Catholic youth help African parish grow

The Junior High Ministry students of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Moorpark are participating in an ongoing service project, "Change for Africa," to raise funds for a parish in Uganda run by the Rev. Charles Ssebulime to help the needy.

Ssebulime had assisted with Masses at Holy Cross when he was studying at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo. He returned to his homeland of Uganda after his ordination.

The students in grades 6 to 8 have been recycling cans and bottles and collecting change to raise funds for the paritsh.

Twelve classes and 175 students are competing to see which class can raise the most money by the end of April. At this date, the students have raised $1,153.

Upcoming fundraising events will include a run/walk on March 4 and a garage sale on March 31.

The students will host a bake sale on Sun., March 11 after all the Masses at Holy Cross on the church patio. The cost is donation only.

For more information about the project or to make a donation, email Julie Cleary, Junior High Ministry coordinator, at jcleary@holycross-moorpark.org.