This article was contributed by Jill Ingebritson, 4th Grade teacher at St. Ann Catholic School/IB World School in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Once our House system at St. Ann’s was set up, it was time to make a difference in our school community and beyond.
Brief Background
The students and families are split up into four “houses” that we call “cathedrals” which highlight our faith: Notre Dame, La Sagrada Familia, St. Patrick and St. Peter. The eighth-grade leaders meet with a small team of teachers to discuss topics, objectives, procedures and materials. Many times, the topics revolve around either the liturgical season or a population of people in need, like Advent or the elderly. At the “cathedral” meetings, students from all grades – Pre-K 3 through 8th grade – meet for the lessons and fellowship. The older students lead and care for the younger students.
Example of Cathedral Experience
A very successful theme centered around each cathedral adopting a population as a focus: the elderly, ill, migrant workers, and children. Throughout the year, the students enjoyed the eighth-graders’ lessons and activities that addressed the needs of those specific groups of people. Students created cards for the elderly, rosaries for the patients at a local hospital, posters, Valentines and basic “goody bags,” and collected diapers for a local foster care program.
On our Community Day during Catholic Schools’ Week, individuals from the community came to speak and interact with each of the Cathedral groups.
The director of our local foster care system explained to the Notre Dame Cathedral the needs of a foster child. She interacted with the students with a game that helped all ages see a different perspective of foster care children. That cathedral collected diapers to send back with the director to help foster care children.
Our hospital chaplain volunteer talked to La Sagrada Familia about the needs of patients, especially the need for prayer. The students created rosaries and cards to be passed out to patients. Our guest called the school the following month, asking for more rosaries!
A former migrant worker, who is now working in the social services field helping current migrant workers made a presentation to St. Patrick Cathedral. The students were amazed that the entire family would pick the produce together, since they were paid by the weight of the basket. Also, the number of migrant farmer mothers and children affected by pesticides was disturbing.
A sister from our local nursing home shared with the children the need for sharing their time: To listen, to smile, to respect and to pray for the residents. Students created posters for the residents’ doors at the nursing home.
These activities and actions that the cathedrals experienced inspired some students to go further with their outreach. For example, as an eighth grade end-of-the-year celebration project, a St. Patrick student collected toiletries and socks to give to migrant workers.
Stewardship and community are naturally a part of all Catholic schools. Our house system is a way of organizing these activities, which create a sense of fellowship while making the world a better place.
