Christian Service Program

Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'

The Gospel of Matthew 25:34-40

Through the CCHS Christian Service requirement, students are provided a program through which they can develop their God-given talents in service to others. Potentially, the Christian Service Program allows the student to experience Christianity in a dynamic way by actively participating in a wide variety of service opportunities to their community. This is a graduation requirement because the nature of Christian Service demands it. We are called by the Gospels to this service.

Please note that one of the goals of the Christian Service Program is to teach students responsibility, a core value at CCHS. Parents/Guardians should instruct students to contact the Director of Campus ministry personally. It is the student's responsibility to address any issues arising with the Christian Service Program. We suggest parents only contact the Director of Campus Ministry if their student has already spoken to the minister and a resolution was not achieved. Please do not initiate contact with the minister unless it is of a dire need and allow your son/daughter the opportunity to learn this valuable skill.

For any questions, students may call the Campus Ministry Office at (858) 523-4000 ex. 1174, or come into the Campus Ministry Office in de Sales Hall (room 103). Or email us at mprice@cathedralcatholic.org

Hours Requirements

Each student is required to complete a minimum of sixty (60) hours of Christian service before the end of their junior year. We suggest students complete 20 hours each of their freshman, sophomore, and junior years for the complete 60 hours. This is just a suggestion, and student may complete their hours on their own time-schedule provided all 60 are done by the last Friday of May in their junior year.

Direct vs. Indirect Hours

There are two classifications of service hours. Because the main goals of Christian Service center on the realization of what it means to give of one's self to others and to grow spiritually and emotionally from this giving, the type of service that is most meaningful for students involves direct interaction with those in need. Of the sixty (60) hours needed to satisfy the graduation requirement, at least forty (40) hours must be categorized by the Christian Service Director as Direct in nature. Direct hours are when there is person-to-person contact with the person in need. Indirect hours are defined as support-work, fundraising, or only working with other volunteers. Common means of service categorized as Indirect include clerical/custodial work, fundraisers, marathons and walkathons, sales, animal care, school/parish/ethnic festivals or meals. No more than twenty (20) of the required sixty (60) hours are allowed to be Indirect. All 60 hours may be DIRECT.

Transfer Students

Transfer students may submit service hours from previously attended schools provided they have the appropriate documentation (verification of hours and evaluation by supervisor) and if the hours qualify according to the CCHS understanding of Christian service. Adjustments in the number of required hours for graduation for transfer students is made in a contract through the Director of Campus Ministry. ALL TRANSFER STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A TRANSFER STUDENT FORM.

This packet includes:

  • Explanation of program
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
  • Description of Indirect vs. Direct Hours

Approved Agencies

The above link will give you a list is of agencies we have contacted and approve for use for service. These are not the only agencies for whom you may give your service, but common agencies students have used in the past. If you are in doubt if an agency is appropriate, please contact the Director of Campus Ministry, and they will assist you in this. All agencies must be nonprofit.

You should choose the type of service you wish to do, contact the organization, and work with the agency's volunteer coordinator about when and how you can serve. Before you arrive be sure about what sort of service you will be doing and any special circumstances of your service. Remember no more than 20 of the required 60 hours can be indirect service. If you have any problems with an agency, please contact the Office of Campus Ministry immediately and they will evaluate the situation. We will work to ensure your service opportunity is safe and meaningful.

Catholic Charities

A fantastic place for volunteering opportunities is Catholic Charities. You can follow the link below and download their volunteer information.

Catholic Charities