(Joplin, MO) – Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS) will launch the first of its newly established Days of Service on Monday, November 24 and Tuesday, November 25.
“For 140 years, the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy has shaped who we are as a school system,” said Jess Sickman, JACS Director of Schools. “They taught us that service is not an event but a way of life. These Days of Service honor that tradition while giving our students meaningful opportunities to care for others and strengthen our community.”
The Days of Service are coordinated by Campus Ministry and Service Coordinator Maggie Beachner with the support of the school’s administrators. All four schools within the JACS system will participate in tailored service activities.
St. Ann’s and St. Mary’s elementary students will serve in age appropriate service projects during the mornings, beginning each day in prayer through Rosary, Mass, or a prayer service. Fifth graders at St. Mary’s will also plan their own service project as a leadership exercise, and that will be completed later in the year. St. Peter’s Middle School students will carry out service on campus during afternoon hours, while McAuley Catholic students will spend both days in extensive service, primarily off campus.
McAuley Catholic students, staff and parents who will serve off-site are partnering with community organizations including Watered Gardens Ministries, Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, The Alliance of Southwest Missouri, The Salvation Army of Jasper and Newton Counties‘ Thrift Store, The Schroeder Family Exploreum, the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States, and Mercy Hospital Joplin.
Additional organizations, including St. Peter’s Outreach House, the Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri, Diocesan seminarians, the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer, Freeman Health System, Wildwood Senior Living, Carthage Meals on Wheels, and Wildcat Glades Nature Group will receive donations prepared by students. These donations include creating handmade Christmas gift tags, writing thank-you notes as well as hospital cards, making wildflower seed packets and cards, and assembling hygiene and comfort kits. Items were donated by families and parishioners to support the efforts.
“Having our first service days during Thanksgiving week helps our students connect gratitude with giving,” Beachner said. “The third systemwide service day is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2026, aligning with Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, which sets the tone for the 40 days ahead and reminds us that Lent is not only about personal sacrifice, but about caring for our neighbors in a meaningful way.”
If you are interested in helping support future Days of Service by purchasing supplies, making donations or have an organization we can help serve, please contact Maggie Beachner at 417.624.5003.
About Joplin Area Catholic Schools:
Joplin Area Catholic Schools provide an outstanding academic and Christ-centered educational foundation that forms our present students of today into remarkable servant-leaders of tomorrow.
Reference:
Joplin Area Catholic Schools
417.624.5003
Be the first to comment