AUBURN — Corporal and spiritual works of mercy underline the importance of helping people to appreciate their own worth and dignity before God. In that spirit, during Maine Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, students and staff at Saint Dominic Academy are planning special service projects to help provide comfort and solace to those in need.

On Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 1 p.m., students at the Auburn campus will assemble backpacks containing items for boys and girls who will enter foster care. The backpacks, designed for children of all ages, will include personal hygiene products, coloring books, stuffed animals, clothes, games and books.

Dale Brown, a junior at Saint Dominic and a Life Scout in Boy Scouts of America Troop 116, Lewiston, is overseeing the initiative for his Eagle Scout Project. Last week he sent a letter asking school families to donate the items in hope that 100 backpacks can be created.

“This project will allow each child to bring some items with them that may help them feel more secure,” said Brown.

After the backpacks are completed, they will be delivered to the Department of Health and Human Services for dispersal to children in need.

Also on Tuesday, students will work together on several other benevolent projects, including:

· Making fleece blankets for patients at the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute in Boston.

· Creating positive messages on 500 diapers to be placed into gift bags for low-income families. The diapers will be donated to Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston.

· Assembling bookcases made from donated lumber for low-income families. The bookcases will be donated to Trinity Jubilee Center.

· Making “sock snowmen” and cards for residents at d’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston.

· Creating fleece spirit hats to be sold at the school, with proceeds to benefit St. Mary’s Food Pantry and St. Martin de Porres Residence, Lewiston.

As part of the weeklong celebration, the academy will also host a variety of special events, including a winter carnival at the Auburn campus on Wednesday, Feb. 3, and a family appreciation spaghetti dinner at the Lewiston campus on Thursday, Feb. 4.

At 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5, Bishop Robert P. Deeley will celebrate a special Mass for all students, faculty, Saint Dominic Academy family members and parishioners at Holy Cross Church, 1080 Lisbon St., Lewiston. Prior to the Mass, the bishop will visit all classrooms at the academy’s Lewiston campus to speak with students.

Maine Catholic Schools Week celebrates the mission of Catholic Schools: to evangelize students by nourishing faith and encouraging academic excellence while accentuating the importance of community and service in a nurturing environment.

For a complete schedule of Maine Catholic Schools Week activities at Saint Dominic Academy and other Catholic schools, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/csw2016.

Copy the Story Link