"And I, the King will tell them, When you did it to these my brothers you were doing it to me!" – Matthew 25:40

There are several synonyms for the word serve. Help, Support and Assist best describe how we serve the NDAA schools. I have enjoyed aiding the principal, teachers and staff at St. Philip Neri over the last two years. There are many ways we support the teachers, administrators and staff at the NDAA schools to show how much we value their time and commitment to the students and their families.

One of the first experiences I had in serving St. Philip was helping teachers prepare for the College Awareness Program. We decorated each teacher’s door with facts, pictures and fun details about their alma mater. The students were able to see what the universities have to offer them. The junior high students were given the chance to experience mock interviews for college admission.

The Allies at each of the schools also serve by collecting teacher supplies, delivering “Welcome back to school” gifts and treats and volunteering on Service Saturdays. I think one of the most important pleasures we have is providing a yearly Teacher Appreciation Luncheon at each school. The teachers and staff always express their gratefulness for a meal prepared for them. I truly believe that through all of this I have received much more than I gave given.

As we serve in many ways, the students see the appreciation their families and teachers have for the help we offer. It is a joy to see the students passing on the service they have witnessed. Maybe it’s the simple act of the older students guiding the younger students around the building. Or students offering to help unload my car when bringing supplies or lunch to the teachers. I especially enjoy attending school masses and listening to the children praising God through the student’s reading and the youth choir. They too are serving others and therefore serving God.  

In our current situation with virtual learning last spring and now limited physical access to the schools, I would ask all to be mindful of Service through Prayer.  Paul says in Philippians 1:4, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”  Now is the time to continue to serve our students, teachers, administrators and families with joyful prayer.