Is everybody ready for the summer? I know I sure am. Even though summer is only a few weeks away, there are still some things we need to focus on first, one of these being our Outreach Hours. Every semester, juniors and seniors need to complete ten service hours, specifically where we reach out to those in need. These hours are required to graduate and are part of our Rosary charism. This semester’s hours are due on Friday, April 11.
Campus Ministry & Service Outreach Coordinator Ms. Pallares describes the meaning behind community service: “The philosophy of Service Outreach Hours at Rosary Academy are rooted in the school’s charism, ‘service to the dear neighbor without distinction.’ In the tradition of our founding religious order, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, our students are formed as servant leaders to positively impact our wider community. Freshman and sophomore year, students work together with their class for a service outreach project. Juniors and seniors are given the opportunity to serve a minimum of ten hours at a new agency each semester. Service Outreach is not only a graduation requirement, it is an invitation for our students to be the hands and feet of Christ to the needy and marginalized of our local communities.”
Please also keep in mind, these hours must be completed at a different organization every semester. By the end of your senior year, you should have completed hours from four different non-profits. If you are struggling to find a place to complete these hours, don’t fear! Rosary sent an approved list of service agencies. If you happen to find one that’s not on the list, just shoot an email to Ms. Pallares and she will get back to you about approval. Don’t forget, if these hours are not completed by the deadline, juniors and seniors will also not be able to go to Prom; seniors will not be able to go to Disneyland with Servite.
Mrs. D’Alba also emphasizes how important it is to get these hours done: “Direct community service helps Rosary students live out their faith in tangible ways. They grow in empathy and build a lifelong habit of loving their neighbor without distinction, not just in word but in action.”
Let’s get these hours done, Royals, so that we could all enjoy our school privileges, and have a great rest of your year!
