Our Lady of Lourdes students explore their faith by wearing masks

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SALT LAKE CITY — The return to school this year during the COVID-19 pandemic has been filled with many changes, not the least of which is the requirement for all students, faculty and staff to wear face masks.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School’s new second-grade teacher, Ms. Sara Lemcke, decided to turn the new health protocols into a teachable moment. Coming up with the hashtag #mymaskhelps, Lemcke created a social media religion project to help her students cope with the new preventative measures and deepen their faith.

“My intent was to get the kids thinking about why wearing a mask helps the greater good,” Lemcke said.

She began by discussing with her class how mask-wearing is an exercise in the spiritual practice of love thy neighbor – a sign of our love and care for others, especially those who are most at risk. Then she explained to the students that Jesus tells us that when we care for “the least of these,” we are really serving him (Matt 25:40). By caring for the most vulnerable among us, we are following Christ’s example. She also explained how the singular act of wearing a face mask is a symbol for putting the needs of others first, an inherently humble gesture that leads to mutual love and unity.

Following these discussions, Lemcke invited her students to share their reasons why they wear a mask and had them write them on their #mymaskhelps sign. From being able to go to school, to protecting older people and those in need or at the store, these second-graders showed they understand that wearing a mask goes far beyond health reasons. With their eyes smiling, they shared their #mymaskhelps signs on the school’s social media pages showing they are Christ’s followers who wear a mask out of faith, hope and love.  

Share your ‘why’ using #mymaskhelps.

Story  courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School