FAITH IN ACTION PROGRAM
“We should be as shining lamps, giving light to all around us." - Venerable Catherine McAuley
As a Mercy community, we are called to share our gifts and talents with those around us. The primary goal of the Faith in Action program at Mercy is to help students find those places where their gifts meet the needs of the community. Our gifts are many - our time, our listening ear, physical labor, tutoring, singing and so much more. We are called to use our gifts for the common good. It is how we put our faith into action.
Our program is grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, the Corporal Works of Mercy and the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy: Women, Racism, Non-Violence, Immigration and Earth.
The Faith in Action program provides a framework for students to grow in the Mercy Education Core Values and Profile of the Graduate: Compelled by Mercy; Educational Courage; Inspired by Faith; Principled Leadership; A Voice For Dignity and Respect.
We utilize Mobile Serve as a way to share opportunities with students and track volunteer hours. This step-by-step video will show students how to log your service hours.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- CLASS OF 2025, 2026, 2027
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The graduation requirement for the Class of 2025, 2026, and 2027 include 40 hours of direct service at a non-profit organization and the completion of a service reflection. The service hours are to be completed by February 15th of the Senior year. The reflection paper is due between September 1st and March 1st of Senior year.
Service Hours
Service opportunities must involve working directly with the individuals the non-profit serves. For example, a student can help tutor in a school but they cannot grade papers or make copies to fulfill this requirement. Students may serve as an assistant coach at a school or after-school program, but may not count work at a for-profit organization and “not get paid” when they would otherwise be paid. Students may work in a hospital inpatient services, but not assigned to shredding papers.
Up to 20% (8) of these required hours may be earned through service to Mercy High School. Any additional hours will be counted toward the yearly service awards. If a student has a question about an opportunity, they should come to the Office of Mission and Ministry located in the main north hallway.
- CLASS OF 2028
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Beginning with the Class of 2028 and beyond, the Mercy Faith In Action program will provide service opportunities of personal interest that are reflective of our faith, Mercy Critical Concerns, Core Values and Mission so students may be better inspired to be a beacon of Christ’s love for others.
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9th grade: 3 hours of service to Mercy High School. One service experience (4-8 hours) in one of the following areas: Immigration, Racism, Earth, Women and Children, Non-violence.
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10th grade: 4 hours of service to Mercy High School. One service experience (8-10 hours) in a different area than chosen in 9th grade.
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11th grade: 5 hours of service to Mercy High School. One service experience (12-15 hours) in a different area chosen than in 9th and 10th grade.
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12th grade: Reflecting on the 9th - 11th grade experience, select one area where the student would like to have a deeper focus. This can be from a category in 9th -11th grade or it can be a different category. This experience must be a minimum of 20 hours at the same organization.
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Spring of 12th grade - students will create and present a capstone project focusing on the work of their selected critical concern, the role their chosen organization fills in their space and action steps for the future.
Any hours that exceed the requirements will count toward the 100 hours service awards. Students will earn .25 credits per year for their service experience, graduating with 1.0 credit in Faith in Action.
- Capstone Project Guidelines Here (coming soon)
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RESOURCE LINKS
CONTACT
