Crusaders give from the heart for Thanksgiving

The week before Thanksgiving break, CtRCS families banded together to collect food items for Cypress Assistance Ministries. Families in need in the Cypress area will receive these items so that may enjoy a home-cooked meal for Thanksgiving.
 
Theology Teacher Mark Dolce said it is good for students to share their blessings and to learn to give to those in need. 
 
“We are following the Gospel message of Jesus in the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy,” he said. “Our Catholic identity at CtR shines by us ‘Reaching Out into Christ's Kingdom’ to be the hands and feet of Christ.”
 
The school’s theme this year, “Reaching Out into Christ’s Kingdom,” or R.O.C.K., sets the tone for students understanding the oneness we share with others in the world and Jesus Christ. Connecting with Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM) is a clear way for students to connect their upcoming Thanksgiving feast with those who need some help celebrating this joyous time.

CAM is a faith-based organization that serves individuals and families in financial crisis, those on the brink of homelessness, the elderly, the unemployed and anyone that needs hope for a better future in the Cypress area. Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church and School serve CAM  throughout the year. For this project, the CtRCS Student Council led the collecting and sorting of food items to prepare them for CAM to pick up.
 
Student Council Member Matthew Pham, 7th grade, was excited to help.
 
“What I have learned through the service project is that all the food we donated might be small, but to the people it means so much more.” Pham said. “If everyone did one small act, it can create a big impact on the world.”
 
CtRCS teaches student to make an impact through small and courageous acts of love that show others the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. For Christmas, students will collect toys for our sister parish, Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church.
 
“I think it is important that we model service for our students and parents,” Dolce said. “It is putting into practice what we are teaching.”
 
To learn more about CAM and how your family can get involved by donating or volunteering, visit their website at www.cypressassistance.org.