Christian Service

"I tell you, whenever you do this for one of the least important of these brothers or sisters of mine, you do it for me." (Matthew 25:40)

These words of Jesus remind us that faith is more than just a matter of belief. It is a style of life that reaches out beyond ourselves. Christian service enables the student to witness and participate in the building of Christ's kingdom. The Christian Service program helps students to become aware of their responsibility as Christians to reach out to those in need in the parish and in the community. Our model is Jesus. Thus our service must directly serve the poor and the vulnerable. It is our hope that students will develop the life-long habit of loving service to others.

The yearly Christian Service Project is a requirement for graduation. Each student is required to complete the hours of service as specified below for each year of attendance at SJCA. The theology teacher will give prior approval to the type of service that each student will do. This approval (in writing) is necessary for the fulfillment of the service requirement. Students must also submit an essay about their service experience. The yearly project is a component of the theology course and as such must be successfully completed in order to earn an acceptable grade for the course in theology.

Students are required to complete their service hours and submit their documentation as a condition for returning the following year. Except for seniors, the necessary evidence must be submitted two weeks prior to the conclusion of the academic year. Seniors must complete their Christian Service Project one month prior to the conclusion of the academic year.

Every student is required also to participate in a yearly retreat offered through the campus ministry. See Faith Formation for additional information.