Christian Service
Service
is at the heart of Santa Margarita’s charism, Caritas Christi, which
means “the love of Christ.” Jesus says to us, "I give you a new
commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one
another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love
for one another.” (John 13: 34- 35)
The goal of Christian service at Santa Margarita is that students grow in their relationship with Christ through direct service to the poor and vulnerable; grow in empathy for those different from themselves; and gain understanding of the Catholic Church’s commitment to life and social justice.
Freshman and sophomore students complete their Christian service requirement through a project with their class that is organized by Campus Ministry. Juniors and seniors take leadership of their required service by choosing which agencies they would like to serve with.
The links below list approved agencies for Christian service. The links provide direct service opportunities for Santa Margarita students through their work with the poor and vulnerable. Students can also work with their parish, faith community, or Campus Ministry at SM to actively teach their faith to fulfill their service requirement.
- Nonprofits serving persons with disabilities
- Nonprofits serving the under-resourced
- Environmental non-profits and programs
Please reach out to us with any questions that you might have!
“The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace.” – Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Caitlan Rangel
Lumen Christi Service Project: Junior and Senior Years
The Lumen Christi project is a continuation of students’ Christian service experience that takes place over junior and senior years. Unlike freshman and sophomore years, students choose the type of direct service they would like to do. Students can serve those with physical/developmental disabilities, the poor/under-resourced, the environment, or can actively teach their faith. Lists of approved service agencies can be found above. In addition to completing 20 hours of direct service and one reflection paper each year, students also participate in Theology of Service sessions throughout the year. Hours and final reflection paper (done in class) for all students in Religion 3 & 4 are due on April 30, 2019.
The Agnus Dei Project: Sophomore Year
All sophomores assist Second Harvest Food Bank in collecting, organizing and distributing food at Second Harvest’s warehouse at Great Park. Trips are organized by Campus Ministry and take place throughout the year via Religion classes. Founded by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Orange, Second Harvest began providing food for the hungry in October of 1983. With the help of volunteers, Second Harvest Food Bank works through a network of 200 local nonprofit partner charities to provide wholesome food and fresh produce to more than 250,000 hungry children, seniors and families in Orange County every month.
The Caritas Christi Service Project: Freshman Year
Each freshman serves as a coach/mentor to an athlete with special needs at the annual SMCHS Special Olympics Track and Field Meet. In the 2018-2019 school year, the event will take place on March 4, 2019. During the weeks leading up to the meet, freshmen participate in orientation activities that prepare them to best support the needs of their athlete.