Christian Service

As a part of a student's experience at Seton Catholic High School students at different grade levels are asked to participate in different areas of service. By participating in these different areas of service students will become well-rounded individuals able to assist their families, neighborhoods, churches, schools, and communities as they progress on through life.

General Criteria for Christian Service Hours

• The student should not recieve any compensation for his/her service
• School-wide activities sponsored by SCHS such as food drives, Easter Baskets, etc. cannot be counted toward a student's individual service
• No more than five service hours may be counted for each individual service experience (e.g., students who participate in youth ministry's Catholic Heart Work Camp or Vacation Bible School, although both events involve many more hours, can only count five hours per experience toward the Christian service total)
• All service hours must be documented on official Christian Service Documentation and Reflection forms and must be turned in to the student's religion or theology teacher. Incomplete forms will not be accepted
• The religion department faculty coordinates the Christian service program of the school, in collaboration with the Campus Ministry Committee, and has the final say on disputes regarding the program
• Ideas for Christian service are announced regularly and can also be obtained in religion or theology classes
• Fall Semester service hours may begin on the first day of summer vacation and must be turned in one week before the last day of the fall semester
• Spring Semester service hours must begin on the first day of Christmas Break and must be turned in one week before the last day of the spring semester
• Documentation forms must be turned in no more than one week after the completion of the service hours
• Students failing to complete the required service hours will lose 10% on their religion or theology grade for the semester, recieve and incomplete for religion or theology class on their grade report and no GPA will be calculated. Students have 30 days after the end of the semester to make up the missing hours; after 30 days, the incomplete will be changed to an F for the religion or theology class. Seniors who fail to complete the required service hours will not be allowed to participate in graduation exercises and a diploma will not be granted until the hours are completed. Note:Successful completion of eight semesters of theology classes with a passing grade is required for graduation from SCHS.
• At the Honors Awards Assembly each spring, recognition is given for outstanding Christian service to one member of each class

Description of Christian Service Hours for each class

Junior High (7th and 8th Grade): 20 hours per school year

• Complete 10 hours each semester
• Service may be completed in any area: family, neighborhood, church, school, or community

Freshmen: 25 hours per school year

• Complete at least 10 hours each semester
• In their theology classes, freshmen complete a basic introduction to the Catholic Church and the scriptures of the Old Testament. Their service hours are designed to be a meaningful experience that develops and deepens the most basic of relationships. They may not include everyday chores or any work for which you receive compensation.

Sophomores: 25 hours per school year

• Complete at least 10 hours each semester
• In their theology classes, sophomores study the New Testament and the beginnings of the Christian community. Their service hours are designed to be a meaningful experience that develops and deepens the most basic of relationships. They may not include everyday chores or any work for which you receive compensation.

Juniors: 30 hours per school year

• Complete 15 hours each semester
• Juniors are beginning the process of preparing for life beyond high school, yet it it important to maintain ties with their school. Their service hours are designed to be a meaningful experience that develops and deepens the most basic of relationships. They may not include everyday chores or any work for which you receive compensation.

Seniors: 30 hours per school year

• Complete 15 hours each semester
• As the culmination of their spiritual formation at Seton, seniors are prepared both in and out of the classroom to be contributing members of the Church and scoiety. Their service hours are designed to offer students the opportunity to work and spend significant time with the poor, elderly, or infirm. A sense of belonging and sharing in the greater human family is experienced and reflected upon.