Campus Ministry

Each enrolled student is asked to perform six (6) different service experiences* per year of enrollment. Three (3) experiences should serve the local community, and three (3) are required to directly interact with those who are poor or vulnerable.

*experience (n): an event or series of connected events intended to accomplish a positive change or outcome for others.

Experiences can be categorized in two main ways:

• Intended to benefit the local community in general; and/or
• Intended to interact with/ support the poor/vulnerable.

Answering the Call to our local Community, and building solidarity: This category focuses on the Catholic Social Teaching to serve the call to family, community, and participation.

A selection of examples:

• STH Volunteering
• Community/Environmental efforts
• Non-partisan election assistance
• Church, parish, or synagogue support
• Animal welfare efforts
• Food sorting and facilitating provisions
• Volunteering at local family-friendly festivals
• Supporting other school or church events, festivals, fundraisers, etc.
• Local neighborhood volunteering

Answering the Call to the poor/vulnerable directly: This category will apply to service performed by directly interacting with those who lack basic needs, or are facing spiritual, emotional, or pervasive neurological challenges.

Examples of Opportunities:

• Serving food to the needy;
• Visits with nursing home residents;
• Partnering with a Special Olympics athlete;
• Disaster relief for local community (physical presence and support);
• Leading a Bible Study or overseeing a ministry that serves those who are suffering from traumatic changes or situations.

We use MobileServe™ as our chosen platform for documenting service; every student will enter his activities via this platform in order to receive credit.

Students are responsible for identifying and coordinating their own service activities. Students may suggest opportunities to us, and we will support these as we determine feasible.

Please click this link to see a list of approved and appropriate service opportunities. If an opportunity arises that differs significantly from those in this list, we ask for students to request approval with our team.

How will I know whether my service will count toward a specific school year?

The service year begins June 1, and ends May 1. Work performed in that timeframe will count toward that specific grade level for every Eagle. Incoming freshmen are welcome to complete service in the summer prior to their start, just as our returning students do.

What criteria are used to determine approval of a service endeavor?

To be eligible, service must benefit a non-profit organization with a mission to serve the call to community and solidarity, and/or the call to those who are poor or vulnerable. When uncertain, we use the Seven Catholic Social Justice Teachings to discern eligibility.

Will STH schedule and coordinate my service experiences?

With our growing student body, it’s essential for students to take ownership of coordinating their own service work. We also offer a list of common service opportunities, so that students have some reliable ways to earn service.

Questions are welcome; please email us.