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Living the FaithThe “Living the Faith” program (LF) is founded on the message and ministry of Jesus. Christ reached out to all people with this love, yet he touched in a distinct way the poor, the sick, the oppressed, the weak, and the needy. We, as disciples and Christ’s hands in the present age, are called to reach out to all people in love to assist those in need.
Central Catholic echoes the need for our students to learn, serve, and carry their ministry beyond the school’s walls. Through Religion class students are instructed in the teachings of the Church and the message of the Gospel. The LF program is designed to complement this learning with ‘hands on’ experiences that challenge students to live the faith more concretely as it is passed on to us through Jesus Christ.
Every semester students are required to do 10 hours of Christian service. Up to 3 hours of community service hours are accepted while the other 7 hours must be Christian service hours as explained below.
7 hours: Christian service hours consist of the Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy (outlined on the following page) as well as service hours offered to local Parish Churches. Services to Parish Church include altar serving, mission trips, religious education teaching aids, day care, youth ministry service hour activities, etc. These hours directly assist the Parish Church, not the Parish School.
3 hours: Community service hours consists of any service for Central Catholic and/or Parish Schools (St. Mary’s, Epiphany, Holy Trinity). Other services to the community may also be accepted include any school/sports related activity or service to the community such as Teens United, Scouts, Community Clean-up Days, etc.
Hours that will not be counted: Although babysitting, doing yard work for an elderly relative or neighbor, or helping at animal shelters are all commendable, they will not be counted among the 10 required Christian service hours. For hours to be counted, they must meet the above criteria and be offered through an official organization or institution, not an individual such as a neighbor, friend or family member.
I. Checklist for a “Living the Faith” Project:
____ Incorporates one or more of the Corporal/Spiritual Works of Mercy
____ Can be seen as furthering the Message and Ministry of Jesus
____ Brings the student into direct personal service of another person or persons
____ Is well-supervised and is easily verified by a supervisor other than a parent
II. Examples of Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy:
Corporal Works of Mercy: Basic Examples…
To feed the hungry St. Mary’s Food Pantry, Midwest Food Bank, Clare House
To give drink the thirsty Same as aboveTo clothe the naked St. Vincent de Paul clothing drives
Harbor the harborless Clare House, Safe Harbor, Habitat, Home Sweet Home
Visit the Sick Nursing Homes, Bromenn/OSF
Spiritual Works of Mercy: Basic Examples…
To instruct the needy Catholic Charities, SPEC, Special Olympics, CCD, Bible Camp
To comfort the afflicted Nursing Homes, Living Alternatives, Birthright
III. Guidelines
1. Students are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of service, 10 per semester, each school year. Fall semester hours are due by November 19, 2010. Spring semester hours are due by April 29, 2011.
2. Students may complete their fall hours (10) in the summer.
3. This program is not optional. Annual participation is a requirement for graduation.
4. Students who are late will incur school service hours in addition to their Christian service hours for each day late.
5. For a project to be counted, the student must turn in a signed verification form from a supervisor other than a parent or relative.
6. Christian service hours will come from three categories: Parish, Community, and School. School hours are limited to three (3) hours per semester.
7. Students, along with the aid of their parents, need to contact an agency, organization, or their own parish directly.
8. Students may not receive monetary compensation for any service project. This includes money, gifts, or tuition reduction.
9. If there is any doubt whether the service can be counted, one should contact a member of the Theology department at Central Catholic.
Supervisor Verification Form that must be filled out and signed by the Service Supervisor.
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