The School of The Month for January is St. Pius V. Parish School in Buena Park.

Every day, the faculty and students at St. Pius V. Catholic School realize that it is a blessing to be in a Catholic school but it is especially evident during the Advent and Christmas seasons, as they are reminded to “Prepare the way of the Lord.” At this time of year, they are reminded of the need to “make every mountain low” by searching their hearts and minds for the things that make them feel above others – sins like jealousy, greed, dishonesty – and confess them to the priests and experience the amazing gift of reconciliation with God and their community.

It is also a time that they “raise the valleys” – a time that they lift up those in need. As a school community, they do this in many ways but, most importantly, they do this by giving.

Giving Back

During the month of December, St. Pius V. Parish School participated in several community drives. This year, the school donated over 200 toys to “Giving Children Hope”, a non-profit organization, located in Buena Park, which works with vulnerable children and families. Over 50 bags of food were donated to the St. Vincent DePaul Society to help feed the hungry in our community. Additionally, St. Pius V. families donated over 800 pounds of shoes to the Knights of Columbus Shoe Drive. The money from this shoe drive was used to provide a free shopping trip for Buena Park children in need. The TK and Kindergarten classes host a special service project called “Get a Smile, Give a Smile”, in support of Smile Train, a non-profit organization that provides free cleft lip and palate surgery to children in over 80 developing countries. Although the goal was to help three children, thanks to this project, St. Pius V. Parish School was able to raise enough money to help 11 children. Finally, to spread the love and joy of this Christmas season with their families and parishioners, all of their students share the wonder of the Christmas story through an original play, filled with Advent and Christmas music.

To see what makes St. Pius V. Parish School such a wonderful, loving community, visit their website to schedule a tour.