As Saint Joseph School students, faculty, and staff began the holiday week, they gathered in prayer for the school’s annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service—an opportunity to thank God for the many blessings of the past year while also remembering neighbors in need. Organized by Religion Instructor, Sr. Mary Ann Papiez and the Grade 6 students, the service reminded everyone that gratitude is more than a feeling; it is an invitation to respond with generosity, compassion, and love.
A cherished part of this tradition is Saint Joseph School’s ongoing support of the Webster-Dudley Food Share. Each year, the school community unites around the belief that no family should face the holidays without the basic necessities—and that even the smallest contributions, offered with great love, can make a meaningful difference.
In the days leading up to the prayer service, students participated in the Spare Change, Big Hearts! Thanksgiving Coin Drive. Families were invited to send in spare change from home, and students were encouraged to “do good to give good” by completing kind deeds and helpful chores—serving siblings, assisting parents/guardians, and finding simple ways to bring joy to others. Through this effort, students learned that generosity begins in the heart and grows through everyday acts of service.
During the Prayer Service offertory, representatives from each class—from PreK-3 through Grade 8—processed forward to present containers filled with the spare change they had collected throughout the week. The sight of students of all ages bringing forward their gifts was both moving and joyful, a powerful reminder that everyone has something to give and that they are strongest when they act together as one school family.
Adding to the excitement was the class challenge: the class that collected the most spare change earned a fun celebration of ice cream sundaes and extra recess with Assistant Principal, Mr. Richard Skrocki. Congratulations to the Saint Joseph School Kindergarten class for collecting the most “spare” change – contributing $399.84 to the overall school total of $1,937.96. While the students certainly enjoyed the friendly competition, the lasting message was clear—their gifts are most meaningful when they offer to help others.
Saint Joseph School is grateful to every family that supported this initiative and helped make this tradition possible. Through the leadership of Sr. Mary Ann Papiez and the Grade 6 students, this year’s Thanksgiving Prayer Service beautifully reflected the mission of Saint Joseph School, and the Gospel values the students strive to live each day. It is a reminder that as they enter the holiday season and prepare their hearts for Advent, they do so with renewed gratitude for God’s blessings—and a deeper commitment to share His love with others, especially those most in need.
