In 2023-2024, students in the Poverty, Policy, and Justice Course conceived and organized a new initiative to raise much-needed funds for our neighbors at Lazarus House Ministries.

This year's class continued their efforts and raised $4,183 for this important cause as part of the 3rd Annual Scoops and Hoops Charity Basketball Tournament.

In addition to the money raised, Scoops for Hoops donated:

• 10 Wellness Bags for Women living at the Lazarus House Emergency Shelter
• over 300 pairs of new socks
• several boxes of toiletries and essential items
• novelty ice cream treats for the children living at Lazarus House shelters

 

Photo Album: The 3rd Annual Scoops and Hoops Tournament

Friday, January 30, 2026 - Memorial Gymnasium

Click here to view and download photos on Raider SmugMug.

On Friday, January 30, the Central Catholic Family came together for the third annual Scoops and Hoops Tournament to benefit Lazarus House Ministries.

"Many thanks from the students who organized the Scoops and Hoops for Lazarus House Ministries Basketball Tournament this year!" states Mrs. Diana Chase, Religious Studies teacher.

"The kids had a great time, and the teachers won again! We are so grateful for your support, whether through your contributions or simply showing up on game day, all of it means so much to the students and helped to make the day successful."

Read about last year's effort in Raider News, Scoops and Hoops.

Thank you to our guests from Lazarus House Ministries!

• Carmen H. Vega, Executive Director, Lazarus House Ministries
• Marcy Furse, Volunteer Engagement, Lazarus House Ministries
• Ellen Bedrosian, Stewardship and Advancement, Lazarus House Ministries

Senior Sophia DeFillippo '26 introduced the guests, and Elias Zouein '26 served as the emcee for the event.

Over 40 students helped to plan and prepare for the event and provided support on the day of the event.

Another 45 students participated as players or coaches representing each year level class.

Thank you to the members of the Raider Band who performed under the direction of Mr. Bruce Denmead!

A team of 12 teachers and administrators - including our new president, Mrs. Jodi Linnehan Kriner - came out to play!

 

About Scoops and Hoops

Logo designed by Luke Surette '24

Seniors in one section of the Religious Studies course, Poverty, Policy and Justice, developed a charitable event idea: Scoops and Hoops.

Scoops and Hoops is a single-elimination basketball tournament to raise funds for Lazarus House Ministries. There will be a student team from each year level, and one staff team. Games will be short, culminating in a final match up of students versus staff. Buy in is $10 per player, and of course, there will be ice cream (Hoodsies) and additional items for sale for the spectators.

About Poverty, Policy, and Justice

Course 148: Religious Studies Department

This one semester elective course for seniors will consider the injustice of poverty, examine possible underlying causes, and reflect on the effects of poverty on individuals and on communities. Through the use of selected textbook readings, articles, Church documents, film, documentaries, and guest speaker witnesses, students will be challenged to confront their own conscience and beliefs related to poverty. Students will learn about and reflect on Catholic social teaching and consider how we are called to put into action the call to “love one another” as Marists and citizens in an increasingly global world. A field education component is included in this course.

 

About Lazarus House Ministries

Since opening its doors as an emergency homeless shelter in 1983, Lazarus House has been breaking the cycle of poverty in the Merrimack Valley region.

Their food and clothing programs assist families by stretching their dollars so they can afford rent, heat, and utilities. Housing provides a safe haven for homeless families and individuals.

Lazarus House Ministries was co-founded by a Marist Brother and member of the CCHS Faculty & Administration: Br. Thomas Petite, FMS.

 

Service at CCHS

We are Marist & Catholic.

We believe in something bigger than ourselves.

Here, students of all faiths and religious identities share a commitment to serve those most in need.

Students experience an inclusive journey of personal growth while making a positive impact on the world.

We believe in our own potential and in the goodness of others.

Guided by the vision of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, we are inspired to make the world a better place by serving and leading.

---

The Mission of Central Catholic High School

Central Catholic High School makes Jesus known and loved. We educate the whole person for college and for life, with particular care for the least favored and those in need.