Christian Service
Service
is at the heart of Santa Margarita’s charism, Caritas Christi, which
means “the love of Christ.” The four principles of Caritas Christi: Humility, Compassion, Goodness and Justice are lived out in a life serving others.
Freshman (religion 1) and sophomore (religion 2) students complete their Christian service requirement through a project with their class that is organized by Campus Ministry.
Juniors (religion 3) and seniors (religion 4) can choose, with help from their service adviser, which nonprofit they would like to serve with. Nonprofits must serve vulnerable populations and be approved by SM.
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! Mrs. Rangel (rangelc@smhs.org) advises students with last names M-Z, and Ms. Stutzke (stutzkec@smhs.org) advises students with last names A-L.
“The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace.” – Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Lumen Christi Project: Religion 3 & 4
The Lumen Christi project is a continuation of students’ Christian service experience that takes place when students are in religion 3 & 4. With help from their service adviser, students choose which nonprofits they want to serve with. 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 May 1, 2020.
The Corpus Christi Project: Religion 2
All students in religion 2 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 through 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 Project: Religion 1
Every student in religion 1 serves as a buddy/mentor to an athlete with special needs at the annual SMCHS Special Olympics Track and Field Meet. In the 2019-2020 school year, the event will take place on March 23, 2020. During the weeks leading up to the meet, freshmen participate in orientation activities that prepare them to best support the needs of their athlete.