services are in keeping with the teachings of the Church.

“Earlier in 2018, the Catholic Community Foundation Board approved the launch of our Donor-Advised Fund program in response to numerous requests from donors within the Diocese who were looking for a Catholic option,” said Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida. “I was so blessed to work with the Marrone’s on the program’s launch.”

With the launch of this new program the CCFSW is now a full-service community foundation that can meet the needs of donors looking for a faith-based alternative for their giving. All Donor-Advised Funds, similar to all funds held by the Foundation, are governed by fund agreements signed by the donor, which specify how they may be used.

“With the recent changes to the tax laws, Donor-Advised Funds with the Catholic Community Foundation may be a great way to maximize your tax benefits this year and going forward,” added Morse.

Marrone exhibits much enthusiasm when she talks about charitable giving and making a difference, but she also is very active and engaged in the community, so there’s not a lot of time to waste.

“Working with the Foundation is easy, and with the Donor-Advised Fund it’s essentially one-stop-shopping, really,” said Marrone.

For more information on donor-advised funds or the Catholic Community Foundation, please contact Michael Morse at 941-441-1124.

Second wave of donated items delivered to Panhandle

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Staff Report – Florida Catholic

11/15/2018

The second delivery of items donated by the faithful of the Diocese of Venice has been delivered and distributed to those recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

Deacon Henry deMena and Paul Unsworth of St. Agnes Parish helped deliver the supplies to St. Dominic Parish in Panama City on Nov. 2. There he spent the week helping to hand out needed supplies to people who are continuing to struggle to rebuild their lives nearly a month after the storm struck the Panhandle.

“The destruction is truly indescribable,” Deacon deMena said. “The number of homes that are damaged or destroyed is amazing. Entire strip malls turned to rubble. We saw boats on their side in the middle of roads (more than three weeks after the storm); trailer homes either destroyed or lying on their sides; trees that were snapped like twigs, etc.”

The emergency supplies were the result of a Diocese-wide appeal that showed a tremendous response of donated emergency items, including water, food and cleaning supplies.

Deacon deMena and a colleague spent the week at the distribution center for food, water, personal hygiene, pet food and many other items located at St. Dominic Parish. The center operated from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and had a continuous stream of cars coming through.

“The needs are endless up there and yet everyone who came through the line were so upbeat and appreciative of what we were all doing for them,” the Deacon explained. “As the colder weather approaches people were looking for blankets since many of them are living in a partial home open to the outside.”

The distribution site is in the shadow of the Church, which had major damage. The rectory, parish hall and faith formation buildings were destroyed.

Everywhere he turned, Deacon deMena saw volunteers making a difference, working alongside Catholic Charities staff from across Florida and the nation being Jesus to the poor and downtrodden.

These students from St. John Neumann Catholic High School helped load this truck of hurricane relief supplies at the Catholic Charities Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center in Naples on Nov. 2. The supplies were delivered to the Florida Panhandle that weekend.

The first wave of supplies from the Diocese of Venice arrived in the Panhandle less than a week after Hurricane Michael struck on Oct. 10. The donations were then consolidated at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities in Naples.

Students from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples helped load the truck deMena took of Panama City.

“I can’t list the many times we saw God’s hand in helping us,” Deacon deMena said of his time in Panama City. “This was a true example of how the Catholic Church works as a united front to care for ‘the least of my brothers.’”

Grandparents honored at Neumann

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy – Florida Catholic

11/15/2018

Grandparents, a vital link to the past – most importantly the Faith, were welcomed to St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples for a special celebration.

That celebration on Nov. 7 opened with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane as students sat with their grandparents in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. Afterwards, everyone went to the Student Life Center for a luncheon.

During the Mass, Bishop Dewane spoke about the wisdom and knowledge of the faith older people can share with the young.

“Those of you who are blessed to still have your grandparents in your lives must take advantage of this,” the Bishop said. “Learn from them. Learn about how the Lord has shaped their lives.”

The Bishop also encouraged the grandparents to impart their wisdom through love and tenderness. “You as grandparents are a connection to Jesus Christ that the young people need. You are the example for them to follow.”

Several grandparents, and their grandchildren, complimented the Bishop for speaking so clearly about their respective roles in the Church – one as mentor and example, the other as respectful listener and observer.

Following the Mass, one grandparent noted that he is proud his grandchildren attend a Catholic High School. “My grandson is getting the best education. I tried to pass the faith along to my own children and grandchildren. It is rewarding to see that lesson is being passed down to my grandchildren and enhanced here at St. John Neumann.”

Bishop Welcomes New Superintendent to the Diocese of Venice

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Staff Report

7/13/2018

Bishop Frank J. Dewane announced the appointment of Dr. Ben Moore, Ed.D., as Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Venice, effective, July 2.

“I am very pleased that Dr. Moore has joined the Diocese of Venice in this leadership role. His extensive experience, skills, and passion for Catholic education will support the Diocese in its mission to continue providing the highest educational standards, while maintaining focus on Catholic instruction and identity” said Bishop Dewane.

In his new position, Dr. Moore will be responsible for the Office of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Venice in Florida which consists of 16 schools and 4,777 students, the Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation, as well as the Office of Religious Education which supports sixty-one 61 parishes.

He is a seasoned professional with a successful record of leadership in education.  His career within education ranges from his most recent position as Superintendent of Portage Lakes Joint Vocational School District in Uniontown, Ohio, to prior assignments as District Director of Curriculum, Associate Principal for Curriculum and Technology; Director of Technology.  Earlier he taught Business and Information Technology Education as well as Special Education at the middle school level. He also served as Board President of St. Michael School Advisory Board in Canton, Ohio.

Dr. Moore is a graduate of Washington and Lee University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; he holds a Master of Science in Business Information and Technology Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, a post-Masters Certificate in Education Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies from Ashland University.

Dr. Moore stated, “I am humbled and blessed to assume the role of Superintendent of Catholic Education of the Diocese of Venice. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply my education and experience in service of our faith. Partnering with families and schools I will work tirelessly in pursuit of our common goal to prepare all students to be servant leaders and disciples of Christ. I am excited to continue the tradition of excellence within the schools of the Diocese and I look forward to contributing to future success.”

Dr. Moore has recently moved from Ohio to Sarasota with his wife and his two daughters who will be attending St. Martha Catholic School and Cardinal Mooney High School in the Fall.

The Diocese of Venice in Florida, Office of Catholic Schools offers a superb education infused with Catholic values, teachings and traditions that are centered in Christ, rooted in the Gospel and alive in the Faith through 10 Grade Schools, three High Schools, one Special Education Grade School and one Academy K-12.  In addition, the Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation facilitates the need for both post-secondary professional development as well as comprehensive, lifelong and systematic formation for adults; and, the Office of Religious Education supports the 61 parishes in the Diocese through catechetical leadership and guidance in the faith formation of Adults, Youth and Children.

Please join in welcoming Dr. Moore to the Catholic Center and to the Diocese of Venice.

Knights awards 5 scholarships for Cardinal Mooney

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Staff Report

7/13/2018

The futures of five Sarasota-area students will benefit from the legacies of those who left us with their memories. Knights of Columbus Council 7826 St Thomas More (Sarasota) presented five scholarships to students who will attend Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School this fall.

The scholarships awarded and their recipients were:

  • Richard A. Schwehr Memorial Scholarship – Daniel A. Ramirez
  • Angele Ciancuilli-McAlonie Memorial Scholarship – Joseph A. Sassano
  • Lance Cpl. Patrick Ryan Adle Memorial Scholarship – Liam J. Donovan
  • Hank Peppard Family Memorial Scholarship – Michael L. Thayer
  • Jeffrey C. Jeffers – Memorial Scholarship – Leo E. Ramirez II

Each scholarship is worth $500 towards attendance at Cardinal Mooney. This is the second year that K of C Council 7826 has awarded scholarships, and increased the inaugural awards by two for the coming school year.

The students all had family and benefactors in attendance, and the awardees included two brothers.

Scholar Joseph Sassano said he was honored to receive the scholarship as it will help with some of the expenses of going to Cardinal Mooney. “Cardinal Mooney is a great school and the Knights are very generous with this scholarship and this support.”

It was in early 2016 when a Knight proposed to the general membership the idea of offering a scholarship to promote Catholic education for a student(s) attending Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, explained Deputy Grand Knight Ken Berberich.

The major hurdle at that time was how a single recurring scholarship could be perpetually funded. In a sad twist of fate, a long-time Knight from the Council passed away and his widow decided to make a donation to the Council in his memory, Berberich said. In 2017 the Knights offered three scholarships with that increasing to five in 2018.

Coseglia Scholarships awarded

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Staff Report

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida awarded four outstanding Diocese of Venice Catholic High School graduates with the 2018 Frank & Florence Coseglia Scholarship. The winners were recognized for their academic standing, service to their Parish and school, as well as an essay on what their Catholic Education has meant to them.

The scholarship recipients are Ombretta Lubin of Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers; Emma Milbert of St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples; Lucas Ritcher of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota; and Clare Williams of Donahue Academy in Ave Maria.

The Catholic Community Foundation Coseglia Scholarship was established in 2012 to fulfill the dreams of Frank and Florence Coseglia. The Coseglias wanted to provide financial support to deserving Catholic High School graduates pursuing degrees at accredited colleges or universities, and they wanted that financial support to last far beyond their lifetimes. For these reasons, the Coseglias chose to create a Catholic Legacy by establishing an endowed scholarship fund with the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida.

Ombretta Lubin

The three winners were nominated by their high schools and approved by the Catholic Community Foundation Board of Directors. Each will receive a one-time scholarship of $1,111 toward the cost of their college/university studies. This is the seventh year the Catholic Community Foundation Coseglia Scholarship has been awarded to outstanding Diocese of Venice Catholic High School graduates.

Lubin wrote in her essay that through the Catholic Church and the education fortunately given to her, she became a better person. “I am the first in my family to attend college and I am determined to succeed,” she added. “With this scholarship money, I’ll be able to further my studies at Florida International University.”

Emma Milbert

Planning to become an elementary teacher Milbert wrote: “This is where my passion starts, with the education of children, and I wouldn’t have been able to recognize this if it weren’t for my Catholic Education.”

Crediting her Catholic Education for mentally and spiritually preparing her to go out and start making a difference, Milbert added that “it’s truly amazing how such young people right now, in a couple of years, can change the world, but what’s sad is one out of every four children are illiterate.”

Lucas Richter

With plans to study political science and pre-law, Richter wrote: “The Coseglia Scholarship will enable me to give back to my community more often without having to worry about paying for tuition. I finally learned the lesson a Catholic Education has taught me: the community is much

Clare Williams 

more than giving back, it’s changing the world around us for the better.”

Williams will work toward a degree in either mathematics or business, and explained how Catholic Education shaped her goals for the future and given her life purpose. “Only by understanding what my education has meant to me can I begin to appreciate who I am as an individual.”

Catholic Community Foundation Executive Director Michael Morse noted that the Coseglia Scholarship is a wonderful example of how one family chose to support the good works of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Venice by investing in the education of our youth.  “By creating an endowment with the Foundation, the Coseglias have guaranteed the availability of scholarship funds for generations to come,” Morse said.

Those interested in learning how to set up an annual scholarship in their name, or the name of a loved one, should contact the Catholic Community Foundation at 941-441-1124.

Retreat opens eyes of students

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy – Florida Catholic

When a group of 21 St. John Neumann Catholic High School students talk about what they did for their summer vacation, they will each have compelling stories to tell.

For one week they opted to start their summer by being part of the Immokalee Service Week. This is the fourth year that a group from St. John Neumann has journeyed to Immokalee for a service retreat.

The service trip was organized by Sister Katie Flanagan, Salesian Sister of St. John Bosco on the faculty of at St. John Neumann. She prayed each student would gain a renewed sense of Christian Service from their experience.

One student reflected on the week as a revelation for her that even doing the smallest act of kindness can bring joy to others. “I had no idea I would be able to impact people in such a way. The smiles we have been getting have been incredible. Everyone is so grateful for us being here. We are here representing St. John Neumann; but we are also representing Jesus in our presence. That is very powerful.”

Students from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples took part in a retreat in Immokalee the week of May 29-June 1. Here they are seen listening to an inspirational talk.

Immokalee is about a 40-minute drive from St. John Neumann Catholic High School, but the difference between Naples and Immokalee can be shocking for anyone who has never travelled off the main roads. The Collier County city is home to many farms and food processing facilities and is one of the poorest communities in the State of Florida.

During their retreat, the students worked and assisted in a variety of tasks at several locations. Of particular focus was helping at Guadalupe Social Services, a program run by Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. The men and women helped at the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, serving hot meals. They also assisted in loading bags of food for distribution and organizing the storage rooms. The group brought their own food donations and later assisted in the mobile food program by going out into a nearby neighborhood to knocked on doors with offers of a bag of groceries for each family.

It was in the neighborhood and the soup kitchen that the students saw the true face of Immokalee. They learned that the food provided at lunch is often the only food many of those individuals have all day, and it is certainly the only hot food they will have.

The week for the St. John Neumann students was not limited to the one location. In fact, the students toured Immokalee and learned about the struggle of the families who work and live there and heard a presentation from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers about the plight of farm workers in the region. Other service activities for the students included helping to rehabilitate a house for Habitat for Humanity, assisting at Collier Parks and the Salvation Army.

The activities were a mix of manual labor and interaction with local residents. The thanks received from those they encountered were what filled their hearts with joy. The overall experience was a true encounter of seeing Christ in others, one student explained.

Each day included daily prayer, time for reflection, and Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish by Fathers Ignatius Reddy Yeruva and Tobias Sabariar, Missionaries of Compassion from India who assist with Catholic Charities.

The students were in awe and wonder at the conditions people live in throughout the area and the poverty the young children are forced to live in, particularly compared to their nearby hometown of Naples. Each student noted how powerful and rewarding the experience was for them, something they will carry forward for the rest of their lives.

For more information about St. John Neumann Catholic High School, please call 239-455-3044 or visit www.sjnceltics.org.

For more information about Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities please call 239-657-6242, e-mail peggy@catholiccharitiescc.org or visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Find a Parish
Clergy
Find a School
TV Mass
Español
Ways to Give