Christian Service

Christian Service Overview
It is the unique mission of Bishop John J. Snyder High School to guide young people in developing a Christian social consciousness and a commitment to a life of justice and peace.

All students are required to complete a minimum of twenty-five (25) hours of Christian Service each year. The goal is to encourage students to serve the community. As disciples of Christ we are called to make this a priority in our lives.

Process for Christian Service Hours Submission

• Process for recording hours

  • Beginning the 2024-2025 school year, students will use X2Vol to record and track their hours 

    • Training will be provided for students in August, 2024. 

    • Hours completed the summer of 2024 will be the first to be recorded in the new program.

    • For 12th, 11th, and 10th graders, Campus Ministry will transfer hours from previous grade levels to this new digital platform. 

 

• Deadlines for submission of service hours:

  • Each school year the time frame for performing Christian Service will be June 1st through the last day of the third quarter.

  • Hours submitted each school year must have been served during that same school year.

  • Hours earned during the fourth quarter will also be applied to the current academic year.

  • Service Hours completed over the summer will count for the following school year

  • Late hours may not be accepted.

 

Guidelines for Christian Service Hours

• When seeking service opportunities, students are encouraged to begin with their own parish or Church communities. Additionally, students may earn service hours at non-profit (501 C-3) organizations or agencies whose mission and values do not contradict Catholic values.

• Christian service hours may only be recorded for non-paid service hours outside of school hours. 

• Service hours performed for family members is praiseworthy, but will not be accepted for credit.

• Any service provided for a family owned-and-operated business is indeed praiseworthy but does not meet the criteria for Christian Service.

• Service and organizations where service is completed must be in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Some organizations and foundations, though non-profit, will not be accepted due to their support of anti-life agendas or other causes which are contrary to our Catholic beliefs and values.  Examples (not a complete list): Susan B. Komen Foundation, March of Dimes, Planned Parenthood.

• The number of items in a collection of donations does not translate to hours. Students will receive credit for actual hours served.

• Information on upcoming service projects can be found through the Office of Campus Ministry and religion classes

• Projects or activities that do not meet the listed criteria, either in whole or in part, should not be assumed to fulfill the school requirement.

•  When in doubt about the suitability of a service opportunity, and in order to prevent unnecessary misinterpretations or frustrations, students are encouraged to seek advice in Campus Ministry

 

Consequences for Failure to Complete Service Requirement:

Timely completion of the Christian Service Hours deadlines is a serious obligation and integral part of the requirements for graduation.

• Consequences for Failing to Complete and Record 25 Christian Service Hours Each Year:
  • Loss of privileges such as field trips, prom, or senior exemption from exams
  • Possibility of being denied acceptance into honor societies
  • Graduation caps and gowns will not be issued until requirement is satisfied.