Spiritual Life » Christian Service

Christian Service

"Service is the result of hearing the message of hope; of growing in its understanding in
the community; and of sharing that growth with others." Author unknown

The Christian Service Requirement is an independent study process, and thus, it can
often be an overlooked priority during the hectic pace of student lives. It is essential to
take the time to become familiar with the requirement and to make a plan for how to
complete this commitment. Each student will complete the requirement, on his/her time,
and the Director of Campus Ministry is available to provide support. Students will also
be able to utilize the HelperHelper app to sign up for volunteer opportunities.
OUR COMMITMENT
 
The Christian Service Coordinator will help every student complete his or her
commitment to their service requirement.
 
The Christian Service Coordinator will provide resources and referrals to students who
need assistance in locating an appropriate service agency. This will be given through
the HelperHelper app.
 
The Christian Service Coordinator will help coach the students along the way,
encouraging them to use their various talents when choosing their service activity.
 
The Christian Service Coordinator will maintain all student service records and record a
credit to students when they submit their verification and volunteer forms.
 
The Christian Service Coordinator is responsible for assisting students in upholding
their commitment to service by sending reminders and providing personal coaching
when needed.
STUDENT COMMITMENT
 
The Christian Service Coordinator will help every student complete his or her commitment to their service requirement.
 
The Christian Service Coordinator will provide resources and referrals to students who need assistance in locating an appropriate service agency.
 
The Christian Service Coordinator will help coach the students along the way, encouraging them to use their various talents when choosing their service activity.
 
The Christian Service Coordinator will maintain all student service records and record a credit to students when they submit their verification and volunteer forms.
 
The Christian Service Coordinator is responsible for assisting students in upholding their commitment to service by sending reminders and providing personal coaching when needed.

"DO NOT LOSE COURAGE IN CONSIDERING YOUR OWN IMPERFECTIONS"

- ST. FRANCIS DE SALES


STUDENT COMMITMENT

COMMITMENT TO SERVICE REQUIREMENT 
1. REQUIREMENT: 60 hours of service completed to participate in graduation, 10 hours during Freshman year, 20 hours during Sophomore year, 20 hours during Junior year, and 10 hours during Senior year (this requirement is for the graduating classes of 26' and 27'. Graduating classes of 25' and 24' fall under the "old" requirements)
2. HOURS DUE: All hours required for each school year are due by April 30th
 
CRITERIA FOR CREDIT
  1. Service must be with a non-profit organization.
  2. Service must be on the student's own time and not during school hours.
  3. Verification of hours: Students will utilize the HelperHelper app to submit their
    volunteered hours. Hours are to be submitted no later than 24 hours after the volunteer
    opportunity is completed.
  4. Students may not volunteer for a person or a business (there may be an exception to
    this rule).
  5. The student's service agency (outside of the listed organizations and events within
    the HelperHelper app) must be a non-profit organization. It is highly encouraged that
    students check with Mr. Casillas if they have any questions in regards to the eligibility of
    the organization they wish to serve. Christian Service is a requirement and a graduation
    prerequisite, and as such, Saint Mary's maintains the right to review every situation.
 
FRESHMAN YEAR 10 HOURS
SOPHOMORE YEAR 20 HOURS
JUNIOR YEAR 20 HOURS
SENIOR YEAR 10 HOURS
 
Note: Graduating classes between 2024 – 2025 will only be required to complete 40 hours of CS. Graduating classes from 2026 and beyond will be required to complete 60 hours of CS.
 
Steps to Take to Get Involved in SERVICE!

Think about what you are interested in and start keeping track of those interests. 
Are you volunteering at your elementary school as a coach or tutor?
Do you help out at your faith community (at community events)?
Have you considered volunteering at a shelter or a soup kitchen?
Do you enjoy helping the elderly?
Do you love working with animals?
Do you like working with children?

If you are already participating in community service, you will be able to input those hours you complete through the HelperHelper app. 

 

Through the HelperHelper app, you will be able to commit to scheduled pre-approved service projects/events. If you commit to an event, you must ensure you fulfill your commitment. The projects/events we commit to relay on our help. 

 

You are encouraged to find opportunities beyond those found in the HelperHelper app. Any service activity with a non-profit organization can be credited to a student’s service record as long as they input them correctly in the HelperHelper app and complete the required steps to submit within the app. (It is highly recommended that students contact the Director of Campus Ministry before they commit to a service project/event that is not listed in the app to ensure the project/event will qualify towards their service hour)


We encourage all students to come by the Director of Campus Ministry office if they have any questions or concerns in regards to the Christian Service Program.

Director of Campus Ministry Office Hours:
  • Before School
  • At Break
  • Lunch Time
  • After school until 3PM


Forms related to Christian Services can be found here: