A Spirit of Stewardship
Service
Service - “Not Words But Deeds”
At St. Bonaventure, students don’t just learn about their faith—they live it. Rooted in Catholic social teaching, our service and stewardship programs inspire students to put their faith into action, caring for those in need and respecting God’s creation. From collecting food for the hungry at Thanksgiving to donating toys at Christmas and candy at Easter, our students are actively engaged in serving others. They partner with Servite High School to provide disaster relief for fire victims in Los Angeles, knit beanies for newborn babies, assemble hygiene kits for the homeless, create cards for local veterans, and adopt families in need through the parish Tree Angel program. Faculty also serve as role models by leading service projects such as collecting backpacks and school supplies for children in need, reinforcing the importance of generosity and compassion. By embracing these opportunities, students grow in their Catholic identity while developing the leadership skills to become agents of positive change in the world.
A Sampling of Our Service Opportunities
Operation Christmas Child
Our fifth graders chose to support Operation Christmas Child as their grade level service project. The project, organized by Samaritan’s Purse International Relief in collaboration with local churches worldwide, tangibly shares God’s love by surprising children in need with shoeboxes full of quality gifts. Over 60 shoeboxes were filled by our students with stuffed animals, school supplies, hygiene items, and a self-written letter expressing God’s love.
Children’s Choir
Directed by the Parish’s Music Ministry, the St. Bonaventure School Choir sings weekly at the 9:00 am Mass and performs at the Parish’s annual Christmas and Spring Concerts. All students are invited to share their voices in the prayerful celebration of the Mass as Choir members, where they learn to lead, guide, and provide the congregation with music that praises God.
Student Council - Monthly Themes for Causes
The Student Council Board, composed of 6-8th grade students appointed by teachers and voted for by their classmates, hosts dress theme days once a month, where students are asked to donate $1 to wear themed apparel with uniform bottoms or jeans in lieu of their uniform attire for the day. All collected funds are donated to causes and charities selected by the Student Council.
HOPE Office Donation Drives
Throughout the school year, various donation drives are held to support the HOPE office. Examples include Thanksgiving and Christmas canned food drives, hygiene kits for the homeless and much more.
Grade Level Service
8th Grade - Each student creates an individual and unique culminating service project which they present to their peers before they graduate.
7th Grade - Spiritual Adoption for an unborn child.
5th Grade - Partnership with Hefner International
3rd Grade - Project Linus
All School Blessing Bags - Hygiene kits are created in partnership with Faith Formation
Altar Serving
For decades, the students at St. Bonaventure School have faithfully and enthusiastically served the Parish community as Altar Servers, assisting clergy during the Eucharist and other liturgical ceremonies. Derived from the Latin word “ministrare,” which means “to serve,” this opportunity is an excellent starting point for students wanting to deepen their love for their faith. As integral to the celebration of Mass as servers of Word and Sacrament, Altar Servers carry the cross and processional candles, prepare the Altar for the reception of the gifts, and assist the celebrant by carrying the incense and censer.
All students in grades 4-8 are invited to serve and informational meetings are held annually.