Service

 

"I’ve come to learn that our brothers and sisters are every individual breathing the same air as me, walking the same earth that the Father created. All people are called to serve their brothers and sisters in every aspect of life. Service is recognizing humanity. Service is unifying love. Service is what we are called to do."(From her Baccalaureate Mass Communion Reflection, Lucy Giunta, 2023-2024 Archbishop May Award Recipient)

Through the sharing of their time, talents and love, the students of St. Joseph's Academy graduate having served at least 151 community service hours. However, most students exceed this requirement as service "to the Dear Neighbor" becomes more of who our students are and less of a graduation obligation. We are reminded that "to whom much is given, from her much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of her they will ask the more." (Luke 12:48) 

Community service has its origins in the school's mission statement as well as a mantra of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The mission statement of the school says, "Our community expects these young women to make a profound impact in the world" and the Sisters of St. Joseph want our girls to "serve a world in need." These statements motivate all our service endeavors. 

Our service requirements are:

• Freshmen: perform a minimum of 12 hours throughout the year
• Sophomores: perform a minimum of 15 hours throughout the year
• Juniors: perform a minimum of 20 hours throughout the year
• Seniors: perform a minimum of 20 hours on their own, plus the Senior Service Project in May

Students track their own individual hours by using the Helper Helper app available through the App Store. All service must be completed, logged and validated for and by non-profit organizations or individuals who are not related to the student.