Each Lent, people receive little boxes that make a big difference
for those in need. Students at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria kicked
off their participation in the CRS Rice Bowl program after Mass March 6.
Father Edward J. Bresnahan, school chaplain, blessed the Rice Bowls
after Mass Ash Wednesday for students, faculty and staff, following a short
program.
“Bishop Michael F. Burbidge has shown great insight and
leadership in bringing the Global High Schools program to our diocesan high
school,” said Carla Walsh, diocesan program coordinator for CRS and the
Catholic Campaign for Human Development. “Global High Schools forms the church
of tomorrow, helping students understand the lives of people in poverty around
the world and creating hearts to serve them.”
All of the diocesan high schools are participating in Global
High Schools again this year. At Ireton, efforts include raising $7,000
through student activities such as the Winter Ball to benefit their sister
school in Port-au-Prince, Haiti; adding a class to the curriculum that
addresses ways to promote peace on local, national and global levels through media
and the arts; developing plans to host a Global High Schools roundtable with
students from the diocesan high schools; and supporting the CRS Rice
Bowl program. Ireton’s goal this year is to raise $6,000 through the Rice
Bowls.
“The Global High Schools program gives our school and its
students opportunities through prayer, service, advocacy, and education to
learn from and work with CRS to help bring hope and a better life to our
brothers and sisters in impoverished and conflict-torn places throughout the
world,” said Assistant Principal Lonnell Battle. “This work clearly is an
expression of our Catholic values and faith.”
Ireton students see the bigger picture of their service.
“My favorite part about working with CRS is it gives you a way to
participate in something bigger than yourself and high school,” said senior
Claudia Klinck. “It’s an international effort and a way for our school to
participate in a program that helps people all around the world.”
“It’s not too difficult to motivate people at this school because
we have such a loving community that loves to reach out,” said senior Teresa
Esquivel. “We take service very seriously here. Students take it to heart. It’s
really beautiful.”