Community Service

Why a service commitment?

Here at Catholic High we believe that giving ourselves in service to those in need is as important as learning material from academic classes. As we grow in our knowledge and understanding of academic material, we also need to learn about the area of service. Most of us naturally shy away from those situations that might make us uncomfortable or take up too much of our time. Our service commitment is a little ‘helper’ or ‘push’ that we need to take that first step into the world of volunteering. There are many reasons why we believe service learning is so integral to one’s education.

What grounds this value of service?

Both the Mission Statement and Franciscan Values of our school proclaim that service is at the core of who we are as an educational community. In other words, without our commitment to service, our school would not be true to itself and the spirit and tradition of Saints Clare and Francis, for whom caring for those in need was a hallmark of their lives.

As a Catholic institution, we root ourselves in the Mission of Jesus. We are commissioned by Christ to notice and respond to the needs of our world, especially those most neglected, excluded, and abandoned by the norms of our society. Catholic High welcomes students of all faiths, and service to others is indeed a common element found in all denominations and faith traditions.

As students proceed through high school, choosing one’s career path is an important decision. Various volunteer placements can afford a student with actual, hands-on experience in several disciplines, thus aiding one’s decision-making process for college and beyond.

One’s participation in volunteering is a critical facet of the college application process. Many institutions will offer acceptance letters and scholarships based on a student’s commitment to service. Many state and national organizations that offer awards and scholarships ask for community service records as they consider possible recipients.

The needs of our city, nation, and world are so great. Active involvement in service during high school sows the seed of a lifetime desire to respond to the needs of our world.

As we grow as human beings, it is important to broaden our life experience and perspective. Works of service challenge us beyond our areas of familiarity and comfort. They afford us an opportunity to take in the big picture of our world, and experience new facets of society.

What is required?

Every student at Catholic High will be required to complete 30 hours of service.

The completion dates for service hours are as follows:

  • January 13, 2012 (Grades 9-12) — at least 15 hours must be completed.
  • April 16, 2012 (Grade 12) — all service hours must be completed.
  • May 7, 2012 (Grades 9-11) — all service hours must be completed.

Students can turn in more than 15 hours before the January deadline, but must have at least 15 hours by January 15.  Failure to turn in the appropriate number of service hours by the required dates will result in the student’s removal from all school activities until the necessary hours are completed.  This includes clubs, sports, dances, and other events.  If a student submits her form late, a detention will be issued.  If the required hours are not completed within two weeks, Category II disciplinary action will be taken.  If a student does not complete the hours by the April or May deadline, the student will face category III disciplinary action, as outlined in the school handbook.  At the end of the school year, a student will not be promoted to the next grade level until service hours are completed. Service hours are noted on interim reports and report cards.  Parents will be notified if there is a failure to complete the requirement.

Students are encouraged to return a record of all volunteer activities, even if they surpass the required number of hours. Records are kept for every student for all four years. These records can prove most beneficial for awards/scholarships/colleges/employment possibilities.

All service hours must be completed at a non-profit agency or organization and be done outside of the regular school day (with the exception of a project or volunteer opportunity that is arranged by Catholic High such as Community Service Day).

Where can I find information about volunteer opportunities?

Catholic Charities here in the archdiocese has several places throughout the city and several counties. These web sites may be helpful:  www.volunteermatch.org and  www.archbalt.org. Local yellow pages will offer other suggestions as well. Stop by the Office of Mission for ideas.

What awards are given for those who go above and beyond the commitment?

Yearly awards are given to each grade level for the following:

  • Mother Generosa Award: student completes 50-99 hours of service
  • St. Clare Award: student completes 100-199 hours of service
  • St. Francis Award: student completes 200 + hours of service

Awards given annually at Graduation:

  • Canticle Award: senior who completes the highest total of hours for all four years
  • Franciscan Spirit Award: senior who embodies the ideals of service to others and commitment to gospel values.

How can family be involved?

It is important to note that this service commitment is the responsibility of the student. It is not the responsibility of the parent to make all the arrangements, get service forms signed, and worry if this will be completed. We hope to engender in our students a keen sense of accountability for their actions and attitudes. When students leave the secure environment of high school, they need to understand the importance of self-initiating behavior, following through on tasks, and claiming responsibility and concern for their endeavors. Participation in our service program starts them on this road of growth and maturity.

That being said, the service commitment could also be a wonderful family opportunity. You might consider finding a placement which will allow your whole family as participants. This cooperative effort can reap invaluable benefits in learning and growing as a family. You might set aside a few hours every month to volunteer. This could be a very enriching experience.

What if I have questions about the Community Service Commitment?

Stop by the Mission Office or contact Ms. Katie Laufersweiler-Hanf, Coordinator of Spiritual Life, at 410.732.6200 ext. 492 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Community Service Day

Each year, the Catholic High community reaches out to the Baltimore community during Community Service Day. The entire student body, including faculty, staff, alumnae, and parents visit more than 20 different organizations in the Baltimore area to volunteer their time to help those in need. The following organizations have participated in years past:

  • American Red Cross
  • Catholic Charities
  • Florence Crittenton Services of Baltimore, Inc.
  • Franciscan Center
  • Gallagher Services
  • Garden Harvest
  • Herring Run Watershed Association
  • The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
  • Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center
  • Manna House, Inc.
  • Marian House
  • Maryland Society for Sight
  • Maryland SPCA
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Mother Seton Academy
  • Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
  • Our Daily Bread
  • St. Agnes Health Care
  • St. Ann Adult Day Services
  • St. Gregory the Great Church
  • St. Jerome’s Head Start
  • St. Joseph Medical Center
  • St. Vincent’s Center
  • Stella Maris, Inc

Service Organizations

Catholic High sponsors the following Service Organizations:

  • Ambassadors Club
  • Fellowship of Christians United in Service (F.O.C.U.S.)
  • Library Aides