St. James Academy Aims to Impact Others

Sadly today, there are still more than three billion people who live on less than $2.50 a day. THREE BILLION. And a staggering 805 million people worldwide do not have enough food to eat. Indeed for the poverty stricken, a tiny bit of kindness creates a dramatic change in their life.  Over 40 years ago, Father John Howard from Saint James and Saint Leo’s Parish Community in Solana Beach, recognized the huge impact that small acts of service made and founded Mission Circle. Since then, Mission Circle has been involved in many life-changing programs that actively reach out to those in need. One such enriching  program is an all-girls school and home in Tijuana, Mexico called Casa Eudes.  Other programs include local homeless outreach programs, international food programs for the hungry, disaster relief and a prison ministry.   

St. James Academy is North County’s premier Catholic school. Indeed since 1952, the school has remained devoted to excellence in teaching the principles of Catholic faith, while providing each child with a learning environment in which they can grow toward their God-given potential to become leaders and stewards. Student’s develop lifelong skills that incorporate confidence and competency in their growth as critical thinkers and problem solvers in our ever changing world.

This year, St. James Academy is working with the parish and Mission Circle to continue to support those in need. In fact, on March 10, St. James Academy will be celebrating their annual renowned gala, Under the Sea. The popular gala is the largest fundraising event for St. James Academy; and this year 10 percent of sponsorship proceeds above $2500 will be donated directly to Mission Circle. An incredibly generous addition to a wonderful cause!

In addition to the donations, St. James Academy is actively involved in numerous outreach programs with Mission Circle. In October, Mission Circle made 60,000 meals for the needy  with the generous help of St. James families. And this year, the St. James gala team worked with students to decorate a Christmas decoration of a starfish that will be sold with a portion of the proceeds going straight to Casa Eudes in support of their Christmas party. Of course, these represent only a couple examples of a few "small acts of kindness" from the families at St. James Academy- naturally, many more are planned for the rest of the school year.

In the spirit of the Christmas season we thoughtfully recall words by Charles Dickens: "A little key will open a very heavy door." Certainly, St. James, St. Leo’s Parish, St. James Academy and Mission Circle aim to be that little key which opens the heavy door to those in need. May we all contribute keys of any size to open as many doors as possible.

If you’re interested in participating in any St. James Academy outreach events or in sponsorship funding, please contact  St. James Academy Sponsorship Chair, Lisa Fitzpatrick at (858) 444-6510 lfitzpatrick858@gmail.com.