Sacred Heart of
Community Service Project
PHILOSOPHY
Sacred Heart is a Catholic school. We believe strongly in the education of the total person. It is our goal that each student grows physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually during his or her school career.
The Service Project requirement is almost always a vehicle for spiritual growth. In Sacred Scripture it is clear that Jesus’ mission included service to others. In the Gospel of St. Matthew when the people ask, “Lord, when did we see you hungry … when did we see you thirsty, “ Jesus responds, “I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.” He not only helped others, but expected his followers to help them, also. In the Gospel of St. John, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he said, “As I have done, so you must do.” Also, in the Gospel of St. Luke, Jesus says, “Whoever wished to be my follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day and follow in my steps.” As Christians, our faith in God is manifested through our love and concern for, and service to others. By reaching out, we learn more about the needs of other people. Our talents, that we so often take for granted, are more greatly appreciated and developed. With Jesus as our model, we give back to our communities through the gifts that God has given us.
REQUIREMENTS
The Sacred Heart High School Service Program is a four-year program that
strives to integrate into the lives of students the call to discipleship from
the scriptures and the reality of Christian service. Changes in the program
over the years have been made so that “service” is not just an obligation to
get out of the way for graduation, but an experience that brings about
spiritual growth and life-long commitment.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Freshman Year: Community Service Preview
1. Receive and review Community Service Packet.
A list of approved agencies and agency contact information is available and will be provided. Other agencies may be used, but must first be approved by the Community Service Coordinator or Sacred Heart Administration.
Sophomore Year: Discernment and making the commitment
1. Receive and review Community Service Packet.
A list of approved agencies and agency contact information is available and will be provided. Other agencies may be used, but must first be approved by the Community Service Coordinator or Sacred Heart Administration. REMEMBER: All 50 hours must be completed with the same agency!
Junior Year: 50 Hours of direct service to disadvantaged people
1. This project must be completed between the summer prior to your junior year and the summer after your junior year.
Senior Year: Internalizing the experience.
1. You will write a major paper and make a presentation for your senior theology class based on your service experience. The paper will be equal to a major test grade. It will be reflective in nature and based on Catholic social justice principles.
As a result of changes being made to the community service program, the current junior class will have modified requirements. The requirements are as follows:
1. Each student will choose an approved service agency and contact that agency.
2. Each student will be required to complete 25 hours of service with the approved agency chosen by the student.
3. All hours MUST be completed and all paperwork submitted by the first day of the student’s senior year.
4. The senior paper will be the same as previously described.
As a result of changes being made to the community service program, the current senior class will have modified requirements. The requirements are as follows:
PROJECT RULES
- Students are expected to act responsibly while fulfilling the service hour requirements. It is important to remember that many times someone will be relying on you to be prompt and willing to participate in the activity scheduled. You should always be on time and should appear eager to do whatever is needed.
- Students should call their agency AT LEAST 1 month prior to doing service hours. Some agencies do mostly seasonal projects, while others have year-around needs. Because of this, it will be necessary for you to contact the agency and develop a workable schedule. Again, ALL 50 hours MUST be done with the SAME agency. Be sure that you can arrange for these hours to be done with the agency PRIOR to signing on with them. It is your responsibility to ensure that your schedule allows for you to meet the 50-hour requirement.
**Please also be aware that some agencies do require preliminary paperwork and/or background checks prior to volunteering.
- It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with their hours AND to have their hours signed by the agency supervisor.
- All students should be in uniform while doing service hours. If a student is to be doing yard work, painting, etc. it is acceptable to wear casual clothing provided it meets the handbook policy on ‘Non-Uniform Days’ (See the Parent Teacher Handbook, pg 36). If the agency has a dress code that does not allow for student uniforms you may follow the agency policy.
- All students must have their project approved by the Community Service Project Coordinator. It is important that no more than 1-2 students are placed in any one agency (there are a few exceptions). Because of this, agencies will be assigned on a first come-first serve basis.
- All rules outlined in the Parent and Student Handbook apply to the Community Service Program. All rules addressed in the handbook will be enforced and are grounds for disciplinary action if broken.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Not only are you representing the school while doing your service hours, but also you are representing yourself. As a student nearing the end of their high school career and approaching the beginning of their adult life, the people you meet in these agencies can prove very valuable to you. Although you may not be dreaming of a job working with these agencies, the people who do work for them have a wealth of contacts in most all areas of interest. These people collaborate with all community professionals and workers. If you prove yourself to be an asset to this agency, you may be able to get a recommendation later down the road for a job that you do consider being your dream job. Likewise, if you prove to be a disaster for the agency, word of mouth can speak volumes!
- Community service agencies are around because of a desperate need in the lives of our fellow man. Many of these agencies rely on donations and volunteers in order to be able to operate and help those in need. Some agencies operate with only one paid employee, yet they are able to help hundreds because of volunteers. When you sign up to volunteer with an agency, you matter not only to the agency, but to members of the community that rely on that agency in order to meet their daily needs. If you are punctual, reliable, and responsible, you are sure to make a difference in someone’s life. However, if you do not show up when you are scheduled and do not do your part, most likely, there will not be another person to replace you and some needy person will have to go without.
MATTHEW 25:34-40
“Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”
“Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
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