Residents from St. Mark’s nursing home attended a Christmas ball hosted by students from Pacelli Catholic Schools on Dec. 19 at the nursing home facility.

Individuals had the opportunity to participate in a variety of games and activities facilitated by students from one of Pacelli teacher Ms. Benin’s theology classes. Each element of the holiday festivities from invitations to hors d’oeuvres had been planned and prepared by the students of Pacelli. The event was a response to a challenge given by their theology teacher to be more aware of others in the Austin community, to think beyond the service opportunities already available, and to use their abilities creatively for the good of others. The result was the Christmas ball.

“I enjoyed seeing the joy on their faces when you played games with them or invited them to dance,” Sonia Ramirez, a 10th-grader, said in a press release.

Ramirez was preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, the reception of which represents a personal decision and commitment by the student to live their faith more deeply. Even those who already received the sacrament were

invited to live their faith more fully by participating in this event.

“I loved being able to help those who might not have lots of visitors this Christmas. I feel like we went above and beyond what we did last year when I was preparing to be confirmed,” Kamis Kuku, a junior who received the sacrament last year, said in the release.

The genesis of this event began in Ms. Benin’s theology class. All students, whether preparing to receive the sacrament or not, have been asked to be more active in the community, since Christians believe that living the faith goes beyond worshipping in the pews. Yet it also gave them an opportunity to grow as individuals and develop skills that will translate beyond the classroom.

When asked how putting this event together affected them, Jasmine Anderson said, “I got a greater sense of responsibility, working with my classmates and getting out of my comfort zone.”