Encouraged by the campus ministry team, the Cathedral Catholic student body takes part in various community service outreach programs throughout the year.  For all students to graduate, they must submit a total of at least 60 hours of service by the end of their junior year.

Junior Çampus Minister Jennifer Wolkenstein said, “These hours of community service are important because they give students the chance to give back and to grow in their faith community.”

A combination of at least 20 indirect hours and 40 direct hours are part of the requirement.  Students who fail to complete their hours are penalized with inelligibility until they complete the requirements.

“The direct and indirect hours requirement provides a good balance and is very doable for high school students in their first three years.  It also opens people up to the many different ways to help those in need,” said junior Campus Minister Haley Rutan.

With 60 hours to complete, some students team up to complete their hours at different venues.  According to Jennifer, homeless shelters, retirement homes, soup kitchens, and summer camps are some of the more popular service projects activities.

As members of a Catholic community, many students welcome the opportunities to serve.  Haley said, “It’s always a really eye-opening experience because it lets people see how others are less fortunate.  It makes one learn to count his or her blessings.”

With the 2010-2011 school year drawing to a close, students’ hours were due May 21st.  However, to most students this requirement is a cinch to attain.  Junior Campus Minister Frank Fink said, “Community service is never a chore, and most students are happy to help.”