Holy Cross Social Justice Program

Service Hour Due dates for all grade levels

1st Semester: December 9, 2024
2nd Semester: April 24, 2025

Blessed Basil Moreau spoke of education as a “work of resurrection;” it was meant to be a liberation from the darkness of ignorance; it was meant to be a vehicle for the transformation of society; and it was meant to be a process that helped to make all things, especially the persons engaged in it, new. The four-year Social Justice program offers students knowledge and lived experiences of the “work of resurrection” in society. Students are provided with the opportunity to develop compassionate awareness through our school themes and are invited to put this love and knowledge into action through our various program components.

Students enter into a unique space in which course content, service activities, and their retreat experiences facilitate a rich praxis, transforming themselves and the world around them, applying new found knowledge to the challenging circumstances and problems they encounter in society.

Our program consists of the following components:

Social Justice Service Projects (Formerly Social Justice Hours -All Levels) – See below
Social Justice Capstone Project (Senior Level)
Social Justice Course (Junior Level)
Social Justice Leadership (Senior Level)
Social Justice Immersion / Retreat (Junior Level)
Social Justice International Immersion (All Levels)
TEDxMoreauCatholicHS
“Amplifying Voices” Podcast/Short Stories (COMING SOON)

Please click on the links above to learn more about our program. Feel free to contact our program leads if you have any questions:

Jerico Abanico | Social Justice Coordinator
jabanico@moreaucatholic.org

SOCIAL JUSTICE SERVICE PROJECTS

Fr. Basil Moreau believed by educating hearts and minds we could change a person’s life and thereby change society. This belief has been a cornerstone and foundation for our Social Justice Program and the differences we see our young people make in the community.

We practice this by requiring each student to complete SERVICE PROJECTS (Freshman – Junior year) and a CAPSTONE PROJECT(Senior year) in order to meet the one of Moreau Catholic High School’s graduation requirements.

We have shifted our focus from completing COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS, to completing SERVICE PROJECTS.

9th Grade

Theme: Being Family

Frosh will be required to complete a project around the theme of BEING FAMILY. Think about what your definition of family is all about and how can you create or volunteer that cover the needs of the family. Examples include; raising money for a family advocacy organization, donating clothing to a family shelter, and creating hygiene packages for families experiencing homelessness.

In this category, students should have a goal of participating in a project that will accumulate at least 10 hours of service.

10th Grade

Theme: Building Respect

Sophomores will be required to complete a project around the theme of Building Respect. Think about what your definition of respect is all about. Consider creating a video project of creating awareness about anti bullying or respecting others for who they are. Have a conversation with an elder in the/your community and document their life story through video or by creating a book. Hold in person or virtual workshops on what it means to be an ally for a local elementary or middle school.

In this category, students should have a goal of participating in a project that will accumulate at least 15 hours of service.

11th Grade

Theme: Bringing Hope

Juniors will be required to complete a project around the theme of BRINGING HOPE. What does Brining Hope mean to you? Consider organizing a drive to provide basic needs to those experiencing homelessness. Write letters to children at a local hospital or to seniors members of our community at a care home facility.

In this category, students should have a goal of participating in a project that will accumulate at least 20 hours* of service.
*Students will complete 15 of those hours during the Social Justice Immersion/Retreat.

12th Grade

FAQs

What is the difference between social justice community service and service projects?

How do we define service projects?

In the past students have worked to complete community service hours. The focus was on a NUMBER of hours to complete. Many students would rush to complete hours. The mission of the service and volunteering was lost. We are shifting our focus to creating experiences that will shape changes not just for the community, but also for the individual. Completing a project allows the students to see the outcomes of their work and reflect on their impact.

What does a full project look like?

We are encouraging students to create and/or volunteer for specific projects instead of focusing on volunteer hours. What does that mean? Consider starting a project and seeing it to its completion. You can seek out organizations who may have specific projects that need to be completed like repainting a whole classroom from your former elementary/middle school or assisting in organizing an event (online or in person) for a local charity. You can even create your own project that can help support an organization in your local community like organizing a community/family clothing drive for the warm clothes for the winter or creating your own music for prayer, meditation, and reflection. Within these projects students accumulate hours that can be used for college applications, scholarships, and much more.

In short, DON’T FOCUS ON COMPLETING A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF HOURS, FOCUS ON THE SERVICE PROJECT INSTEAD.

How many hours do students need to complete?

Students will need to complete a total of 4 service projects (1 per year). Students should have a goal of participating in a project that will accumulate at least:

Frosh Year: Accumulate at least 10 Hours

Sophomore Year: Accumulate at least 15 Hours

Junior Year: Accumulate at least 20 Hours

Senior Year: Capstone Project – (Accumulate at least 30 years)

Total: 4 service Projects totaling at least 75 Hours

Where/How do I log in my projects/hours?

I am encouraged to finish a certain amount of hours in my service projects. Can I go beyond what is required for each year?

Where can I serve my service projects/hours?

We encourage you to seek out organizations outside of Moreau Catholic for your service projects. Most organizations that hold a 501(C) status can apply. Please check in with the Social Justice Coordinators for more information and site approval. You can also create your own projects to help benefit a local organization or cause. Click to links below to find a list of resources to help jump start your projects:

DO SOMETHING

DO SOMETHING (Volunteering Online)

ALL FOR GOOD