On Wednesday, Feb. 24, students and
faculty and staff at St. Mary’s High School
participated in a Hunger Banquet to raise
awareness of the problems of poverty and
inequality.
The event was funded by a grant
secured by the school.
Upon arrival at the Hunger Banquet,
the school community was broken into
three different “income” levels and
experienced what it is like to eat at that
level.
A small group ate very well and
represented the highest income level,
while the rest of the community ate what is
representative of the middle and lower
income levels.
During the assembly, students
became familiar with information about
poverty on a local, national, and global
level through a speaker from Catholic
Charities as well as video and PowerPoint
presentations.
Participants were asked to make a
donation for the meal. The money raised
at this Hunger Banquet will be sent to a
charity that serves the less fortunate. The
students voted to send the over $561
raised to a world charity; the exact charity
will be determined at the upcoming
Campus Ministry Committee meeting.
“While we can never truly create an
environment where our students would be
able to feel the full effects of being hungry
and living on meager means,” wrote
Principal Rebecca Kranz in her letter to
parents of St. Mary’s students, “our hope is
that for one day, we can help them to
recognize that poverty and inequality are
important issues that we all need to be
aware of.
“Our other hope is that each student,
faculty, and staff member will walk out of
the assembly better educated, prepared
for the Lenten season, and informed
about what they can do to help.”
St. Mary's offers a Catholic-centered education developing a philosophy of education that integrates faith with knowledge, and encourages students to apply both to improve the world around them. Students of all faiths are challenged to think independently and critically about what they learn and what they believe. They are then invited to apply these skills to complex issues and to use their talents on behalf of others.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in a vibrant faith community where worship and spirituality inform and deepen one's intellectual life.
Religious Commitment — Program of Campus Ministry
At St. Mary’s, we are constantly working together to build our faith community. We are a family where we strive together to accept Christ into our hearts and live according to His teachings. The Campus Ministry Program serves to coordinate efforts toward this goal. Religion classes, class retreats, personal counseling, prayer groups, preparation and celebration of school liturgies, music ministry, visitation of the sick, faculty prayer life, as well as countless other religious and community activities find support and direction in this program. Class retreats are mandatory and required for passing religion class.Every student or faculty member is strongly encouraged to participate in whatever way time and talent allow.
Student Campus Ministry
Student representatives assist the Faculty Campus Ministry Committee by representing student ideas and concerns. Students help with liturgies, prayer life, community building activities, and awareness of social justice issues.
Liturgies
To achieve a sense of unity in the celebration of important moments in the life of St. Mary’s community and to deepen our awareness of Catholic faith, all students will attend all school liturgies and prayer services.
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2010 - All rights reserved. St. Mary's High School
