Our Catholic schools emphasize service projects as a key part of their educational programming. They encourage students to engage in activities that promote making the world a better place. These service projects help students develop a sense of responsibility for others, cultivate empathy, and understand the importance of helping those in need. Students often participate in activities like volunteering at local shelters, fundraising for charities, assisting the elderly, or organizing environmental cleanups.
We visited St. Juliana School in Fullerton recently where students completed a service project during the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students collected funds during the month of October to donate to St. Jude’s Medical Center in Fullerton, a hospital that treats those affected by breast cancer. A few parents of St. Juliana School also happen to work at St. Jude’s Medical Center and helped coordinate this project. The students raised a total of $3,281.00 for this project, an opportunity to give back to their community.
Principal Dr. Manuel Gonzales states: “Breast cancer holds a deeply personal significance for me, and witnessing the incredible outpouring of love and support from our school community has been truly heartwarming. Your generosity and compassion reflect the strength and unity that make our school so special. I am especially grateful to the parents and individuals on our campus who dedicate their time and energy to supporting those affected by breast cancer. Your efforts not only inspire hope but also make a real difference in the lives of many. As we continue our shared mission, I am excited to collaborate further with our wonderful school community to support St. Jude’s Hospital and its invaluable contributions to breast cancer care and research. Together, we can amplify our impact and stand united in the fight against this disease.”
Dr. Courtney A. Vito, Director of the Breast Cancer Program states: “As the sole breast cancer surgeon and medical director of the breast cancer program at St Jude, I walk alongside the women of our community, of our parish, of our neighborhoods and their families every day as they face the diagnosis of breast cancer. There are so many who are struggling with this disease as well as the challenges of everyday life in Southern California-rising rents and mortgages, rising costs of food, gas, medical care and so many other necessities.These are women who support their communities and families financially, spiritually, in the home and in the workforce. Some of these women have no family nearby or any family at all. Within our ministry at St Jude, we work to provide not only medical care but also to meet the emotional, spiritual and at times financial needs of our patients during their cancer care. This is a very heavy lift for all, and that lift has been lightened tremendously with the blessing bestowed upon our program by the school family at St Juliana. I am so proud to also be a member of St Juliana community both as a parishioner and mother of two St Juliana students. I am blessed that my sons are growing up in a school community that always seeks to help, to guide and to grow in light of God. We should each seek to leave the world just a little bit better than we found it each and every day. This donation will help cancer patients secure rides to come seek their cancer care when they are too ill to bring themselves and do not have someone else available to help. It will help women who otherwise could not afford proper nourishment, prosthetics and wigs, and so many other needs they may have during treatment to keep them whole and maintain their dignity. It truly is a gift that will help save lives. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every family who donated to this worthy cause and for being the right role models that we all need. You have left the world just a little bit better today.”
A few parents also wanted to share a few thoughts:
Ms. Flores, Parent: “This event was truly one of the most rewarding and touching experiences for me during my time so far at St. Juliana. The highlight for me was the presentation of the check directly to our local St. Jude Hospital, along with fellow parents who work in the cancer center, all in the presence of our children to witness. It really helped emphasize to the students the importance of showing kindness and generosity to those who need it the most. For all of us, students and adults alike, it was a great reminder of the direct impact that we can have on our community and the power of giving. This disease has unfortunately affected so many of our own families and friends, so it is important to give back and no amount is too small to make a difference.”
Ms. Pohlen, Parent: “I absolutely loved sharing this fundraising experience with my children. In a world where Breast Cancer and all forms of cancer are far too prevalent, it is so important to help others as much as we possibly can. No donation is too big or too small. We chose St. Juliana School for the community and this community showed up for this event. I have never been more proud to be a Falcon and have my children be at a school that goes above and beyond.”
We are very grateful for all the service projects that all our schools participate in throughout the school year. These projects are seen not only as a way to give back to the community but also as an opportunity to live out the teachings of Christ, particularly the call to serve others. By participating in these initiatives, students are encouraged to see their roles in the world as contributors to the common good, helping to build stronger, more compassionate communities.
For more information about St. Juliana Catholic School, please visit their website.
