NEW SMYRNA BEACH | Sacred Heart Catholic School in New Smyrna Beach students spent a Saturday cleaning up their hometown beach in support of the Season of Creation. Participating in the International Coastal Cleanup Sept. 21, 2024 – seven different families, along with the Knights of Columbus from Sacred Heart Parish made a difference in their community.

It began on a sunny Saturday morning. The beach was quiet and they brought buckets, gloves and pick up sticks. Principal Elizabeth Labreche noted the group tracked about 200 pounds of garbage. One small group found 23 plastic lids to bottles, plastic bags, fishing line, cigarette butts, old shoes, bathing suits and combs.

“The goal of encouraging this activity is to encourage our community to help our gift from God. New Smyrna Beach has a special estuary unlike any other in the world,” explained Labreche, so during the month of August through October the school focuses on the Catholic Social Teaching of taking care of God’s creation.

Student Lizzie H. said, “I like coming out to the beach. It’s fun and we help the world in a small, and big way.”  Her brother Jacob, a Sacred Heart alum said, “I couldn’t believe how much trash is out there. We only picked up for one hour and had a full bucket.”

Olivia W. came with her parents. They were looking forward to making a difference and sharing time without technology.

The school partnered with KeepNSBClean group.  Its members meet regularly to keep the town clean. Leo Decker, Grand Knight, mentioned he continued his morning prayers while he picked up trash. Labreche said she tries to encourage families and provide opportunities to be a part of their community both spiritually and actively. “This aligns with the charism of our Redemptorist community, to care for the poor and the spiritually deficient,” she said. This alignment to our Catholic Social Teachings allows us to grow as stronger community members and Catholics.”

Staff Report, October 3, 2024