COAL TOWNSHIP - The spirit of Catholic education was present at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School Thursday as volunteers took part in the "Raider Beautification Project" sponsored by the Lourdes Grant Subcommittee.
"This has always been a part of the Catholic education. We go after it with what we have and see what we can change," said Deacon Martin McCarthy, Lourdes principal. "With the budget cuts, public schools have relied more on fundraisers and volunteers. The Catholic schools need them even more."
Students, parents, teachers and other supporters of Lourdes volunteered their time at the school from 9 a.m. to noon and from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Along with painting and maintenance, the volunteers landscaped and planted flowers. They also started construction on the Children's Raised Garden Area.
"At first, we were worried because there wasn't anyone here this morning," said Sherry Romanoski, chairperson of the grant committee and parent of a Lourdes student. "But we ended up with more than 20 volunteers this morning. It was something to see three generations working side by side."
Director of Development Jacqueline Kerris said it is love from the community that makes Lourdes so different from public schools.
"We embrace the volunteers," said Kerris. "It's so friendly and family-oriented. Everyone knows each other. People like that. It's a special place."
Volunteers will gather at the school again from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to finish the projects. McCarthy said the beautification program will continue as long as the school is around.
"There are always rumors that the school is going to close, but this is proof positive that we are growing," he said. "There are a lot of people in the community who want the school to continue for years to come."
McCarthy also said the school has always surpassed people's expectations, and it will continue to prove people wrong.
"Who would have thought that a Catholic school would be able to bring in bleachers and lights?" he said looking at the football field. "They found a way, and so will we."