One important policy for the St. Theresa Catholic School community is the service hours requirement. Each family is required to complete thirty hours of service per school year.
There may be a negative perception of this policy, especially in light of the many tasks parents complete for their households. In the Catholic school tradition, though, service is a critical component of Faith. Just like our own families, the St. Theresa Catholic School family functions at its best when we all contribute, each according to our gifts.
I am thrilled to celebrate 3,540 hours of service completed by school families during the 2023-2024 school year! 80% of school families provided documentation of 30 hours or more! Don't worry - the remaining 20% were assessed a volunteer fee. However, I hope that by sharing some of the stories of service we will see even higher rates of participation in service during the 2024-2025 school year.
Service at St. Theresa Catholic Church and School takes on many forms, which truly makes it something anyone can do. As you can see from the article's photo, food is a common theme of service. (Thank God!) Mr. Ramos cooked and served the taco lunch after our 8th grade graduation, and the tacos were amazing. At our 65th Anniversary celebration, the following families and restaurants provided the delicious dinner: Alvarez/La Hacienda and Bleu Monkey, Martinez/El Palenque, Martinez/ Del Campo a la Ciudad, Torres/La Vaquera. Throughout the year, whether it was Autumn fest or Halloween or Field Day, families donated food, drinks, and paper products.
We have a few dads who serve by mowing grass. Special shout out to Christian, Cristiano, Jeff, and Jose. Several of our family members serve by coaching volleyball and basketball. Shout out to Alex, Veronica, Britney, Yetica, Karl, Yudy, Autrese, Gabby, Angel, and Carl. A few of our moms generously offered to be a substitute when we were short on substitute teachers. Thank you Ivonne, Claudia, and Karla.
In case you have forgotten, our school exists as a mission of our parish. It brings me great joy to know that some of our parents served by being catechists or serving at mass. Thank you to catechists Rocio, Gabby, and Rocio! Thank you to Lulu for leading a choir, and thanks to all who serve in hospitality, as lectors or ministers of the Eucharist. Thank you to those who serve by cleaning our church and fellowship buildings!
I ask for the Lord's blessings upon all of our parish and school families! I am grateful for the generous spirit that is evident in everyone. Perhaps reading some of the 2023-2024 examples of service will inspire your focus on service for 2024-2025!
Sincerely in Christ,
Kristy Dunn, principal