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Happening ... in the Local Church
 From
left are Kristen Benner, Madison Deno and Josh Budreau of the Catholic
Leadership Organization at Sacred Heart School in Fowler. |
By Kevin Cullen
The
Catholic Moment
FOWLER — Service is what the Catholic Leadership Organization at Sacred Heart School lives for. Service to God, service to the community … even service to puppies and kittens awaiting adoption.
“We are proud of the example of service and stewardship these students extend to others,” said Principal Terri Goodman.
“We all pitch in and help out. It makes you feel great,” said Madison Deno, 12, secretary of the group.
The Catholic Leadership Organization (CLO) consists of a president, vice president and secretary from the sixth-grade class, plus 11 representatives from grades one through six.
Officers serve the entire school year, but new representatives are selected every quarter. That provides stable leadership, while involving more students.
So far this year, the Sacred Heart CLO helped organize the St. Francis Feast Day Pet Blessing, which included a collection of pet supplies that were donated to the Almost Home Animal Shelter in Lafayette.
The animals blessed included dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, turtles, hamsters and guinea pigs. Deno said that the donated supplies filled two boxes, and included food and toys for a variety of homeless critters.
The CLO also led the Litany of the Sacred Heart at First Friday Masses, and sponsored a “mitten tree” to get clothes for needy children during the Christmas season.
CLO President Kristen Benner, 12, said that lots of scarves, hats, mittens and gloves were collected at school.
“Everybody helped — not just kids,” she said. “We took them to shelters for those who don’t have homes, mostly for children. I felt pretty good about it. I wanted to give them coats and stuff, but, unfortunately, we couldn’t do that.”
The CLO also raised money for the Foundation of Children with Cancer by sponsoring a “Hats On Day.” Students paid $1 each to wear their hats at school one day.
“Wal-Mart doubled the amount we got, so we made over $150, total,” said CLO vice president Josh Budreau, 11. “The idea got started when a boy with cancer started wearing his hat to school because he had lost his hair. The other kids in his class wore hats, too.”
Volunteerism, he said, is a way for children to share in addressing societal problems.
“It felt good that we could help out,” he said. “We’re really fortunate that we have all we have.”
Goodman said that such Christian values are always emphasized at Sacred Heart School. Founded in 1891, the Benton County landmark has 136 students in grades pre-kindergarten through six.
Students often use their strong young backs to help parishioners, and others, “tote and carry” heavy items. Some students assist with school lunches, visit nursing home residents, and baby sit during basketball games.
Each Christmas season, several classes support the Toys for Tots program, and the parish “Giving Tree.” Second-graders even raise money to adopt a manatee through the Save the Manatee Club.
Kindness, good work and Christ-like behavior are part of each school day. As Goodman said, “They demonstrate an understanding of helpfulness and service through the ‘little things’ they do without expecting reward.”