SERVICE PROGRAM

Based on the teachings of Jesus and our Catholic heritage, Trinity recognizes service to others as an essential part of a student’s experience. Like our model Saint Francis, we believe that the human heart truly comes alive in service of one’s neighbor. And in today’s disconnected world, caring interactions with others are needed more than ever. All Trinity students and faculty are welcome and expected to participate in service opportunities.

Service contains three components:
• Time: In service, you give of your time to others in a meaningful way.
• Talent: In service, you use your talents to be a gift of self to others.
• Treasure: As you share your time and talent, you also become a treasure to others. This can also look like giving monetary or physical items.

GENERAL SERVICE GUIDELINES

Instead of tracking service hours (which promotes a mindset of just checking a box), students are expected to engage in 3 Service Experiences during each of their freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years–12 total by graduation. A Service Experience is defined as a volunteer opportunity that costs at least an hour of time and gives of talent or treasure to another person.

This requirement applies to incoming 9th graders. Other classes will be expected to do the 3 Service Experiences per year going forward, unless they have already accumulated a significant number of service hours. (Students can see the Campus Minister for clarification on their expectations.)

Examples of Service Experiences:
• Helping lead a Got Prayer or class retreat
• Trinity-led service outings (transportation provided)
• Events at Trinity for the school or local community
• Events at a local church (fish fry, food pantry, etc.)
• Something a student does on their own through their church or another organization

SEE SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES HERE

Reflection is a necessary part of a student’s service experience. Reflection enables a participant to realize what they learned through volunteering and incorporate that learning into their lives. Students will be expected to fill out a simple form that tracks where and when they completed their service experience. But, before that experience is logged, they will need to meet with an Adult Ministry Team member for a short reflective conversation. Additional reflection may take place in Theology courses, especially during senior year.

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SERVICE PROGRAM

If students do not complete the required Service Experiences each year, they will be expected to add hours to their 3 requirements. Additional hours will be completed over the summer or during the next school year. Follow up about service expectations will be communicated to students by the Campus Minister. If students do not complete the experiences/hours before graduation, their diploma may be withheld.

For more info about service, please contact Mrs. Anita Yoder - [email protected].