Saint Sebastian Regional Catholic: Students spread joy at care homes

BELLE VERNON – “I wanted to thank you and the students for visiting our center and spreading joy to the seniors. We look forward to and appreciate your visits so much.”

These words were written by a staff member at a senior citizen center in response to an outreach program at St. Sebastian Regional Catholic School called St. Sebastian’s Gives Back.

Accolades like this are just one of the humbling rewards students experience when they give their time and talents in service to others in the community.

Through St. Sebastian’s Gives Back, now in its second year, students in grades three through seven take turns visiting the residents at Center on the Hill in Belle Vernon and Country Care Manor in Perryopolis. Time with their senior neighbors includes bingo, crafting, and sharing sweets and seasonal cards that the children make.

“Hearing the stories of the past and seeing them smile really made me feel as if I was making a difference,” said sixth-grader Adam Slachta.

This December, the school’s third-graders performed a medley of Christmas carols at Center on the Hill .

“Our third grade had an absolute blast,” said third grade teacher Paige Harsh.

For many of the children, spending one-on-one time with elderly people was a new experience, and they welcomed the chance to share stories and laughter.

The program is funded in part by school families who donate money to defray the cost of transportation and supplies.

“The letter that we send to parents at the beginning of the year describing the program includes a quote from St. Teresa of Calcutta,” said teacher Maureen Ruschak, who coordinates the program. “’Faith in action is love, and love in action is service,’ St. Teresa said. That is the model that we aspire to.”