Catholic Schools Week: MOSS students in business: bond through prayer

By Melissa Williams Brown
Contributing Writer

MURRYSVILLE – Members of the Mother of Sorrows School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) have been getting down to business for three years now, getting a head start as savvy entrepreneurs.

Twenty-five sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders have been busy wrapping their heads around what constitutes a good business.

“The members started the year by planning, stocking and operating the fall opening of the Mother of Sorrows School store called The Nest, with $300 in profits donated to the MOSS food bank,” said Patricia Visnick, interim principal.

Members then moved onto merchandising and helping to operate the school’s Santa Shoppe in December.

“They have learned so much about what sells and what customer service looks like,” Visnick said. “The FBLA members will continue in 2024 with business leaders as guest speakers and competing in business topic competitive events sponsored through the national and Pennsylvania FBLA organization.

“And of course, students are already looking forward to the opening of The Nest in the spring and seeing what new merchandise is trending in the halls of MOSS.”

Students bond through prayer

Every year, students at Mother of Sorrows School, Murrysville, bond with new friends of different ages who share the same commonality.

In the Prayer Partners program, middle school classes partner with elementary classes.

“This tradition helps establish camaraderie among students and strengthens faith through formation activities,” said Patricia A. Visnick, interim principal. “Activities include making miniature rosaries, praying a decade of the rosary together, creating placemats for the residents of St. Anne Home in Greensburg, and sitting together during Mass so the older students can answer questions and mentor the younger students through parts of the liturgy.”

Students also practice the act of kindness by making crafts for each other, including ornaments for Christmas.

The friendships don’t end once the holidays are over.

“These partners enjoy learning from each other and have a special bond throughout their years at MOSS,” said Visnick.