COMPASSION, COMMUNITY & COURAGE
Most people are familiar with the 3 C’s of effective communication–clear, concise and consistent. As we prepare for Catholic School’s Week at Saint Mary’s, we are focusing on a different set of 3 C’s that we seek to nurture in all of our students: compassion, community and courage.
Given this shared focus, it should come as no surprise that we have chosen Commonwealth Catholic Charities (another triple C!) as our charitable partner for this year’s Catholic Schools Week celebrations.
Scroll below to see a list of items that will assist CCC in helping some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens .
COMPASSION
We are inspired by stories like that of Andrew , a beneficiary of CCC’s local Outreach Programs, who went from experiencing homelessness to volunteering with CCC to help others in crisis. Throughout Catholic Schools Week (January 29 – February 4) we will ask students and families to donate items for Commonwealth Catholic Charities’ Richmond-based programs.
“Markets often persuade us
that we don’t have enough.
Communities remind us that we do.”
Seth Godin, author & entrepreneur
Please note that Commonwealth Catholic Charities can only accept NEW items at this time.
Most Needed Items:
HotHands hand warmers
Gloves
Baby wipes
Shampoo/conditioner
Body soap
Other Needed Items
New clothing (Newborn – 3T)
Toiletries (no mouthwash)
Diapers (Newborn – 6)
School supplies
New blankets
New socks
New undershirts
New cleaning products
Housewares
New twin & full bed linens
Food (perishable & non-perishable)
Canned vegetables, fruit, soups or stews
Canned meat (tuna, chicken, SPAM, etc.)
Dry soups (ramen, cup of noodles, etc.), Pasta noodles, Spaghetti sauce
Peanut butter
Beans (canned or dry)
Rice (small bags or boxes)
Macaroni & cheese
Cereal (bagged or boxed)
Hot Cereal (oatmeal, grits, etc.)
Bottled water
Snack Items (crackers, granola bars, cookies)
COMMUNITY
Nobody does community better than the Saint Mary’s School & Parish! Thanks to the tireless work of our incredible PTO, we have had multiple opportunities to come together this year to make memories, celebrate milestones and connect with one another during a period of time where human connection has been challenged by circumstances beyond our control. Shared faith, familiar traditions and new members of our community have combined to make us stronger as continue our journey together.
As noted recently by one of our young Saint Mary’s Alumni Ambassadors, the connections we make during our time at SMCS last far beyond our years as students and parents. The lessons we learn together and the memories we share will last a lifetime!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:8-9
COURAGE
Through God’s grace and our continued commitment to learning, we develop the courage to act. Compassion and Community without action would mean falling short of our stated goal “to instill within the child and the community a life-long love of learning rooted in Catholic values and the conviction to follow them.” It is a gift to witness our students develop their curiosity, discover their individual passions and then grow in their chosen direction upon graduation.
