As a part of our mission, we strive to educate each student in the values and beliefs of the Catholic faith. The Religion Department meets this challenge through the classroom curriculum, daily prayer, school liturgies, service projects, and various other activities that help our students to not only learn, but live their Catholic faith.

Students in grades 6-12 are required to participate in a Student Service Hour Program as part of the religion curriculum. Students complete a school-organized service day as a class group. These service days will be held during school and will 1) involve direct human interaction with and service to those who are disabled, poor, elderly, or disadvantaged or 2) relate directly to one of the corporal or spiritual works of mercy. The DRE and religion teachers will coordinate these service days and students will participate with their religion class. Participation is mandatory for class service days. Students will also be responsible for serving in independent projects during their own personal time. The following service hours are required by students in each specified grade.

Seniors - 30 hrs*

Juniors - 25 hrs*

Sophomores - 20 hrs*

Freshmen - 15 hrs*

8th Grade - 15 hrs*

7th Grade - 10 hrs**

6th Grade - 10 hrs**

*including 8 class hours
**including 5 class hours

• All students will be responsible for completing and submitting a Service Verification Form to document their service

• Participation in the Student Service Program is mandatory and will be counted as a significant part of the religion grade. Students will complete an in-class culminating project as a reflection of their service experiences

• If a student in grade 9-12 does not complete service hours and/or a reflection assignment by the final due date, he/she will fail religion for the second semester. To earn credit, the student will be required tocomplete an independent study project and/or perform service during the summer; if the student fails to complete this requirement, he/she will not be readmitted to St. John. St. John requires four full credits of religion to graduate, regardless of the total credits earned.

Family Service Hours

The purpose of the St. John Interparochial School Family Service program is to develop a sense of pride and ownership in the school for all students and families. The donation of our families’ time and talents in this program provides an excellent example of service to our students. This program also helps the school to complete needed maintenance projects and provides the support needed for many school functions and activities.