TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Forming students as young women who embody the Gospel is at the center of Immaculate Heart Academy’s mission. During their four years, students are continuously invited to dive deeper into their Catholic faith, further their relationship with God, and use their gifts in service to others.
That’s according to IHA spokeswoman AnneMarie Vaughn P ’22, sharing with Pascack Press on Dec. 23 that the school’s Campus Ministry program — under the direction of 2019 graduate Emily Ash and powered by girls from the Pascack Valley and surrounding communities — is off to a busy start this school year.
“IHA students have already attended two Midnight Runs in New York City to provide food, clothes, and conversations with individuals experiencing homelessness,” Vaughn says.
She quotes Ash, saying, “The dedication to service at IHA is truly inspirational, as these students give up their Friday evening and put their faith into action by ministering to people in need and serving approximately 150 meals at each Midnight Run. Before they leave for New York City, students participate in a prayer service to remind them that authentic service is rooted in the love of Christ and that we serve others because Christ calls us to.”
In addition to the Midnight Runs, Campus Ministry also held its annual Christmas drive and visit to Sacred Heart School in Jersey City. On Dec. 11, students spread Christmas joy and love to Sacred Heart students and delivered more than 160 bags of special treats. Due to the many generous Christmas Drive donations, students were able to fill each bag with gift cards, boxes of candy, and new books for each grade level.
Additionally, according to Vaughn, IHA hosted its annual Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 26 for senior citizens in the school’s cafeteria. “More than 200 senior citizens attended the event, where they were treated to a free dinner and raffle prizes. This special event is hosted annually and is a wonderful way to share the blessings of IHA with our older friends in the community.”
Vaughn reports, “Our students truly embrace IHA’s commitment to service. We are so proud of all that our students have accomplished as they continue to use their amazing gifts in service to others.”
Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy is an all-girls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark presently celebrating its 65th year. A Blue Ribbon School, IHA enrolls approximately 650 girls in a competitive college preparatory program from more than 90 towns in Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Hudson, and Essex counties in New Jersey and nearly 30 towns in Rockland and Orange counties in New York.
Over the years, IHA has continually grown and evolved, fortifying its academics, activities, and facilities to prepare students for further education, and for the enhancement of society through their personal, professional, and spiritual gifts.
Immaculate Heart Academy is at 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township of Washington.