Each year, students from St. John XXIII Catholic School in Phoenix participate in Miracle Projects. This year, sixty 6th-grade students raised $15,000 to support children in foster care, families escaping domestic violence, people experiencing homelessness and many others! The 7th-grade class will participate in Miracle Projects during the spring semester.
What are Miracle Projects?
Miracle Projects are a partnership between Catholic Charities Community Services and Catholic schools that allows students to learn about those who are less fortunate in their community, raise awareness about a cause they care about, and then create an item to sell to raise funds for that cause. Dulce Valdez, Catholic Charities Parish and Diocesan Engagement Manager said, “When we welcome students to use their gifts and talents to create a unique item to sell, we allow those students to put their faith into action in another way that benefits the community.”
Developing Skills for the Future
Miracle Projects are a unique way for schools to empower students to develop a wider view of the world and empathy for others. “As we introduce Catholic Social Teachings to students, it’s an opportunity for them to connect to humanity and remember their moral responsibility to care for the marginalized,” said Valdez.
For example, students who choose to support kids in foster care with their project may learn that kids enter foster care through no fault of their own and often arrive at foster or group homes with only the clothes on their backs. Learning about the struggles and barriers that some people encounter provides opportunities for compassion.
Students also learn business skills through their Miracle Projects. Planning, accounting, inventory, quality control, marketing, and writing are just some of the skills needed to be successful when selling items and raising money. Students are invited to get their families and local businesses involved in their projects.
"We are fortunate to partner with St. John XXIII and help students have a unique experience setting goals, raising funds and helping their neighbors," said Valdez. This year, funds will help hundreds of individuals in 20 different programs!
Learn more about Miracle Projects and other ways Catholic Charities partners with parishes and Catholic Schools in our Parish Toolkit.
