When asked if there is ever a time St. Mary’s students aren’t involved in a service project, principal Lisa Seeley grins.  

No, she says, probably not. 

That’s because serving others is part of their identity at St. Mary’s. The school’s mission includes the commitment to forming children to be “responsible stewards of the parish, the community and the world."  

"We're trying to live out our mission which states forming children to be disciples of Christ,” Mrs. Seeley said. “[We] teach how we can be the hands and feet of Jesus … and instill that in the hearts of the children.” 

Students learn from day one that they can make a difference in the lives of others through good works, prayer and almsgiving.  

“I have learned that [serving] brings others joy,” said Lillian Quinlan, a sixth-grade student and member of Nativity of the Lord Parish. “My favorite project was going to Masonic [Pathways] and singing because it brings people joy and helps them not worry about things for a little bit.” 

The student council and their advisor, Mrs. Sally Johnston, choose how to donate funds raised through spirit sales and themed dress-up days, in which students can wear special clothing for a donation. They have supported numerous charitable causes, including St. Mary’s Scholarship fund, Kali’s Cure for Paralysis Foundation and sponsoring Salvation Army and Child Advocacy families at Christmastime. Specific drives benefit certain organizations, like “Coins for a Cause” for the Gratiot County Hope House or Rice Bowls. Students collect food for the parish to distribute and hygiene items for the Office of Human Services. 

Their service reaches far beyond raising money, however. Students rake parishioners’ yards in the fall and pick up trash in the spring. They write letters and make cards for nursing home residents and shut-ins. They spread Christian joy and gratitude by singing Christmas carols and bringing thank-you cards to downtown businesses.  

Each class also has a specific job for the year, such as setting up tables for parish events, holding doors at the beginning and end of the day, taking care of recycling, returning books to the library or raising the flag each day. Third through sixth grade also visits the Masonic Pathways assisted living home once a month to celebrate Mass with the residents and community. 

“One thing I have learned is that doing service projects makes people happy because we are thinking and caring about them,” said sixth-grader Kenzie Robinson, a member of Nativity of the Lord Parish.  

And, importantly, they pray. They host prayer services outside the fire department and police station. They pray for sick parishioners and make cards for them. They pray over the prayer blankets made by Nativity of the Lord parishioners. When they hear sirens, the classes stop to pray.  

This year, the school added a new practice:  a “prayer pause.” 

"Students simply turn to each other and ask, ‘What is it that you would like me to pray for?” Mrs. Seeley said. Each student then forms a prayer and says this to God. She added this simple act teaches them how to pray for others. “Hopefully prayer becomes part of their life, and then they can take that home to parents … we’re trying to spread prayer.” 

Through their constant practice of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, St. Mary’s School is fostering what can become a lifelong commitment to service.  

“You can see that they have that heart of service,” Mrs. Seeley said of the students. “We see it in our alumni and hearing things from the community or teachers at the public school … they can tell which kids are from St. Mary.” 

The dedication to service continues long past school age. 

“As they become parents themselves, [our alumni] continue to look for ways of service, whether they volunteer in the community, in our parish or in our school,” Mrs. Seeley said.  

As principal, Mrs. Seeley is able to see firsthand how the students grow as they realize the difference each of them can make in their community. 

“As they continue to mature, they start to see the impact, and as a result make them feel proud,” she said. “Being a school with Preschool through sixth grade, the older students realize they are role models for the younger ones. It’s really special to be able to see those relationships formed and … they take pride in the character that they are displaying.” 

The students agree they will carry these lessons with them for a lifetime.  

“I will try to do small kind deeds when I can,” said sixth grader Maicee McDaid, a member of Nativity of the Lord Parish. 

To Mrs. Seeley, that is precisely the difference an education at St. Mary’s makes by encouraging all to show the love of Christ through service. 

“That is what we are called to do:  share Jesus with others."