At St. Michael Catholic School, the importance of service and leadership is reinforced daily. We teach the value of service to others by engaging our students in meaningful activities and projects on a school-wide basis. This is particularly important for our 8th grade students.

During their 8th grade year, our students are visible to the St. Michael community in various ways. On any given Sunday they can be seen assisting with donuts after Mass or babysitting in the nursery. Many of them were also actively involved in our Archangel Festival at San Raphael Catholic Church.

As a school we also look forward to giving them opportunities to serve in the greater community as well. On Thursday, October 22, they participated in an 8th grade Service Day, attending two different non-profit organizations. The first group of students attended The Center, an agency that offers high quality residential, vocational and day services to assist adults with developmental disabilities and allow them to have opportunities to promote choice, personal growth, and independence so they may achieve their full potential. The second group attended Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston who helps people in southeast Texas by providing caring, compassionate services and advocating for social justice in collaboration with parishes and communities. This service day provided not only needed assistance for these organizations, but learning opportunities for our students about their missions and the people they serve.

On Monday, November 2, our 8th graders attended Mass and assisted with the Sacrament of the Healing with our Sociable Seniors. Afterward, they joined them for lunch. Our 8th graders shared their plans for high school and the excitement of their 8th grade year at SMCS and the seniors told stories about their families and their lives. This was a special occasion and we are very thankful to the Sociable Seniors for welcoming our students!

We are proud that we have been able to offer them opportunities to serve their community. We pray that these “giving hearts” will continue this tradition throughout their lives.