Service Learning Program FAQ

WHY DOESN'T ALL THE SERVICE THAT I DO FOR STUDENT CONCIL, SPANISH CLUB, LRC, OR NHS COUNT TOWARDS MY STH SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM HOURS?

In order for the program to encourage service to the least furtnuate (meet the requirements of social justice) and increase student accountability and responsibility, it is necessary for all upperclassmen to serve a minimum number of hours in the community without the aid of St. Thomas faculty and staff. As stated in the Statement of Purpose, our goal is to challenge all students to go beyond what is conveient and follow the commands of Christ to serve one another, especially those in our community who are most in need.

DOES SERVICE TO MY PARISH MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SERVICE PROGRAM?

Yes, in so far as you go byond your Sunday obligation to be a full participant in the Eucharist. In other words, singing in the chior, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, usher, etc., cannot be counted unless your involvement goes beyond the Sunday obligation (i.e. you serve at an extra Mass that Sunday, have to arrive early for special practice / training, or you serve at a Saturday wedding or weekday funeral and do not receive a stipend). You may count hours served in an organized practice, training, or training other sto serve as a minister in the church. Serving as a paid sacristan or any other persotion where you receive compensation cannot be counted as service.

MAY I COACH TO MEET MY SERVICE REQUIREMENT?

Yes, as long as you are the head coach or are a primary assistant coach and do not receive compensation. Helping out in a minimal way with dad's little league team is not quite the same thing as serving as a head coach or as a full time asistant coach. If you are unsure if your idea meets the criteria of service, see Mr. Matula immediately for pre-approval.

MAY I COUNT HOURS THAT I VOLUNTEERED OVER THE SUMMER?

Yes, as long as those hours meet all of the criteria of our service program and you complete and turn in all of the necessary service documentation (which includes receiving the necessary signatures and evaluations and / or cover letter from your volunteer supervisor).

MAY I USE MY CONFIRMATION SERVICE HOURS OR SCOUTING SERVICE HOURS?

No. You cannot "double-dip" on service hours. However, if you have met the minimum number of hours required for Confirmation, Scouting, or for some other service organization, you may continue a particular service project to meet the minimum requirement of the service program. You may inquire with your parish confirmation team to determine if your Confirmation class accepts St. Thomas service hours.

DOES FREE BABYSITTING OR TAKING CARE OF GRANDMA'S LAWN CONSTITUTE AS SERVICE?

Babysitting younger siblings, cousins, friends, of the family or taking care of the needs of an elderly relative is a family obligation. You do these things because you are a good son. This is not service to the community. There may be a unique circumstance when service as a mentor for a neighbor's child, or buying groceries / taking care of the lawn for an elderly neighbor who is physically unable to do so and cannot afford the help may indeed be counted as service. If you are unsure of which category your service idea falls under, see Mr. Matulia before you begin your service.

WHAT ABOUT CLEAN-UP, MAINTENANCE, OR OTHER VOLUNTEER WORK WHERE I AM NOT DIRECTLY WORKING WITH PEOPLE?

The general rule of thumb on this type of service is, "does the service have a reflective element?" To put it another way, will you be able to write a two to three page reflection paper about how you picked up trash for 20 hours? If you were picking up trash in a poor neighborhood and people kept asking you why you were doing this and how much your service meant to them, then perhaps your service would meet the "reflective element" requirement. If it does not, then you ought to supplement your "labor" with service that is directly "person to person" type of service. See Mr. Matulia if you have any doubts about the reflective element of your service project idea.

MAY I VOLUNTEER FOR MORE THAN ONE SERVICE PROJECT OR VOLUNTEER FOR MORE THAN ONE SERVICE AGENCY?

Yes, but if you are a junior or senior, you must have a completed service contract and evaluation form from at least one service agency (the place where you spent the majority of your time serving). The other service projects that you completed can simply be recorded on the yellow service log along with a signature of the supervisor.

HOW DO I BEGIN? WHERE DO I GET INFORMATION FOR THE VARIOUS TYPES OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES OUT IN THE COMMUNITY?

Your Campus Minister (Mr. Matulia) has a list of phone numbers, addresses, and information on a wide variety of service opportunities. You may want to begin by asking Mr. Matulia for volunteer ideas and contact numbers. Going online is another route to take. Calling your parish secretary or Director of Social Concerns is another possible avenue. Asking your parents for assistance is acceptable, but remember that this is your service project, not your parents' service project.

It is in your best interested to begin your search and making contacts immediately. A completed Service Contract (for juniors and seniors) or Statement of Intent (for freshmen) is due to the Office of Campus Ministry no later than Thursday, October 26, 2008.