Integral to the Christian formation of our students is responding to the Gospel call to love God, our neighbor and all of God’s creation. Catholic Social Teaching provides the guidance for the service-learning program at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy. Thus, the program encourages students to encounter Christ in our world by putting into practice the church’s “preferential option for the poor” and fosters a life-long commitment to Christian service.
Service Hour Verification Form
Service Learning Requirements: A total of 60 hours of service are required for graduation. At the end of each school year, students will have completed at least 15 hours of service for that year. Fulfilling the minimum number of service hours each year is required to graduate from St. Michael’s Catholic Academy. Hours missing from a given school year will need to be made up before a student receives his/her diploma. Transfer students must complete the minimum number of hours each year in attendance at SMCA.
Guidelines for Service Hours: Out of the 15 required hours of service per year, five hours can be service to the school, community or parish and at least ten hours need to be served with people who fit into the category of the church’s “preferential option for the poor” – the disadvantaged or underserved members of society. This means serving people experiencing poverty, discrimination, poor health, old age, and/or physical/mental limitations. The remaining five hours may be any combination of service to the Church, the school, the greater community, or all hours may be service to the disadvantaged.
Due Dates: Students must submit all of their “Verification of Hours” forms to the Campus Ministry Office no later than May 1, 2010. However, students must turn in service hours earned each month by the end of that calendar month. On the “Verification of Hours” form, students must write a paragraph of thoughtful reflection to be credited for the hours served. Students must complete the service hour requirement each year before returning to SMCA the following year.
Weekly Service Outing: An SMCA - sponsored serivce outing is provided on the first three Wednesdays of the month and the fourth Saturday of the month that falls into the category of the church’s “preferential option for the poor.” Students participating must have a permission slip signed by their parents. Each volunteer outing will include small group reflection and prayer.