Sixth grade students at St. Peter Academy have been visiting with residents of Marian Manor and assisting with coffee hour after mass. These are some of their reflections on the time they have spent there and what they have learned from their resident friends:
Going to Marian Manor has helped us to learn how to be charitable in our everyday lives and to think about the needs of other people.
There are many residents that have made a positive impact on us. Mary is a positive ray of light beaming with laughter and a sense of humor that leaves you wanting to sit by her side and listen to all of her humorous stories. She has taught us that having a sense of humor is essential as you get older and progress in life. She enriches us with continuous humor and laughter and helps the time spent at Marian manor feel positive. We also enjoy visiting the great-grandmother of one of our first graders, June. She always welcomes us with a smile.
One of our new friends is Fr. Daly who has demonstrated a keen sense of giving and effortless compassion throughout his years working abroad building schools and with individuals who are in need from all walks of life. Father Daly has given unconditionally of his time and gave compassion to many all over the world. He also taught us a really fun handshake!
We have learned throughout our time visiting the elders at Marian Manor that fulfilling these community hours gives us an amazing feeling inside. When we asked Fr. Daly his perspective on our visits, he said, “Thank you so much for coming here. Sometimes people forget about us and you coming every week brings us joy.” He also reminded us that when you do acts of service, they make other people feel good and that makes you feel good as well. During our time spent with the residents, we have learned that our presence offers the residents a sense of joy and a warm, compassionate feeling of excitement.
Despite our shyness in the beginning, the residents at Marion Manor helped shape how we support them when we are there. At times we struggled to help them with the task that seemed bigger than us, such as assisting them with their wheelchair and mobility. Though there were minor struggles in the beginning, we transcended as a class. We have grown as individuals and learned not only what it means to care for elders, but how to live a full enriched life and to give to others selflessly instead of thinking of ourselves.
St. Peter Academy in an independent, community-based private school and serves students from ages 15 months through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program (beginning at age 15 months) and for students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and grades 1-6. Appointments for individual tours can be made by contacting the Main Office at 617-268-0750 or by emailing SPA@StPeterAcademy.com. Join us!
