CRCP CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROGRAM

(6/19/09)

 

The goal of the Christian Service program is to enable the students to put into practice the values reflected in the Philosophy and Mission statement of Cardinal Ritter.  As Christians following in the steps of Jesus, we are called to a life of service to those most in need. With this in mind and challenging the students to practice what is taught in many classes,  especially Theology,  the following commitment from our students is required  for graduation from Cardinal Ritter.

 

 PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY.

 

Each semester of each year the students are required to submit a specified number of  hours they have served to a pre-approved agency.  The approved list of agencies  are posted on the Cardinal Ritter web site.    Click on Christian Ministry and Service Program to find this letter as well as the verification form to be used, FAQ,  the list of approved agencies and an additional service award program.     The verification form will describe the type of service that will apply to our program and meet requirements.  All information must be able to be verified by appropriate officials in order for the hours to be credited to the student’s record.

 

Incoming Freshmen and Transfer  students:   Any service records you bring with you will be applied as they fit into the requirements of our program and can be verified by using the form we supply. Incoming freshmen can begin their service program the summer prior to coming to CRCP.  Prior approval must be obtained from the Cardinal Ritter Service coordinator.

 

This is what you do:

Process:

  1. Student and parents survey the options available:  Web page:  Christian Ministry and Service: Approved agencies;
  2. A contact is made with the agency volunteer coordinator;
  3. A schedule of times to serve is set up.
  4. The student retrieves the designated form from the website;
  5. The student completes the initial information and  gives the form to the Director of volunteer services on their first visit;
  6. At the end of each month or project the Vol. Director completes the dates and times and

FAXES (314-446-5570) the information to CRCP on company letterhead addressed to the Student’s Theology teacher.  (It is not to be hand delivered by the student.)

  1. The teachers of any of the student’s classes can require projects and papers based on the service completed.

 

CLARIFICATIONS:

    1. The student may not substitute a “similar”  agency without first checking with the program director
    2. If any agency would like to be added to the list of over 100, they may apply directly to the CRCP Service Coordinator who will then evaluate and make a decision. If the agency meets our expectations it will then be added to the web site list. Student committee representatives can make a formal appeal to the Service Learning Team for approval of extraordinary projects/programs/circumstances.
    3. IT IS NOT THE REGULAR POLICY OF THIS SCHOOL TO GIVE ‘RELEASE’ TIME FOR STUDENTS TO MISS SCHOOL DAYS AND CLASSES IN ORDER TO FULFILL THEIR REQUIREMENTS.

 

GRADING:  Service Hours will be listed as an additional course on each student’s report card.  A  Pass/Fail grade will be applied at the end of the second and fourth quarters.  Completion of the Christian Ministry and Service program  is a  requirement for graduation from Cardinal Ritter as it is in all high schools of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

 

Structured, supervised service programs through a church/parish outside regularly held worship events may be give consideration in fulfilling the Christian Service Requirements. These may be food pantries, clothing distribution, hot meal programs for the poor and other similar projects sponsored by a church.

CRCP school service is not a part of this aspect of the Service Program Requirements.  Refer to the Stewardship Awards program and service requirements for membership in other school organizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE EVALUATION PROCESS WILL INCLUDE THE MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS AND MONITORING FOR APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES.  THIS WILL INCLUDE THE INTERVENTION OF NOTIFYING PARENTS/PRIMARY CAREGIVERS OF THE STUDENT’S DEFICIENT STATUS REGARDING THE REQUIRED SEMESTER HOURS.  THIS CAN BE EASILY NOTED WITH THE GRADE POSTED ON SKYWARD AT THE END OF EACH SEMESTER AS WELL AS A COPY THE INDIVIDUAL STUDENT’S FILE SENT HOME TO BE SIGNED  AND RETURN TO THEIR THEOLOGY TEACHER.

 

The number of Christian Ministry and Service hours required and last dates due to guarantee report card credit for that particular semester are listed below.  Please have agencies fax, mail, email the completed forms each month or as soon as the projects are completed to ensure adequate time for the records to be updated.

 

                       Semester 1                                                           Semester 2

Seniors:   16 hours due on or before Dec. 1                 16 hours due on or before Apr. 1

 

Juniors:    14 hours due on or before Dec. 5                14 hours due on or before Apr.  20

 

Soph:        12 hours due on or before Dec. 5                12 hours due on or before Apr. 30

 

Fresh:               10 hours due on or before  Dec. 10               10 hours due on or before May 8