Catherine McAuley Academic Students

Service

Philosophy

Catherine McAuley High School is committed to fostering in its students a sense of compassion and justice. Through the community service program, an integral component to the education and formation of our students, McAuley tries to instill the core belief that every human life is created by God, is of inestimable value, and therefore deserving of our love and respect. By offering assistance to those in need, students provide a valuable social service and grow in their appreciation of the dignity of human life.

Goals

Catherine McAuley Academic StudentThe primary goals of the service program are to allow students to:

  • Understand the plight of those in need and to offer service to help alleviate their pain and suffering.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of what the call to service entails.
  • Recognize each individual’s value and dignity.
  • Initiate a lifelong habit of service.
  • Assume responsibility for oneself and others.
  • Learn to balance service with academic, co-curricular, family, and social commitments.
  • Grow as a compassionate young woman.
  • Contribute to the community beyond Catherine McAuley High School.

Requirements

Service is a graduation requirement, and each student is responsible for a minimum of 15 hours per year at McAuley. Hours must be earned between July 1 and May 1.

The general project requirements are:

  • The volunteer work is focused on serving the greatest need.
  • The student receives no monetary compensation for the service.
  • The service is conducted for a non-profit agency.
  • The service is completed between July 1 and May 1.
  • The service is performed outside of one’s family.
  • The service offers the student an opportunity to give and grow.

“Service is the rent we pay for living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.” - Marian Wright Edelman

A Sampling of Possible Service Opportunities

  • Nursing homes and hospitals
  • Homeless shelters
  • Food pantries
  • Senior citizen centers
  • Soup kitchens
  • Child care programs
  • Youth sports programs (coaching)
  • Parish religious programs
  • Pledge walks ( e.g. Relay for Life, AIDS, etc.)
  • Special needs programs