Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”— 1 Peter 4:10
Dear Holy Family Catholic School Families and Friends,
This week, we pause to recognize and honor the extraordinary men and women whose quiet, faithful service makes our school the vibrant, loving community it is. Volunteer Appreciation Week is not simply a calendar observance — it is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the countless hours, open hands, and generous hearts that pour into the lives of our students every single day.
A Gift Freely Given
In the Catholic tradition, service is not merely a good deed — it is a calling. Our volunteers live out the Gospel in the most tangible way: they show up. They fold, organize, read aloud, chaperone, comfort, and encourage. They arrive early and stay late. They step in without being asked and give without expecting anything in return. This is the spirit of caritas — selfless love in action.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Our volunteers embody this truth each and every week. Whether it is shelving books in the library, assisting in the classroom, organizing a fundraiser, or simply being a warm and familiar face in the hallway, every act of service matters immeasurably.
The Heart Behind the Help
What our volunteers may not always see is the lasting mark they leave. Children remember the adult who knelt down to listen to them. They remember the parent who helped them sound out a difficult word, who clapped for them at their school performance, who made them feel seen and valued. These moments — small in appearance, profound in impact — shape young hearts in ways that will echo through a lifetime.
As a school community rooted in faith, we believe that each volunteer is, in a very real sense, an instrument of God’s love. Their presence among us reflects the Body of Christ at work — each person bringing their unique gifts to build something greater than themselves. We are a better school, and our children are better formed, because of their generosity.
A Community Built on Service
Volunteer Appreciation Week reminds us that a school is never just a building — it is a community, and communities are built by people who choose to give of themselves. We are deeply grateful for every family and individual who has answered that call this year. Your service strengthens not only our school, but our shared mission of raising children of faith, character, and compassion.
This year, we are especially grateful to our parents and grandparents who have given so generously of their time across every corner of school life. From the warmth of a familiar face at the office window to the steady hands keeping our library running beautifully, your presence is woven into the very fabric of our days. A heartfelt thank-you to all who have served in the following roles and committees:
Office Volunteers Library Support Grandparents Program Safety Volunteers Parents in Education Kitchen Support Art Helpers Room Parents Advisory Committee Playground Committee Safety Committee Finance Committee Advancement Committee Gala Committee Golf Tournament Committee Success Committee Wellness Committee Strategic Planning Committee Eucharistic Brother & Sisterhood Moms in Prayer Hawktoberfest
and so much more…
Each of these roles — whether behind the scenes or front and center — reflects the same beautiful truth: that our school thrives because our families are all-in. You are the living proof that it truly takes a village, and we are so proud that ours is a village grounded in faith and love.
✦ Special Recognition ✦
Wellness Committee: Healthy Hawks Week & Fun Run / Jog-a-thon
A special and well-deserved shout-out goes to our incredible Wellness Committee for orchestrating an absolutely outstanding Healthy Hawks Week and Fun Run/Jog-a-thon this past week. This event was not only a tremendous success — it was joyful, energizing, and deeply meaningful for our entire school community. Students were inspired, families were engaged, and our Hawks ran with heart! Thank you to every single person who contributed their time, creativity, and energy to making it such a memorable and educational experience for all.
Gala & Auction, Friday May 1st
Our largest and most anticipated fundraiser of the year is almost here! We hope to see every family at the 30th Annual Gala and Auction — an unforgettable evening of community, celebration, and generosity that directly supports our school and students. Don’t wait — tickets are going fast!
As we celebrate you this week, we invite our entire school family to join us in a moment of prayer — offering gratitude to God for the gift of our volunteers, and asking His continued blessing upon each of them.
Prayer for School Volunteers
Dear Heavenly Father, We lift up the volunteers at our school today, and we thank you for their willingness to serve. Bless them for their dedication and for the love they pour into the lives of these children.
Grant them patience when tasks feel overwhelming and joy in the simple, quiet moments of service.
Strengthen their hands and their minds to act with wisdom and compassion, serving not only out of duty but from a heart filled with love. Give them wisdom to mentor young minds, and let their presence create a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment. Renew their energy when they feel weary, and help them to see the lasting impact of their labor. We ask that they feel appreciated and affirmed in their efforts, knowing they are making a difference in the lives of these precious children.
In Your name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you, dear volunteers, for being the hands and feet of Christ in our school. May God richly bless each of you for the gift of yourselves that you so generously offer. We are honored to walk this journey alongside you.
Pax et bonum,
Sue Styren, M.Ed.