Christian Community Service Program
"Here I am Lord; I come to do your will"
Mission
As a Catholic high school, our community believes firmly in providing a holistic education – the development of the total person. During the high school years, we encourage and hope that each student grows physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
The service requirement is usually also 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 people asked: Lord, when did we see you hungry…when did we see you thirsty? Jesus responded: 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 He also expected His followers to do the same as He.
By reaching out, we are able to discern the needs of our fellow brothers and sisters. The talents that we so often take for granted are developed and appreciated. With Jesus as our model, we give in turn to our communities the gifts that God has given us.
Program Guidelines and Requirements
Objective
The objective is to challenge our students to live their faith and to work for a just society. As a school community, we witness the word of God, not only in proclaiming and studying the Bible, but also by putting our faith into action. Jesus promises us that whenever we serve "the least of His brothers and sisters," we serve Him.
Service Defined
The Christian Service Program offers students an opportunity to grow in faith and knowledge of the world by offering their talents in service to others. Service is defined as anything that involves giving of your time for a non-profit organization that serves the community, for which you do NOT receive compensation, is not related to fundraising, or does not receive an award or recognition. For example: serving the poor, visiting the elderly /infirmed, volunteering for a non-profit service organization, tutoring young children, etc.
The organization for which you provide service must not be in conflict with the values and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church or St. Brendan High School.
Service is NOT fund-raising, working for profit business, family business, collecting toys, or participating in walk-a-thons. NB: Just because you do not get paid, does not mean it automatically qualifies for Service at St. Brendan High School.
Club/Honor Society Points
Club points may be accumulated any way the moderator sees fit, however they are not transferrable as community service hours. They are to be used by the moderator to determine whether the student is active in that club or honor society.
Annual Service Requirement
We suggest that students accumulate a minimum of 25 hours of service each school year to facilitate completion of the graduation requirement.
- Class of 2008 must have a minimum of 75 hours before graduation.
- Class of 2009 and thereafter must have a minimum of 100 hours before graduation.
Approved Activities
- Parish, Church, Synagogue-Related
- Clean-up at church festivals
- Altar server
- Lector at Mass
- Mission trip
- Summer camp
- Teaching CCD classes
- Community-Related
- Assisting low income families
- Working at a local food bank
- Working at a local animal shelter
- Tutoring children with special needs
- Serving food at a soup kitchen
- Coaching sports
- Working a concession stand
- Organizing community sponsored event
- Volunteering at Special Olympics
- Working with the homeless
- Oppurtunities
- American Cancer Society/Liga contra el cancer
- American Red Cross
- Best Buddies
- Big Brother/Sister
- Camillus House
- Catholic Charities
- Catholic Hospice
- Centro Mater
- Children's Home Society
- Habitat for Humanity
- Hands on Miami
- Hospitals (Mercy, Baptist, Miami Children's)
- Retirement Homes, Nursing homes
Although this is not an exhaustive list by any means this is intended to provide some guidance for your child's activities.
Final approval of any service project/activities will be given by the guidance department. For more information contact your Guidance Counselor in room A-205 or see our Community Resource Directory booklet available on our website.
Documentation
The student must obtain a Verification of Service Hours form each time he/she performs service. The form is available on the school's website or in the guidance office.
**Any community service performed with a not-for-profit organization, not in conjunction with St. Brendan High School, must be verified on the organization's letterhead and include the following: Date(s)/ time(s) of service,activity performed, supervisor's name, position, phone number and e-mail address. Also, fill-out and attach the Verification of Service Hours form.
For more information contact the guidance office.