The Thread that Ties Us Together

The school year was going well for North Catholic sophomore Maddy Dietrich. Academics, volleyball and swimming kept her busy, with her swim team heading to the state competition.

The pandemic turned everything upside down. But she’s found a new purpose—making life-saving face masks.

Teaming up with a group from Holy Sepulcher Parish in Glade Mills, Maddy has been helping sew cloth coverings for patients at Butler Memorial Hospital and residents at Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where her aunt works.

Together they have made more than 500 masks.

“I started by sewing them for my grandparents,” Maddy said. “It makes me feel better to help make a difference.”

North Catholic students are required to perform charitable work as a key component of the Christian life. Each year they contribute nearly 12,000 service hours.

Maddy is also using the extra time at home to pray the rosary with her classmates via Skype and FaceTime.

“Prayer is comforting, especially with a group of people who are also feeling anxiety and stress,” Maddy said. “It’s been nice.”

She’s disappointed to be missing out on a lot of fun activities at school and looks forward to the day when she’ll be able to see her friends, but understands the importance of sacrifice and helping others.

“I’m looking forward to what’s ahead,” she said.

Photo: Maddy Dietrich hard at work making face masks.