Community service is an essential part of living our Catholic faith. Jesus said,
He who receive you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
As human beings made in God's image, we rely on community with others to nurture, strengthen, and renew our faith. Each time we encounter love in one another, we encounter Christ.
It is for this reason that we strongly encourage every student to fully participate in the community service program at Saint Lawrence Academy. While completion of these hours is a graduation requirement, students should think of this as an opportunity to experience, deepen, and learn more about their faith and how they are answering the call to follow in Christ's footsteps.
By graduation, Saint Lawrence Academy students will complete a minimum of 100 hours of service to the community across at least three of our five main categories of service. Students must complete 20 hours of service during their freshman year, 30 hours during their sophomore year, another 30 hours during their junior year, and a final 20 hours during their senior year. Extra hours do not carry over from one year to the next, but students are certainly encouraged to go above and beyond the required hours of service each year, and volunteer hours completed during the summer can be counted towards the upcoming school year. At the end of their freshmen, sophomore, and junior years students must hand in a two-page reflection paper based on their service experirences throughout the year.
Major Service Categories:
Disabled Care
- Physically Disabled
- Mentally Disabled
- Rehabilitation Care
- Hospital Work
Economically Disadvantaged
- Homeless Shelters
- Soup Kitchens
- Food Banks
- Habitat for Humanity
Elderly Care
- Alzheimer's Care
- Convalescent Services
- Nursing Homes
Environmental Care
- Creek/Beach Clean-up
- Trail Restoration
- Animal Shelters
Children
- Summer or Sports camps
- Day care
- Tutoring
- Teaching catechism classes
- Leading Youth Groups
In addition to these main categories, students can earn non-category hours towards their total of 100 hours in certain areas including the following:
- Church/Liturgical Ministries
- Hospital Work (may also be credited to certain categories, depending on the type of work)
- Saint Lawrence Academy school service (10 hours max per year)
Hours will be updated periodically throughout the year. Hours can be checked by visiting the Campus Ministry blog site at
http://slacampusministrylblogspot.com.