Community Service

Christian Community Service Policy 2021-2022

Catholic High’s commitment to Christian community service is giving witness to our faith and empowering our young women to let their light shine. Christian community service is a yearly commitment and a prerequisite for advancement to the next grade level and graduation. Through action and reflection, Christian community service provides opportunities to build discipleship within the Catholic High community, the Greater Baltimore community, and the world. In the words of St. Francis, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

Christian Community Service Requirements

This year, students are required to complete 20* community service hours. A minimum of 10 hours is required by a determined semester deadline.

First half of service hours (at least 10 service hours) is due the week of midterm exams.
Final portion of service hours (at least 20 hours total for the entire school year) is due April 29, 2022.

	First Half Due (10 Hours)	Second Half Due (Total=20 Hours)
All Grades (9-12)	Week of Midterm Exams	April 29, 2022

Students may begin logging service hours for the 2021-2022 school year beginning May 2021. Any hours completed prior to this date will not be counted toward the student’s 2021-2022 service requirement.

Community Service hours do not rollover in order that service is part of a student’s entire TCHS experience.

Students must serve in at least two different settings within each school year.

Students will be required to complete a graded Christian Community Service Reflection Assignment through their Theology class. Details and rubrics will be provided through the Theology Department.

*Please note that the 2021-2022 requirement remains an adjusted policy due to the challenges that remain due to Covid-19. It is our hope to return to the long-standing 30-hour requirement in 2022-2023, but the Office of Mission will continue to assess the challenges and work to support students in their annual completion of service hours.

Approved Locations

Service opportunities must occur within a formal volunteer program or under a direct volunteer supervisor/ event coordinator, at a non-profit that does not conflict with our Catholic values.

Students are required to serve with an organization included in TCHS’ Community Service Digital Catalog available through PlusPortals or in the pre-approved categorized settings listed below:

Camps that are faith-based and/or service-based
Emergency services (e.g. Red Cross, police, firefighters)
Church events, programs, & ministries
Community Parks & Recreation
Libraries & Schools
TCHS Institutional Advancement Office/events volunteer
NHS tutoring program
Organizations listed in TCHS’ Community Service Digital Catalog
Pre-approved virtual/at home options from the Office of Mission

If a student wishes to volunteer outside of these settings in an alternative location, such as a different nonprofit organization, she must first receive approval from Mrs. Baxter, Campus Minister, using the Community Service Organization Approval Request.

Please Note: Students may not volunteer in the family’s workplace or for her family members. Parents may not sign off as supervisor on logged service hours. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Baxter, Campus Minister, at mbaxter@thecatholichighschool.org.

The approved locations listed above assure that students are serving the community rather than providing “free labor” or experiencing an internship.

Students may only receive service hour credit for up to three donated casseroles to Our Daily Bread.

Recommendations

Begin community service over the summer. It is common for there to be volunteer training or an orientation at many sites, so setting up a site takes some time.
Go beyond the requirement. Service hours are used to nominate students for many scholarships and awards.
Christian Community Service should help someone or an organization in need; Christian community service is not the same as free labor.
Contact a local, Catholic non-profit organization such as Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services or St. Vincent de Paul for some service locations and opportunities.
It is important that with each activity the student writes a reflection (found on the back of the community service log form). Community service is not only an activity to be completed, but a means to meet Christ in the people who are being served.
Consider working with one organization throughout the year. Building a relationship with a community is most rewarding for the student and helpful for the agency. Committing to one agency provides connections that are helpful in applying to colleges and jobs.
We encourage students to wear their Catholic High uniforms or clothing with the TCHS logo on it in order to promote our school.
Ask fellow students from your county where and how they serve for inspiration. You could arrange to serve together and car pool.
We encourage students to "pay it forward." Look beyond yourself and recognize people and places that need your help. Lux Tua Luceat - Let your light shine!

The following Service Awards are given at the end of the school year to deserving Catholic High students:

Mother Generosa Award: 30-74 hours* of service
Saint Clare Award: 75-99 hours* of service
Saint Francis Award: 100 or more hours* of service
Canticle Award: Senior student with highest total number of hours over all four years.

*Award levels have been adjusted to complete the current requirement for the 2021-2022 school year.

If you have any questions about Christian Community Service or service in these settings, please email Mrs. Baxter, Campus Minister at mbaxter@thecatholichighschool.org.

Consequences

Completed yearly service hours are required for promotion to the next grade level. If service hours are not submitted by the published due date, financial aid, including scholarships, may be withdrawn and participation in extracurricular activities may be suspended. Any questions should be directed to the Campus Minister.