Christian Service Program
Bishop John J. Snyder High School is committed
to the religious education of the whole person. We believe that as a
Catholic school, it is our unique mission to guide young people in
developing a Christian social consciousness and a commitment to a life of
justice and peace. Participation in the combination of our educational and
service/action programs will enable students to accomplish this goal.A student's religious education does not end in the classroom, but requires and involves interaction with the community in which he/she lives. Community service is central to what we stand for as a Catholic community. Therefore, all students must complete a minimum of twenty hours of community service each year they attend Bishop John J. Snyder High School.
Each year the time frame for performing community service will be June 1st through May 1st.
We strongly suggest that students pace themselves by setting a personal goal of five hours per quarter.
Service hours will be adjusted on a sliding scale to accommodate transfer students; however, hours may not be rolled over from one year to the next.
Students are responsible for completely filling out and submitting a Record of Christian Service form to their religion teacher as documentation of each completed service. Forms are available in the Office of Campus Ministry or online and must be submitted within three weeks of the service performed in order to be accepted for credit. [Click here for a Record of Christian Service form.] [Click here for a list of Pre-Approved Service Opportunities.]
For service completed during the summer months, completed Community Service Tracking Sheets must be submitted to the religion teacher before Labor Day.
Seniors must complete community service hours/projects in order to participate in graduation exercises.
Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 must complete the minimum number of service hours in order to be promoted at Bishop John J. Snyder High School.
Participation in our Christian Service Program aids students attempting to qualify for the Bright Futures Scholarship.
The Gospel calls each of us to the values of compassion and service to those in need. Service opportunities are plentiful in the greater community of Jacksonville, Service opportunities will be regularly posted by religion teachers and are broadcast via daily public address announcements. Ordinarily, service should be completed through non-profit/charitable organizations such as homeless shelters, soup kitchens, convalescent homes, home-building projects, tutoring children (especially from low-income households), and volunteering at parish festivals, community service agencies, local hospitals and parish religious education programs. When in doubt about the appropriateness of a service opportunity and in order to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings, students should discuss their plans with their religion teacher. While students are not limited to these opportunities, all service hours must be volunteer (non-paid) and completed after school hours.