The service teams at Mount Saint Joseph Academy have taken on many new forms this year, opening up a wide range of opportunities for students of all grades. This is expanding from the teams made before COVID 19 that had to be postponed due to quarantine and schools closing. Thanks to Mr. Bates and the moderators of the teams have had many opportunities to hold many meetings and events.
The student leaders began their year with a retreat in September, led by Mr. Bates and Mrs. Kaminski. This retreat strengthened their leadership skills and prepared them for guiding their teams. Helping the girls lead prayer; student leaders lead a reflection, prayer, and conversation; at the beginning and end of the meetings.
Each team meets weekly for a session of the school year, making it possible for students to participate even if they play a sport. This is different from the other clubs here at mount allowing the student athletes to participate during their off session.
Villa Service Team
The Villa Service Team welcomes students from all grades to visit the Sisters of Saint Joseph at the Saint Joseph Villa, many of whom are experiencing memory loss. Led by Janie Mullen ‘26, Sarah Deitch ‘26, and Mrs. Kaminski, the team creates flower arrangements, sings karaoke, writes letters, makes decorations, and shares meaningful conversations with the sisters every Tuesday after school. This team has been around for many years but the leaders have changed the name and made it a weekly event allowing this team to expand.
This year, interest in the team has grown significantly.
“We rebranded and went from having about 10 people at our info session to having nearly 60 this year,” Mullen shared.
Food Insecurity Team
Led by Riley Malloy ’27, Alexa Durand ’26, and Mr. Bates, the Food Insecurity Team is new this year and has already made a strong impact on the Philadelphia community. The team invited Ally Montero from Face to Face to speak to the student body about where Thanksgiving food drive donations will be distributed.
During meetings, the team also discusses current events, including the rising demand for assistance due to recent cuts to SNAP benefits affecting nearly half a million people in Philadelphia.
Members volunteer on Thursdays at the Mount chapel, the Mount Airy Community Fridge, and Face to Face. This year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive was a major success, with generous donations from every grade.
Environmental Service Team
Meeting every Monday after school, the Environmental Service Team meets to focus on caring for the Mount campus, the Wissahickon, and God’s creation. This year, the team will grow plants in Mrs. Furletti’s classroom and hopes to expand to the greenhouse and around the Mount campus. Members also collaborate with La Salle College High School’s environmental team as well as the alumni in many ways, some being guest speakers and helping us clean the Wissahickon. As well as taking a tree tour at the Morris Arboretum this past fall. The goal is to help the students know the global effects of climate change.
Liturgy Service Team
The Liturgy Service Team is a student-led group that ministers all the liturgies and Masses on campus. The team meets every Thursday during first and second lunch. During a recent meeting, members planned the upcoming Thanksgiving liturgy, celebrated a team member’s birthday, and discussed roles such as altar serving, reading, and other essential responsibilities.
The team, currently made up of 25 members, visits various churches in the local community and continues to bring new energy to school liturgies—starting with a lively song planned for the Thanksgiving Mass.
Learning Service Team
The Learning Service Team supports young students at schools such as Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, or the Ambler Rising Stars Homework Club. Meeting every Tuesday after school throughout the year, the team tutors students who need extra help.
Lucia Mascaro ’27, one of the student leaders, explained, “Creating the Learning Service Team was challenging because it was something new to bring to the school, so Charlotte and I are really excited for this year.”
Nov. 18th, the team visited the Ambler Rising Stars Homework Club, where, as Mr. Fabrey noted, “The little kids were so excited.”
Healthy Relationship Team
Each season, the Healthy Relationship Team focuses on a different type of relationship—political, romantic, or interpersonal. During advisory periods, students participate in activities such as reading poetry, reflecting, and discussing what makes relationships healthy. “I want Mounties to leave our meetings with a stronger sense of authority in their relationships and lives.”
Health and Wellness Team
Meeting on Tuesday mornings, the Health and Wellness Team explores ways to improve physical and mental well-being. Activities include meditation, creating a “giving tree” to encourage gratitude, and working on monthly themes. This month’s focus is Thanksgiving, giving back to the community, and practicing gratitude. On Nov. 20th the team prepared casseroles for the food donation drive for thanksgiving going to Face to Face. This fall’s theme was giving. This team has had activities such as yoga before school and many other fun things coming in the future.
These service teams allow students to build meaningful connections—whether with the sisters at the Villa, young learners, or our dear neighbors in need. All Mount students are invited to participate, and with the fall season ending, this is the perfect time to explore the many opportunities available for the winter and spring sessions.
