On December 2, all 600+ St. Francis Xavier School preschoolers through eighth-graders celebrated the model of their school’s patron saint, who spread the gospel message while serving those in need. Fifteen buses rolled out of the St. Francis Xavier campus, packed with kids eager to build relationships with others throughout the Chicagoland community. Students helped feed the poor, clothe the needy, entertain the elderly, honor our veterans, and even provide for God’s four-legged creatures.

This day is a highlight of a school-wide service program begun more than three years ago. The program matches each grade with a theme that the students learn about, reflect on, and serve throughout the school year. The themes are Caring for God’s Creation, Older Friends, Education, Poverty, Hunger, Veterans/Active Service Members, Ability Awareness, Human Rights and Civil Rights, and Social Justice. Each theme was carefully developed and thoughtfully served on December 2nd. According to program co-creator Elizabeth Fisher, “What is profound about this day of service is that our entire school community of students, teachers, administrators, and parents come together as one in our desire to live out our school motto of “We Pray, We Learn, We Serve.”

Students packed food at Feed My Starving Children and the Chicago Food Depository, caroled to Merillac House shoppers who purchased warm clothing collected during the St. Francis Xavier coat drive, donated care-packages for residents of the Hines V.A. Fisher House, and bowled with their buddies from SEASPAR (Southeast Association of Special Parks and Recreation), among others.

The overall theme for the Service Day comes from a charge given to Saint Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuit Order of Priests, and one of the world’s great missionaries. In 1540, St. Francis Xavier was asked to “Ite inflammate omnia,” (Go set the world on fire), by spreading the gospel message, especially among those who had never heard it. Saint Francis Xavier School Principal Debra Rodde said "We believe that serving others sincerely and joyfully does have the power to set the world on fire, and we feel privileged to have all of our students involved in meaningful service opportunities."

The Saint Francis Xavier Service Program has been honored by the National Catholic Education Association and the Archdiocese of Chicago.