WARWICK - For many Catholic School students across the diocese, the day begins with prayer followed by classes.?On Friday’s during Lent at St. Peter School, more that 70 students make the commitment to start their day together early by attending Mass, followed by breakfast.
For the past 12 years, the Breakfast Club at the Warwick school has provided students and faculty with opportunities to deepen their faith and understand the significance of the Lenten season in the life of the Church.
Last Friday, the students quietly gathered in St. Peter Church for the 7 a.m. Mass and then listened intently to the readings. They politely responded with raised hands when Father Roger Gagne questioned them during his homily.
When?the priest asked the students why is it important to not exclude others in their relationship with?God, a student responded, “Because everyone is special to?God.”
During the past few weeks, Father Gagne has been speaking to the students about the year of St. Paul, reminding them that the saint can be thought of as a spiritual guide to Lent.
When the pastor asked the students a question about St. Paul, he joked with them, "If you get this right, you can have breakfast." Father Gagne concluded the celebration by thanking the teachers for making the weekly activity possible.
First grade teacher Anne Robinson has played an active role in the Breakfast Club since its inception, and explained that the weekly celebration helps the children to understand the value of Mass.
“The kids are so respectful and so joyful,” she said. “They make the commitment to come to Mass and for breakfast.”
After Mass, the students walked over to the school to enjoy a light meal — either brought from home or purchased from the school. Computer teacher Lisa DerManouelian explained that each year the profit from the sale of breakfast foods is donated to a local charity.
“Last year we donated all the money to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank,” said DerManouelian. “This year we are considering donating to the Rice Bowl.”
Second grade teacher Colleen Beirne said it was a pleasure to see the children smiling and sincerely enjoying the Breakfast Club.
"It’s a wonderful thing that they get up in the morning and come here,” she said. “Some kids would rather sleep in, but they are so great. They get up and go to Mass."
When speaking to the eighth graders, Robinson said, "When you are in high school and you have a day off, what are you going to do?” The students enthusiastically replied, "Come to the Breakfast Club!"
Michaela Dwyer, the school’s third grade teacher, explained that the Breakfast Club offers a great opportunity for her to interact with students in every grade. She is amazed by the number of students who regularly attend Mass and benefit from the prayerful experience.
“They come back every week and even every year,” said Dwyer. “I think that the Breakfast Club creates a pleasant memory of Mass that they can carry with them through the years.”
Robinson explained that the faculty receives a great deal of positive feedback from parents, many of whom attend Mass with their children.
“The kids love it,” said Robinson. “They realize that its the best way to start their day.”
