Each spring brings forth a renewed spirit and sense of excitement for the season that lies ahead. In keeping with this zest for the season, the faculty and staff of St. Mary’s High School in Lancaster recently participated in the school’s annual Day of Caring. Guided by the Franciscan tradition’s call to service, half of the school’s faculty and staff spent a day at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, while the Buffalo City Mission hosted the other half of the staff.
The Head of School at St. Mary’s, Mr. Kevin Kelleher, wants to ensure St. Mary’s students develop a well-rounded sense of self throughout their time at the school. “One of the main virtues we want our kids to value at St. Mary’s is that sense of service,” Kelleher said. “We want our students to experience the amazing feeling you get when you give to others, and it is important for us, as teachers and administrators, to give of our time and talents as well.”
While at St. Luke’s, the St. Mary’s contingent unboxed and organized hundreds of gloves to be donated to those in need. Then, over at the Buffalo City Mission, staff members did various tasks throughout the day.
St. Mary’s plans to make these days of service a staple on their school calendar, for both faculty and students alike. “There are so many great organizations in Buffalo that serve some type of population in need or serve a deserving cause,” Kelleher continued. “We have a platform to work with these organizations that are so vital to our community and show our kids they can make a difference. That’s the power of learning through experiences in and out of the classroom.” St. Mary’s plans to start a Lancer Volunteer Corps. next year, where interested students will go to various places each month, volunteering their time to help those in need under the guidance of the school’s Campus Minister, Deacon Robb Ciezki.
