Development of our students into “persons for others” is an integral part of the mission of Bishop Canevin High School. The service hour program seeks to help students live out Jesus’ call to love our neighbor and take seriously the Church’s social teaching as they identify, understand, and address various needs of their communities.
Every BC student has an obligation to complete 25 service hours by May 1st of each school year. A minimum of 10 of these hours must include Magis Moments, defined as hands-on service to individuals most in need. These Magis Moments are invaluable experiences meant to help our students experience a greater sense of solidarity with those on the margins. For example, students can volunteer at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and organizations that serve those who live with disabilities to fulfill their Magis hours. However, volunteering at events like fish fries, parish festivals, and BC Open House would not qualify towards these hours (but could absolutely fulfill the remaining 15-hour requirement). While we encourage students to serve their family members (parents, grandparents, etc.), this type of work will not count towards their 25 hours, as we want students to encounter and learn from those beyond their immediate circles. All service hours are to be completed outside of a normal instructional day – after school, on weekends, during school holidays, or during summer vacation. Students are encouraged to complete their service hours by volunteering with their athletic team, an extra-curricular activity group, their Houses, their families, or their friends.
Service hours for the following school year may be started after May 1st for students who have already fulfilled the current year’s service. Service opportunities are posted on the school’s website, and churches, community centers, local non-profits, and VolunteerMatch.org are excellent resources. There are also ample opportunities for virtual service opportunities, such as online tutoring, that can be found through simple internet searches. Please remember it is the student’s responsibility to seek out service opportunities and pursue them.
As we work towards bringing about a more just and loving world, the Church is clear that both charitable works (i.e. providing food, clothing, shelter) and the work of justice (i.e. addressing root causes of problems, advocating for more just policies and social structures) complement one another. As a result, opportunities in which students learn about various social inequities and how to engage in advocacy, provided this work aligns with Catholic Social Teaching, may also qualify towards fulfillment of service hours.
Examples could include participating in the Arrupe Summit through the Ignatian Solidarity Network (see Mrs. Charlotte Smith for more info on this) or contacting elected officials via letter-writing projects at a local parish. Please approve this type of experience through the campus ministry office prior to completing it in order to ensure it fits within our BC mission.
How many hours do I need to complete?
25 Hours by May 1st of each School Year. 10 Hours must be, “Magis Moments.”
What are “Magis Moments” or “Magis Hours”?
Hands-on service to individuals most in need, meant to help you experience a greater sense of solidarity with those on the margins. Examples: Volunteering at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and with organizations that serve those who live with disabilities. Examples that would NOT QUALIFY towards Magis Hours: fish fries, parish festivals, BC Open House
Can mowing my grandfather’s lawn or other good deeds for my family count as service hours?
No! We encourage you to do these things for family members anyways, but we want you to encounter and learn from those beyond your immediate circles as you complete your service hours.
I’m really busy. When am I supposed to find time to complete my hours?
You must complete these hours outside of a normal school day. Many students complete all of their service hours during holiday breaks or summer vacations. Remember that doing service can also be a fun way to spend time with your friends, teammates, club members, etc.
If I finished my hours for this year, can I work towards hours for next year?
Hours completed after May 1st can count towards next year. Anything additional you do before May 1st is just you going above and beyond that year’s requirement, and we are happy to help you keep track of those hours.
How do I submit my service hours to the school?
STEP 1:When you complete your service hours, take with you to your service site(s) a paper copy of the “Community Service Supervisor Verification Form” (available in the main office or to print under the “Verification Form” link in the Details about the Service Hour Program section above. Be sure to have your supervisor fill it out and sign it!
STEP 2: Afterwards, take a picture of this completed form. Pictures from your phone will work great!
STEP 3: Email a photo of your signed and completed verification form to Mrs. Smith at smithc@bishopcanevin.org or drop off the form personally onto Mrs. Smith’s desk in the library if school is in session.
