Pancake breakfast teaches service

By CHARITY SMITH

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Hurley — Pancakes were served into the afternoon at St. Mary of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Hurley on Sunday. The event provided students in the church’s confirmation class with a service learning opportunity.

“We use it to help our kids learn to serve other people,” said Irene Lardinois, one of the religion instructors.

With the focus on service, the breakfast was not billed as a fundraiser, but patrons were able to make a donation to the religious education department if they chose.

Lardinois said they have been holding the event annually for at least 20 years to teach the students how to serve others above themselves.

The students started serving guests at 7 a.m. and continued through the lunch hour, waiting on nearly 100 guests.

Religious Education Director Leone Sobrack said they didn’t know what to expect because it was the first time they have held the event since the start of the pandemic. However, she said she felt the event went really well.

“It was fun to interact with the community and a good way of helping the church,” said Brodie Erickson, 15, of Hurley. “It went really well. We had lots of people come out. Great food. Overall, a great time.”

Erickson said he learned how to make coffee, a new experience for him.

In all, 10 students waited on parishioners, doing everything from making and serving pancakes, sausage, egg, fruit and coffee.

After the breakfast, the students had a discussion with their instructors regarding their experience. The teachers complimented them for their efforts and then led the students in prayer.

The students meet once a month to study the Bible in preparation for their confirmation. The next student event will be part of the parish bazar this summer.