TUKWILA — Removing invasive weeds and adding native plants along the Duwamish River was part of an Advent day of service for Kennedy Catholic High School sophomores.

“I felt a little closer to creation. Restoring it and taking care of it is our responsibility,” said Nathan, who was among 12 students and three teachers doing the work at Tukwila’s Codiga Park.

The four-hour project was coordinated by EarthCorps, a Seattle-based organization that engages community volunteers in restoration projects around the Puget Sound area, according to its website.

“It’s great work. It’s not glamorous,” said Tauno Latvala, service coordinator and theology teacher at Kennedy Catholic.

But such work is consistent with Pope Francis’ environmental teachings in “Laudato Si’” and “Laudato Deum,” Latvala said.

Tauno Latvala, service coordinator and theology teacher at Kennedy Catholic High School, works with students on a habitat restoration project in Tukwila as part of an Advent day of service for sophomores. (Courtesy Alyson Soma)

The work wasn’t too difficult, said Finn, another student. “It’s service to the earth. It felt like this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” he added.

Minh, a student from Vietnam is in his first year at Kennedy Catholic, said the day of service was an opportunity to be active, meet people and “experience doing volunteer work and community service in America.”

At Kennedy Catholic, students are required to do service for their church, school or community as part of Kennedy’s Integrated Service Learning Experience. Freshman do 10 hours of service, sophomores 20 hours and juniors 30 hours, Latvala explained.

“One of the most important ways young adults to grow in their faith is to do service,” Latvala added.

Seniors develop a presentation highlighting their service experience and how they plan to carry their service forward, he said.

Other day of service opportunities for students include one in March during Lent and another in May. Teachers, faculty and staff also participate in the service projects.

“It really helps develop our sense of community and solidarity,” Latvala said.

Nathan said enjoyed being with his friends while he was digging holes and planting.

“I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” he said.