Holy Family Catholic School students raise funds for Catholic Charities ministries
Fifth-grade students from Holy Family Catholic School in Orlando raised $2,380 for the Culture of Life and Immigration Legal Services ministries of Catholic Charities of Central Florida, according to an announcement on April 24.
The effort was inspired by presentations about St. Monica and St. Thomas More, with the aim to support pregnant mothers and immigrant families through donations and encouragement. The fundraising project highlights how young people can make a difference in their community while learning about faith-based service.
Leidy Rivas, director of the Culture of Life Office for Catholic Charities, spoke to students earlier this year about building “a culture that honors the dignity and sacredness of every human life.” Rivas said, “Our hope is for every parish to be a welcoming and loving place where mothers can find friendship, support, and hope.” Students responded by donating money to help purchase diapers and writing cards inspired by St. Monica’s example. Student Sofia A. said, “It hurt me to hear that some moms didn’t even have a clean diaper to change their baby into,” while Maximus B. added, “I heard that people need help with their babies, and I have a baby brother, so I know what that feels like.”
Raul Pinzon from Immigration Legal Services also addressed the students about integrity and compassion in legal representation for immigrants. Pinzon said his goal was to show “how our ILS team-members navigate complex processes, with care and compassion, to help families.” He added: “The students were completely immersed in the presentation… Their questions and comments gave me a new perspective on the work we do.” Josephina B., a fifth-grader at Holy Family Catholic School stated: “All people should feel safe, whether raising your family or moving to America.”
Therese Cibotti, campus minister at Holy Family Catholic School noted that approximately 60% of the student body are first- or second-generation immigrants themselves. Maia S., another student participant shared: “My parents immigrated here and they needed help, and Mr. Raul helps a lot of people.” During Lent teachers organized a coin war between homerooms dedicated respectively to St. Monica (taught by Dia Rutter) and St. Thomas More (taught by Mary Favo), encouraging charitable giving as part of faith formation.
On April 14th students presented checks totaling $2,380—split equally between both ministries—to Rivas and Pinzon as part of their ongoing commitment toward community service rooted in faith values.
Pinzon called the generosity “profoundly powerful,” saying it would benefit many struggling families: “It will help many families who have experienced great struggles… God is always there.” Rivas concluded: “It was deeply moving to witness their joy… truly inspiring to see these young students so eager to live out their faith in action.”
The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968; it currently includes Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter,and Volusia Counties with oversight from Bishop James Noonan according to The Diocese of Orlando.
