Published November 24, 2020
Students at St. Joseph Middle School in Conway took a homily to heart from associate pastor Father Joseph de Orbegozo. He spoke recently about St. Martin of Tours, an Eastern European soldier in the third century who became an evangelist and bishop. He's remembered for his devotion to the poor and hungry,
The priest also noted that there was only one box of nonperishable food in the church's food pantry donation box. He challenged the children at Mass that day to help out the hungry. Fifth-grade boys and girls quickly took up the cause by promising to fill the pantry box by the following week. They also challenged the fourth and sixth grades to join them.
Principal Matt Tucker said, "The students were actively listening to Father Joseph's homily. We shall see what seeds have been planted and what fruit will come to bear."
Tucker agreed to have his head shaved by the grade donating the most food. The students did not disappoint. They collected more than 2,200 food items that the Missions Outreach Committee will deliver to people in need. The fifth grade won shearing honors Nov. 18. They had some help from administrative assistant Julie Potts, fifth grade teacher Angie Rawls and preschool teacher Carrie Simon, who is a trained cosmetologist.
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