Christmas is known as the season of giving. At STA, giving is shown in many different ways. Whether that’s sharing a warm greeting in the cold quad, or volunteering with non-profit organizations or churches, students find ways to serve.
During the summer, many people tend to get all their volunteering in. However, these same organizations still need help, especially during the holiday season.
Renee Schultz, director of Campus Ministry, emphasizes how popular non-profits still need volunteers.
“A lot of the same places people serve all year are available, but they’re definitely more in need right now,” Schultz said. “Organizations like Harvesters, Redemptorist Social Services, Restart and Micah Ministry all are serving families, especially over the holidays, who are food insecure.”
Christmas season is not only an important time to serve in order to brighten people’s spirit, but also to help the needy during colder weather.
“The holiday season also happens to land when it’s cold outside” Schultz said. “I think meeting some of those very basic needs for people who either live outside or might not have enough money to pay for the heat right now is important.”
One group that is particularly in need this season is the elderly. Math teacher Lisa Anielak has emphasized their need through her extracurricular, Stars for Life.
“We volunteered at Little Sisters of the Poor as part of Stars for Life.” Anielak said. “It’s crucial to realize that life is valuable, even when you are getting older. People sometimes dismiss or forget about the elderly. That’s why our extracurricular focused on Little Sisters of the Poor.”
Helping these people in need connects with the values of STA and the mission of the Catholic Church.
“As Catholics and especially the Sisters of St. Joseph, we’re called to act, ” Schultz said. “We’re called to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters and to see them as our brothers and sisters.”
Helping the less fortunate also resonates with Anielak at Little Sisters of the Poor.
“I think that it’s really important for young people to remember the value of older people,” Anielak said. “I think when younger people spend time with older people it makes them better people and reminds them of the fact that there are people of all ages out there with different kinds of needs. It’s really nice getting to spend time with other people, appreciate their wisdom and their experience. I think it’s sweet.”
Schultz believes that Anielak’s idea of helping the vulnerable is a core part of faith.
“To me, personally, it’s living the gospel, ” Schultz said. “It’s living in the footsteps of Jesus. And I think it’s the center of our faith, and what we’re called to do.”
Not only is service a main calling to Catholics, but it simply can put people in the Christmas spirit, whether that’s the person being served or the server.
“When you see someone receive something, it often brings them joy,” Schultz said. “A lot of times, it can spread to you. There’s joy in everything.”
This joy of giving seems to be universal and Anielak agrees.
“It feels good to help other people and see the joy in their eyes,” Anielak said. “The goal of giving is to make somebody’s day brighter or happier, and in the course of doing that, you make your own day brighter and happier.”
