St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School managed to raise over $55,000 for Ukrainian refugees. The fundraising came as a challenge set by Father Charles Mitchell during the 40 Days of Prayer for Ukraine.
Challenge to Help Ukraine
In a report with The Florida Catholic, the pastor posed the challenge to the students and their families on Ash Wednesday. He said that Bishop John Noonan asked all Catholics in the Orlando Diocese to do what they could for Ukraine.
Father Mitchell added that the bishop desired to have everyone work together to help Ukraine.
The Catholic priest said he was delighted when the students expressed their support for the challenge. Father Mitchell asked the students, faculty, and staff to pray and support the church with its relief efforts.
Rising to Challenge
Father Mitchell told the news outlet that it was two 4th grade students and one 6th grade student who came up with the idea. They proposed that they would use the 40 Days of Lent as a way to raise funds for Ukraine.
The students said they would raise $40,000 in 40 days. The said amount would benefit Ukrainians in the war-torn country.
Father Mitchell appealed to the students and their families saying that the funds raised would be of great help. He stressed that many suffering Ukrainians were displaced because of the war.
The Catholic priest said that their Ukrainian brothers and sisters were feeling anguish. Many have lost loved ones and their possessions.
Father Mitchell also spoke of the bravery and selflessness of those Ukrainians who chose to stay and fight in the war. He knew of many stories of heroism and love that these people have exhibited.
He asked the parishioners, students, families, and teachers to join them in their cause of helping Ukraine. The Catholic priest found the response overwhelming.
Father Mitchell said that the spirit of love for Ukraine was present in their church and school. He added that the donations came pouring in each weekend of Lent.
The teachers at the school also hosted a Ukraine awareness day where students wore the blue and gold colors of the country.
The collective efforts reaped great rewards. To date, the school has raised more than $55,000.
Father Mitchell was amazed at the show of love and supported the students had for Ukraine. He thanked everyone for donating towards helping the war-torn country.
"All this, at the invitation and inspiration of three of our youngsters and in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine," Father Mitchell said in gratitude.
"May God bring healing and peace to our world."
About the School
According to the school website, St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School prepares students for life. They aim to do this with a quality Christ-centered education.
The school also prides itself in providing a safe and supportive environment for its students.
St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School believes that families, faculty, and parish share in a child's education. According to the website, they work together for the spiritual, academic, and social potential of each student as a unique child of God.
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