Resurrection Catholic Missions of the South, Inc.

History and Programs:

Resurrection Catholic Missions was founded in 1943 with an  initial focus of working in the African-American community of north and central Montgomery.  Programs in evangelization, social service, health care and education soon followed.  In 1964 the Mission broke ground for a new multi-million dollar complex of buildings a few miles from the initial site on the banks of the Alabama River.  The complex consists of a school, church, convent, rectory, administration and service center.

Resurrection Catholic School offers a quality spiritual and academic program for students in pre-K through the eighth grade. RCS accepts applications for admission in grades Pre-K - 8th regardless of race, creed, or national origin. The curriculum includes religion (the teaching of the Catholic faith and traditions), Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Accelerated Reading, Physical Education, Theater and Music. Tutoring and after school care are also offered.

Interfaith Community Outreach was established in 1992 to provide advocacy and direct aid services to indigent elders, allowing them to remain living independently in their own homes as long as possible. This program has evolved into a multi-faceted social service program, but the end result is the same—to see that those we serve have the most basic necessities of life.

In 1995 Resurrection Catholic Missions hosted a group of young people from the University of Dayton for an alternative spring break week and the Resurrection Collegiate Volunteer Service Program was born. Young people from UCLA, DePaul, Ohio Dominican, Marquette, St. Thomas, Creighton, Portland and Dayton Universities have participated in the week of service at the Missions and study of Civil Rights history.  During their stay, students divide their time doing hands-on service activities and visiting local historical sites. A highlight of the program for many is a roundtable dinner discussion of Civil Rights history where local figures share their experiences.

Fundraising Project

The project for which we are seeking funding is the Environmental Science Program at Resurrection Catholic School (grades Pre-K through 8th). The school principal, teachers, community partners, and RCM staff are working cooperatively with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and area Master Gardeners to create a garden space, as well as to develop curriculum and outreach programs attached to this project. Through this program, we hope to raise awareness in our students of the importance of healthy living and caring for our environment. The many components to this program include:

• A demonstration garden: with herbs, perennials, flowers, vegetables, and fruit. This is an area for exploration and scientific learning, where children are able to participate in hands-on learning
• “Living labs” demonstrate concepts like composting and the life cycles of small animals (frogs, butterflies, etc.).
• Demonstration Compost Area—recycling of organic and biodegradable materials to cultivate as a soil amendment
• Educational Field trips to experience classroom concepts first-hand
• Donation of harvested vegetables to needy clients served by our outreach program, including area shelters  

Program goals include:

• Teach and promote conservation and sound environmental practices
• Engage students in a hands-on living laboratory, with opportunities to study plants, insects, weather, soil, and conservation of natural resources
• Provide necessary stimulatory learning experiences for children with physical and cognitive challenges
• Implement a comprehensive curriculum related to the garden project which incorporates science education, vocabulary, writing, and mathematical concepts
• Promote healthy eating habits and outdoor physical activity

To enable this program to be successful Resurrection Catholic School is working in partnership with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (4-H), Master Gardeners, Civil Air Patrol, NASA, ADEM, City of Montgomery, Clean City Commission, Montgomery Zoo, McWane Center, Callaway Gardens, Department of Agriculture, Alabama Wildlife Federation (Lanark Nature Center), and Environ-mentors (a
North America-wide environmental mentoring group).

As well as the Environmental Science Program, Resurrection Catholic School is increasing technology literacy among students with a goal of integrating Smart Board technology and more computers in every classroom.