Students serve others

A shared reflection titled "The Poverty We See And Don't See" will set the tone at St. Peter's Church in Saratoga Springs Dec. 20 for a major outreach project designed to enrich lives in and outside the parish's borders.

Addressing a special 8:30 a.m. prayer service for students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends of Saratoga Central Catholic High School (SCCHS) will be Dennis Burnell, director of the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council.

Following the service, about 320 participants are expected to put their faith into action by delivering everything from festive food baskets and toys to Christmas cookies, candy, carols, comfort and cheer to those in need throughout much of the Capital District. In the process, they will touch thousands of lives -- and hearts.

Bringing cheer

Scheduled stops include St. Catherine's Children's Center in Albany and inner-city food pantries and soup kitchens in Albany and Schenectady. In addition, Giving Day representatives have baked 50 trays of cookies to deliver to area hospice patients and filled more than 80 fruit baskets for distribution to shut-ins from local parishes.

Several people will visit with elderly nuns at the Sisters of St. Joseph's Provincial House in Latham. There, the nuns, many of whom taught at SCCHS when it was known as St. Peter's Academy, will be treated to a Christmas pageant performed by the students.

Rev. Anthony Maione, campus minister at SCCHS, said "Giving Day" participants will be divided into around 65 student groups of varying sizes accompanied by at least one adult chaperon.

Party time

All Catholic elementary school children in Ballston Spa, Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs will also be treated to Christmas parties during which they will receive a visit from "Santa Mendez," the grandfather of a SCCHS alumni.

Also benefitting from the outreach program will be special education students, hospital patients and residents of shelters for homeless and/or displaced persons.

"Giving Day" participants are expected to distribute about 200 candy baskets to local businesses and individuals who have supported the school over the years. Hospitality stations will also be set up along Broadway and at the malls where representatives can give away cards and candy, and just wish people Happy Holidays as they pass by.

Giving Day will conclude with a second gathering at St. Peter's Church at 1:30 p.m. during which participants will be invited to reflect upon and share what they learned and experienced during their day-long outreach program.

(12-19-96) [[In-content Ad]]