Stop Human Trafficking

BLUE HEART CAMPAIGN

We need to get the word out to everyone... JOIN US in stopping Human Trafficking!

The United Nations has recently instituted the Blue Heart Campaign to raise awareness across the globe about the dangers of human trafficking. "The Blue Heart represents the sadness of those being trafficked.. and demonstrates the commitment of the United Nations to combat this crime against human dignity." They are encouraging individuals, nonprofit organizations, the private sector and intergovernment organizations to join the Blue Heart Campaign by downloading the logo on websites and facebook.

Joshua, a young teenager from Brooklyn recently won the 2010 Halo Award. He decided to do something and so are we!
http://www.teennick.com/videos/clip/teenick-2010-halo-awards-joshua-clip-4.html

Catholic Charities reports statistics that show an alarming 450,000 American children are at risk, of which 75% are from middle class backgrounds. Every 10 minutes, a woman or child is trafficked into the United States for forced labor. An estimated 2.4 million people throughout the world are lured into forced labor as a result of human trafficking (ILO 2005).

We can do something and we must do something to stop this atrocity. Catholic Charities gives these helpful hints. Spread the word to young people :
"1. Don't go out alone.
2. Always tell an adult where you are going, who your friends are.
3. Say "NO" if you feel threatened or receive offers from friendly kids or adults, male or female.
4. NEVER go somewhere with someone you don't know."

Warn your friends. Who to call?
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-THE-LOST
Covenant House Hotline (1 -800-843-5678)

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher ask everyone to spread the following message on their facebook to raise awareness:

"Human trafficking and child sex slavery is an extremely pressing global issue. Thousands of young American girls are forced into slavery every year in every community.
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher started the DNA Foundation to end human trafficking worldwide. After visiting the DNA Foundation website and learning that child human trafficking occurs in our hometowns and neighborhoods, I felt I needed to spread the word about this issue.
Can you believe the average age a child is forced into slavery in the United States is 13 years old? These children could be your sisters, your daughters, your neighbors. Think about it.
Join the fight, become an advocate –
Check out the DNA Foundation website to learn more – http://www.dnafoundation.com
Follow the DNA Foundation on Twitter – http://twitter.com/dnafoundation
Join DNA Foundation’s Facebook Causes page – http://www.facebook.com/dnafoundation
Thanks for being part of the solution."

Catch the Spirit!

The Spirit is catching... inspired by the Pro-Life Club, the Portuguese Club held Crazy Hat Day to collect for young people with cancer. It is the season of giving and spreading Christmas joy! Our hearts are NOT two sizes too small when it comes to helping those who have less than we do!

Birth of Jesus

Meet our Pro-Life Club Members

Our students were reflecting on the birth of Jesus. Mary, too, was an unwed Mother at the time of her immaculate conception. Even though it was by the power of the Holy Spirit, the message to our world speaks loudly about the sacredness of human life. The Pro-Life Club collected new baby clothes to make baskets for unwed mothers during this Christmas Season. At Benedictine Academy, our students are young people of compassion and kindness.

Teen Clothing Drive

It may be Christmas, but for many young homeless teens, they are in need of the basic necessities such as clothing and shelter. Our students heard the call and went into action to share whatever they had with their sisters and brothers. Dignity and respect for all of God's people is a non-negotiable for the Benedictine Academy community.

Make A Wish Foundation

Macy's gives a Million Reasons to believe in the Miracle of Christmas.
Inspired by the New York newspaper editorial in 1897, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus", Macy's has set-up Santa Mail Stations in their stores across the country. For every letter they receive, Macy's will make a $1 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, up to one million dollars!

Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes to a child with a life-threatening illness in the spirit of joy and hope.


At Benedictine Academy, we, too, believe in the magic of Christmas love. We are writing our letters to Santa and encourage you to do the same. Help Santa make a child's wish come true!

http://social.macys.com/believe2010/#/make-a-wish

BEST BUY @ 15 Program

Best Buy has selected four organizations to join their @ 15 Program and Jefferson Awards is one of them! By simply registering now and voting in January, you are eligible to win a $25. Best Buy Gift Card and have funds donated to Jefferson Award Students In Action Program, Based on the percentage of participation of the student body, our school is also eligible to win a leadership workshop for a few students. Make sure you click here and register today if you haven't already done so. It is a two step approach. First register at Best Buy and then confirm registration at Students In Action. It only takes less than a minute to make a difference. https://www.at15.com/user/register Thank you and God Bless You for all your good works. http://www.studentsinaction.org/at15/Registered

Great Leadership Opportunity

Calling all Juniors and Seniors. If you are a student who has a passion for making a difference in our world and is interested in being formed as a leader, Bank of America has a program for you. As a Student Leader, you will be able to participate in an eight-week paid internship program at a nonprofit charitable organization AND attend a week long Student Leadership Summit in Washington DC in July to gain valuable civic, social and leadership skills (all expenses paid). Here is the link for more information:

http://www.bankofamerica.com/foundation/index.cfm?template=fd_studentleaders

World Aids Day

Take a moment and try to picture 33 million people. That is the picture of all the people across the globe today with HIV. AIDS takes the life of 1 person every 15 seconds. HIV and AIDS affect men, women, and children of every race and economic level, in every country.

On December 1, we stood in solidarity with the entire human race. Our Student In Action Leaders led the way to do something to help their brothers and sisters around the world.

For every donation made, a student or staff member received a red bow to place on our Christmas tree by the Blessed Mother. It was a visible sign to our community that we care and are working together in solidarity to give hope to all families affected by this disease.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

This Thanksgiving seems very different. Our sisters and brothers in our own families, our own communities, our country, and across the globe are suffering in so many ways. And yet, it is a time of thanksgiving. Gratitude of heart is the healing balm for all the ills of our world.

This past week, the Student Council joined forces with Students In Action to share their food with others. That is what family does. We take care of each other. The reality is we are all sisters and brothers; we are all God's children.

We need to care. If we don't, who will?

Vow of Silence

Students In Action joined forces with Peace & Justice Club in becoming a voice for the voiceless by taking a vow of silence. Today is the 21st anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Form Toronto to Mexico City, Bejing to Jakarta, New York City to Elizabeth, New Jersey, tens of thousands of people walked in solidarity with children who are being silenced by poverty and exploitation. There are over one billion children living in poverty, many of whom are suffering from hunger, child labor, discrimination and lack of education. Their rights are not being upheld. Their voices are not being heard.

After 8 hours of being silent, we gathered together to discuss our experiences. One freshmen student shared, "After today's vow of silence, it breaks my heart that young children go through this everyday. Today I felt ignored and left out, as if no one understood me."

Another Junior student shared, "It made m

e feel somber, not being able to express yourself. Even if you need help, you have no voice. It was as if you were being condemned. It was very difficult."

We are more determined than ever to take a stand and become a voice for the voiceless. Together we will make our world a better place.

We Are All Sisters and Brothers

At our school, we have several dozen different nationalities, yet we are all sisters and everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Mother Teresa said, "If you knew me, you would love me." Isn't that the truth? We need to take the time to listen to one another, instead of judging and gossiping. We need to "Stand Up" for love and say "No" to the hurt.

AND THE WINNER IS...

Energy filled the auditorium as we welcomed Mrs. Karen Hatcher, Director of the Student In Action Leadership Program. Benedictine Academy is the first certified Jefferson Award Student In Action Leadership School in New Jersey. Service Leadership is a hallmark of our Benedictine charism and what it means to be a Christian.

We proudly inducted seventeen of our Student Leaders as members of the Jefferson Award Student Leadership Team. They will be attending a Student In Action Leadership Conference in a few weeks. Their goal is simple: to be role models and inspire their peers to help make our world a better place.

This day was

EXTRA SPECIAL because eleven of our students were nominated for the Jefferson Award Student In Action Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. Special guest, Chocolate Thunder, former player of the New Jersey Nets, is best known for his shattering of backboards as he dunked winning baskets. The Basketball Man of the Millennium opened the sealed envelope and presented this prestigious Award to sophomore, Barbara Borges.

Barbara began a new volunteer service project known as Erica's bracelets. She and her friends make bracelets to give with their prayers to cancer patients in hospitals.

After the awards, Darryl Dawkins coached our girls in a free throwing event.

We have special thanks to Robert Provost of the Star Ledger and Karen Hatcher, Students In Action Program, for all of their hard work and kindness in making our Award Day a memorable occasion. We also thank Mr. Robert Ford and the Jefferson Award People for all of their support and such an incredible opportunity for our students. And we ask the Lord to bless Darryl Dawkins for driving several hours to be with us and for inspiring our students to keep up their good works and to continue to help others in the local communities.

An S.O.S. was recently sent out across New Jersey, if not the country. We need to stop the pain and violence in our world and in our school communities. Bullying, hatred, and exclusion are NOT ACCEPTABLE! "Whatever hurts my brothers and sisters hurts me."

PBJ (Benedictine Students Peace & Justice Club) and our Sisters of the Spirit joined forces to give witness to other BA students and students from St. Benedict's Prep 'about the need to take a stand and not remain silent. They made a short documentary (currently being transferred to a different recording media for posting) and gave witness to the school about the need to do what we are supposed to do.

As Dr. Michael Fowlin, an actor/psychologist, who spoke to the school following the showing of our new STAND UP documentary, said "Don't be a ZEBRA! In the animal kingdom, zebras will simply stand around and watch another animal being attacked. Speak up! "

The Nominees Ballots Are In!

This Friday, we will be announcing the winner of our first Students In Action Jefferson Award.

The following nominees are students who have been recognized by their peers/teachers for taking the initiative to make our world a better place. They are our unsung heroes who have volunteered their services in a quiet, yet significant way.

Cynthia has given countless hours in the tutoring of ESL students and the handling of students with difficult behaviors at Hillside Parish. She is also the President of their CYO Youth Group.

Barbara has formed a new group called Erica’s Bracelets. Together with her friend, they have made over 35 bracelets for people with cancer. She has now enlisted the aid of several of her classmates to join them in their efforts to bring comfort to both patients in hospitals and in their homes.

Krystal has a strong desire to help little children. She volunteers during her free time at the Day Street Day Care facility to tutor young children.

Jennifer spent hours upon hours to help coordinate the BA Breast Cancer Walk and personally raised over $200. in donations. This is only one of the many ways Jennifer tries to help those in need.

Deazah enjoys working with young children. She spends much of her free time helping others at the Rahway Hospital and the Agape Youth Worship Center.

Martha dedicates several hours each week at her local parish. She assists in the CCD Program and works with the younger children at the Youth Center.

Stefanie is the Leader of the Operation Write-Home Club. She and her classmates wrote hero letters and made over 50 cards to send to our troops overseas.

Chisom has spent much of her free time volunteering at Trinitas Hospital and UMDJ. Her goal is to help alleviate suffering by the touch of a helping, caring hand and a warm heart.

Ariana is the leader of the Peace & Justice Club and an active member of the national DO SOMETHING CLUB. She organized the peanut butter & jelly drive that made over 195 sandwiches to feed the homeless and has a passion to help those in need.

Angelin performs weekly voluntary service at the Irvington Public Library by helping young children, between the ages of pre-k to third grade, to read and write.

. Eunice enjoys making kids days brighter with her smile. She worked at a camp over the summer and is a quiet presence around the community, in and out of school, giving a helping hand whenever it is needed.

Building a Better World

This time an S.O.S. was put out to our Senior Campus Ministers, Sisters of the Spirit.

Their CALL TO ACTION was to help make a dream come true.

Sisters of the Spirit headed to Morristown to help finish building a home for Habitat for Humanity. As they worked hard on a most beautiful autumn day, they prayed that the homeowners would enjoy their new home. "Habitat for Humanity puts an end to poverty housing." Together, we can and are making our world a better place.

Sending Peace into the World

Listening with the ear of their hearts to the recent tragedy at Rutgers University and remembering Columbine, PBJ answered THE CALL and went into action.

Our Peace & Justice Campus Ministers made 295 origami peace cranes in an effort to spread the message of Peace into our communities. The Peace cranes originated with a little girl named Sadako, who had lived over fifty years ago.

Sadako was a little girl who had leukemia as a result of the explosion of the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima. She started to fold paper cranes in the hospital a year before she was to die. Her wish was that there would be no more war in the world and only peace would prevail on earth.
We continue this practice of Peace at Benedictine Academy. Our Campus Ministers wrote a message of peace on each of the wings of the paper cranes. These peace cranes will fly free over Dr. Michael Fowlin at the conclusion of his presentation next week. It is the first part of our program to raise awareness against hatred and bullying. The Peace & Justice Club's Mission is to promote peace and protect the inherent dignity of every human being.

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY DRIVE

We had a CALL TO ACTION from the

Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless.

Their food pantry was very low and in need of replenishing. Due to the recession, their guest list has grown dramatically and they were in need of HELP! Benedictine Academy's STUDENTS IN ACTION heard the cry of the poor and went into action.

They elicited the aid of a dear friend, Eddie, to pick up boxes of donated bread from Panera Bread. The Franciscan Sisters also responded to the need by donating two HUGE 5 lb. jars of peanut butter. Then, the entire school community bonded together by wearing jeans on Tuesday, October 19, and donating dozens and dozens and dozens of jars of peanut butter & jelly.

That's when the second CALL to Action was sent out for everyone to join the Peace and Justice Club (PBJ) in decorating lunch bags and making peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. IT WAS PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY TIME on Friday. Over 80 students responded and had an amazing time. Laughing and singing, they made 192 sandwiches! As we delivered the sandwiches to the Coalition, a gentlemen waited patiently for the car to be unloaded so that he could take home dinner that evening for his family.

At Benedictine Academy, we believe we have a shared responsibility in caring for the needs of the local community. Together we can and are making our world a better place!

SAVE OUR RIVERS & EARTH

Our Ecology Club answered their CALL TO ACTION when they headed down to the nearby river system to clean up Mother Earth. Approximately 28 sophomores put on knee high wading boots and gloves picking up the debris from the water system in order to protect the local inhabitants. Whether we agree or not, the Truth is that we are responsible for the earth. As caretakers of creation, we must preserve our ecological system for our generation and the generations to follow.

BA Students Walk for Breast Cancer

Our first CALL TO ACTION was to raise awareness and funds

for finding a cure for Breast Cancer.

All BA students in grades 9-12, along with faculty and staff members, participated in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk-a-thon on October 6. Our President, Sr. Germaine Fritz,OSB, Principal, Mr. Ken Jennings, and Luisa Rodrigues, Business Manager and Portuguese Club Moderator, led the way in giving witness to stand up for a cure for Breast Cancer.

A sea of walkers dressed in sneakers, jeans and BA shirts, complimented by pink accessories symbolic of breast cancer awareness, easily made the three-mile trek through the Westminster section of Elizabeth and Hillside. $3000 was raised and will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for research purposes. Additional monies are still coming in and will be counted. event was sponsored by the Academy's Portuguese Club.

Why did the entire school walk? There is not one family in our school, in our community, in the entire United States, who has not been affected directly or indirectly by this disease. Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother, Friend, or Neighbor. At Benedictine Academy, we believe that religion and science together can produce a cure for cancer. More prayer, more power.... little prayer, little power.... no prayer, no power. In addition to walking for our brothers and sisters, we have been praying the rosary every day for the healing of all those affected by cancer. Together we can and will make a difference.