Part of the mission of Maine Catholic schools is to accentuate the importance of service with the hope of building a lifelong commitment and appreciation in each student to give back to those in need.

That lesson was on full display recently at schools across Maine during Catholic Schools Week, during which students designed and completed many service projects to help local organizations, according to a news release from Dave Guthro, communication director, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland

The local schools include:

St. Michael School, Augusta

Students donated items from the wish list of Catholic Charities Maine, including items and need for Hunger and Relief Services, refugee resettlement, child development centers, independent support services, dental supplies, and other programs. The weeklong project generated 11 large boxes full of donations with everything from winter wear to toothpaste.

To learn more about ways to help Catholic Charities Maine with its wish list of items for those in need, visit ccmaine.org/donate/wishlist.

Saint Dominic Academy, Auburn and Lewiston

Through dress-down events, students raised more than $2,500 to support the needs of the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Sabattus and St. Martin de Porres Residence and St. Catherine of Siena Residence, both in Lewiston. The St. Catherine of Siena Residence offers both shelter and hope for homeless women, while St. Martin de Porres Residence does the same for men.

To discover ways to help the residences, call 207-777-1200 or visit princeofpeace.me. To learn more about Loaves and Fishes or to offer support, visit sabattusdominicans.org or email loavesandfishessabattus@yahoo.com.

Mount Merici Academy, Waterville

Throughout the week, students at Mount Merici Academy competed in “penny wars” to raise hundreds of dollars for the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen, which offers nutritious meals and an opportunity for socialization every Monday through Friday. Its volunteers also serve meals at outdoor locations.

To learn more about the organization, including ways to help, email info@watervilleareasoupkitchen.com, call 207-859-3063, or visit watervilleareasoupkitchen.com.

During the week, in addition to these service projects, students at Maine Catholic schools:

• held dinners, receptions and other events to thank parishioners, parents and guardians for their unwavering support of Catholic education;
• organized thank you parties for school staff and faculty;
• brought care packages to local organizations who serve local communities, like police and fire departments;
• created Valentine’s cards for nursing home residents;
• wrote letters to local first responders;
• and hosted ceremonies and made cards for local veterans to thank them for their service.

Check out other upcoming area events!