Jesus’ command to love as He loved is communicated clearly in Scripture.  Our Lady of the Elms School believes that service to others is at the core of the Christian way of life.  That is why our Christian Service Program is an important part of the Elms curriculum. 

 

The Service Program encourages students to reflect on the HUMAN NEEDS* which surround them as well as their own gifts as they choose service opportunities.  In an attempt to help our students broaden their experiences and reflect on their service, we encourage our students to do the following:

·   Reflect on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.  Some examples include:

SPIRITUAL WORKS Instructing  Advising Consoling Comforting

CORPORAL WORKS Feeding the hungry Sheltering the homeless Clothing the naked Visiting the sick and imprisoned

·   Identify personal gifts or talents.

Interpersonal, artistic, athletic, social and academic skills can be used to serve others.

·   Identify needs in the community or non-profit organizations.

Opportunities may be available at the Elms, church, community centers, schools, etc..

·   Find a match between your gifts, talents and interests, and the human needs within the community.  Contact the service location to get more information.

 

*Please note: Service that focuses on animals (i.e. animal rescue organizations) or volunteering at a business or office does not fulfill these requirements.

Students are required to:

 

1.  CHOOSE A SERVICE OPPORTUNITY which meets the criteria listed above.  You might be able to find ideas on the service bulletin board outside room 124, or in the service directory on Ed-line.  During the school year, just check with your religion teacher prior to beginning your service work.  During the summer, call The Elms at (330) 867-0880 with your questions.

2.  COMPLETE YOUR SERVICE COMMITMENT.  Service hours must be completed over a             12-month period beginning each May 1st.
    GRADES 7 & 8:        10 service hours are required.

3.  KEEP TRACK of where and how you completed your service hours on the back of this sheet.  You will be asked to turn this sheet in to your religion teacher.

4.  HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE OF YOUR SERVICE LOCATION SIGN on the back of this sheet to certify the number of service hours you completed.  Be sure you have a signature for hours completed at Our Lady of the Elms by the person supervising the work.

5.  COMPLETE THE REFLECTION PROJECT assigned by your religion teacher by May 1st.  (More information will be given on this in class.)  Completion of the service hours and the reflection process will count as 50 points of each student’s 4th quarter grade.