Gulf Pine Catholic

14 Gulf Pine Catholic • January 6, 2023 When representatives from Cross Catholic Outreach visited St. Thomas the Apostle, they asked for help from parishioners. They work with very poor people across the globe. Their goal is to “transform the poor and their communities materially and spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ.” Sixth grade teacher, Cindy Cox, knew her students could help CCO make a difference. She discussed with her students the work that CCO does and asked which project they would like to help. The students chose to raise funds so CCO can build a water well in a poor country. Their goal was $500. The students decided to partner with their pre-school Mass Buddies. Together they created Christmas orna- ments from oyster shells and printed paper napkins. They sold the ornaments. The project was a HUGE success. Some people who bought the ornaments decided they wanted to donate extra money to the cause and some just donated money when there were no more ornaments to purchase. All in all, the students raised $1,200 -- enough to build four (4) water wells and then some. “It was really fun to work with our little buddies. But it was more fun to be able to give the money to the people who really need it,” said Ella Garcia, sixth grade student. Matthew Guzman Jenkins with his buddy, Parker Wilson, cutting the paper for the ornament. Colin Powers with his buddy, Colin Bond, showing off an ornament they made. Ella Garcia with some of the ornaments before they were sold Sixth grade class make ornaments to help Cross Catholic Outreach S T . V INCENT DE P AUL E LEMENTARY S CHOOL , L ONG B EACH S T . S TANISLAUS C OLLEGE , B AY S T . L OUIS The Saint Stanislaus Rock-A-Chaw band marched in the Waveland Veterans Day Parade on November 12. Band director Daniel Rorabaugh led the band from the Waveland library to the Veterans Memorial. It was a great privilege for our band to participate in the parade honoring all those who served and have served in the armed forces. St. Stanislaus marches in Veterans Day Parade The school celebrated the Feast of Saint Stanislaus on Friday, November 11. During this day, our students participate in the community by providing assistance to people in need, as well as holding a food drive for local food pantries. The day was begun with a prayer ser- vice, then divided into teams to help our local service organizations. The young men assisted the Boys and Girls Club, Dunbar Village, Ruths’ Roots, and St. Vincent de Paul, among others. The food drive col- lected 2,669 pounds of food for the Hancock County Food Pantry, as well as additional items for King’s Kitchen and local Blessing Boxes. Feast of Saint Stanislaus St. Stanislaus Band at Veterans Day Parade Pictured (l-r): Lance Vaughn, Brooks Ilgenfritz, Sam Pike