Service Program
December 03, 2007
"For us, education is a privileged means of formation in faith. Through this means we aim to sow, cultivate, and strengthen the Christian spirit and help it to flourish in the human race." – Rule of Life of the Society of Mary
Mr. James Bendele is Christian Service Program coordinator
The Christian Service Program enables students to experience their inherited Christian faith as service. In doing this, the program provides an opportunity for the student to identify, develop and share their gifts and talents; raises the student’s awareness of community issues while taking action to correct the problems; impresses on the student the interconnectedness of the human family; and challenges the student to see the connection between what they are learning in the classroom and the way we live our daily lives. In addition to these objectives, the Christian Service Program is designed around the characteristics of Marianist education.
Commitment to Christian service is an on-going process of growth. For this reason, requirements set forth for each grade level are different. It is our hope that by the time a student graduates from Central Catholic High School he will have what is necessary to take the next step towards a commitment to Christian service.
A non-credit course will appear on the student’s report cards and transcript. This course is entitled "Christian Service Program." If a student completes the required number of hours, the student will receive a grade of “pass” for this course. If the student does not meet the requirements by the above deadline the student will receive a “fail” for this course. Once the deadline has passed, the grade in this course cannot be changed, except in the case of clerical errors. It is extremely important, therefore, that students meet the deadline. If a student receives a “fail” for this course, an “F” will appear on the report card and transcript, which could impact a student’s college choices. The grade will have no impact on GPA. However, a student with an “F” will not be eligible for a leadership position in the school for the next school year (i.e. STUCO, NHS, MLC, Dux Esto, parking privileges etc.) and if the student is a senior, the “F” will keep the student from receiving any honors diploma.
Each student is required to serve the community following the traditional Christian Works of Mercy.
The Corporal Works of Mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the captives, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, bury the dead.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy: admonish sinners, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, comfort the sorrowful, bear wrongs patiently, forgive all injuries, pray for the living and the dead.
Only service to the poor, underprivileged, marginalized, and evangelization activity like religious education, retreat work and liturgical ministry, will be accepted for Juniors' and Seniors' initial 20/25 required hours. Uncompensated work assisting at parish and school events such as Button Ambassadors, athletic assistance, band concerts will be accepted as additional volunteer hours beyond the number required. If a student is in doubt about what work is accepted for required service, he should consult the Christian Service Learning Coordinator, whose decision is final.
Required hours: Seniors --25 hours due April 2; Juniors --20 hours due April 23; Sophomores --15 hours due May 7; Freshmen --10 hours due May 21.
(Qualified students receive 10 service hours from JROTC projects.)
Service
Learning Form for Download
(.pdf)
If you have any questions, comments, and concerns or would like a
listing of community agencies, please call the Director of Campus
Ministry, Ms. Alicia Garcia, at 225-6794 Ext. 227.
If you would like to know
about on-going service projects or want a listing of community
agencies, call the Service Program Coordinator at 225-6794 VM
318.
