Monica Emrock knows there are some lessons kids cannot learn in the classroom. That’s why, in her role as Director of Religious Education for St. Anne parish and school in Bethlehem, she takes students on regular trips to feed the hungry at the Catholic Charities soup kitchen in Allentown.

Tony and Theresa Farina are volunteer kitchen helpers at LaSalle Academy in Shillington, serving up equal doses of cafeteria food and octogenarian wisdom to elementary students.

A group of Berks Catholic High School students has found a unique way to live their Catholic faith by providing service to others: acting as pallbearers at funerals.

As Director of Youth Ministry for the 18 parishes in Schuylkill County, Annie Sarlo spends a lot of time behind the wheel of her trusty Jeep Renegade.

Christine LeClair volunteers for several organizations including the St. Vincent de Paul Society at her parish, St. Joseph of the Panther Valley, Summit Hill. Her deep-seated desire to serve is consistent with her Catholic faith, she says, and prompted by her background in the Army.

Debbie Kopp has occupied some pretty big chairs during her 35-year career in education, including that of school principal. Now that she is retired, some of her favorite time is spent in the tiny chairs of a kindergarten class.
About 600 school and religious education children at St. Thomas More in Allentown had the chance to learn that lesson this year as they prepared Holiday Hope Chest packages for those who are less fortunate
The holiday season can be stressful. It’s a time when some people feel the most alone, the most vulnerable, the most in need of prayer. Now, thanks to the students and staff of Bethlehem Catholic High School, a quick email is all it takes to ask for prayerful assistance.

Michael Piersol is a convert to Catholicism who worked previously as a counselor in public schools. He’s also a former social worker. Today he is using his skills and life experiences to advise Berks Catholic High School students on college and career choices. 

Amy Impellizzeri is a lawyer who spent 13 years as a corporate litigator in New York City. She’s also a successful author of fiction and nonfiction books. Today, she is putting her skills and career experience to work as Advancement Director at St. Catharine of Siena elementary school, Reading.

Students in Catholic schools benefit from challenging academics and a faith-based environment. They also are instilled with a strong focus on community service and leadership.  Nadiya Sieger is one example.
 

Elementary students at St. Catharine of Siena School in Reading have been collecting gently used shoes for the past two years.