“I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.” (John 13:15)
Service opportunities are an overt expression of the Themes of Catholic Social Teaching (Life and Dignity of the Human Person; Call to Family, Community, and Participation; Rights and Responsibilities; Option for the Poor and Vulnerable; The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers; Solidarity; and Care for God’s Creation).
All students in grades 6-8 will be required to complete a minimum of 3 service hours per quarter. For a minimum of 12 service hours per school year. Students must complete and submit a Verification of Service to their teacher for each service learning assignment they complete.
These service hours must align with the Catholic Social Teachings and must occur outside of the school day or when school is not in session. Service may include opportunities at OMGC Parish or the student’s parish of registry or any deserving partnering agency.
Students must submit Verification of Service forms prior to quarterly deadlines and will receive corresponding effort marks on their report cards. Hours submitted after quarterly deadlines will be applied to the next quarter.
“More than any other program of education sponsored by the Church, the Catholic has the opportunity and obligation to be unique, contemporary, and oriented to Christian service ... oriented to Christian services because it helps students acquire skills, virtues, and habits of heart required for effective service to others.” (To Teach as Jesus Did, USCCB, 1972, #106)
“The laity can also feel called, or be in fact called, to cooperate with their pastors in the service of the ecclesial community, for the sake of its growth and life. This can be done through the exercise of different kinds of ministries according to the grace and charisms which the Lord has been pleased to bestow on them.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1997, #910)