At the heart of its mission, McQuaid Jesuit seeks to form young men committed to service for and with others. The Christian Service Program is an integral part of the student’s formation. To be promoted from 8th grade middle school students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of service, and to graduate high school students must complete a minimum of 100 hours of service. Please see the information below about the specific service requirements for each grade. Our office strives to be patient, open to growth, and trusting that God takes delight in the service of our young men.
Note that all students should use MobileServe to report hours they wish to count towards their service requirements. If you have questions about using MobileServe, how to sign up, or how to document hours, please visit our informational webpage or contact the director of service and justice, Mr. Adam Baber ababer@mcquaid.org
*MobileServe Update – All service hours must be submitted to MobileServe within the quarter they are completed. Any hours from over the summer or from previous school years still outstanding must be submitted by October 1, 2023.
Service at Veterans Outreach Center on Veteran’s Day
McQuaid Jesuit seeks to educate the whole person – mind, body, and soul – and inspire young men to realize their God-given gifts through the pursuit of excellence in all things, service to others, and a life-long commitment to justice. As such, we strive for excellence in service to the community at large and to challenge our students to get outside their comfort zone. Christian service involves work done for the good of others without monetary compensation. Christian service is also done when students work without reward or an achievement of rank or status in an organization. Such work can be completed for a variety of organizations or individuals in need but should have a focus on serving those “on the margins of society,” underserved populations, or with a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Except in extraordinary circumstances, service hours cannot be completed for family members. Service for McQuaid Jesuit’s program cannot also be counted for some other requirement such as: Confirmation projects, Eagle Scout projects, Counselor In Training programs, etc. Questions regarding service hours and what qualifies for service should be directed to the Director of Service & Justice.
Students should be aware that they represent McQuaid Jesuit’s values at all times when they participate in Christian service activities. Students should be respectful of staff, other volunteers, and those they serve at any organization or event they volunteer with and recognize that they are guests among that community. Students are expected to work hard, take initiative, and be good ambassadors for McQuaid Jesuit.
Students must be responsible in the use of their cars. The school is not liable for any infractions that happen during release-time. The school may take action if the infraction reflects on the reputation of McQuaid Jesuit.
The Middle School has its own requirement of five service hours per year for 6th, 7th and 8th grade. No themes are attached to the service requirements. Any student that transfers into middle school at McQuaid Jesuit will receive five credit hours for the year(s) they were not enrolled at McQuaid. All middle school students should complete the 15-hour requirement before the end of 8th grade to be eligible to move from middle school to high school.
Students can contact the Mr. Baber or Mrs. Terradas to get suggestions for appropriate volunteer activities.
Laudato Si’, the second encyclical of Pope Francis, encouraged us to take care of our common home and take care of the environment. In that light, Freshmen will complete ten service hours under the theme of “Care for God’s Creation,” which focuses on service to the environment or nature. Examples of service that fulfills this theme include neighborhood clean-ups, work with animal shelters or environmental organizations, park beautification, etc.
The Sophomore theme is “Life and Dignity of the Human Person” and should focus on recognizing the dignity of others and helping people in need lead fulfilling lives. Sophomores will complete 20-service hours.
Examples of service that would fulfill this theme include work with the elderly, children, individuals with disabilities, pro-life causes, etc.
The junior theme is “Option for the Poor” and should focus on service to the hungry, homeless, or those affected by poverty. Juniors will complete 20-service hours.
Examples of service that fulfill this theme include volunteering at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, food bank, or with an organization working with refugees, to name a few. Pope Francis also speaks of reaching out to those on the “existential peripheries,” those who struggle in their search for meaning and happiness.
Seniors are required to complete a significant capstone service project for graduation. The Capstone ought to be a substantial, standalone project with at least 25 hours of volunteer work focused on serving the poor, marginalized, and underserved. Any hours a student accumulates for a project that has not been pre-approved will not be allowed to count towards that project. The project will preferably include contact with a population in need, as kinship with the marginalized is an integral part of Christian service. Please see this informational page for more details on the Capstone project and for ideas to fulfill the requirement.
Contact Mr. Baber on Schoology at ababer@mcquaid.org, or see him in his office in Mission & Ministry if you’re looking for ideas.
There are numerous local nonprofit and charitable organizations that McQuaid has relationships with that have consistent volunteer needs. Some of these organizations are listed below with contact information for volunteering and the themes they will fulfill:
Sisters of Saint Joseph Motherhouse – Run by the order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, the Motherhouse is a hub for their congregational life and home for many retired nuns and priests. Responsibilities for volunteers will mainly be working with the elderly, retired Sisters of Saint Joseph living at the Motherhouse. Opportunities include playing board games with residents, accompanying them on walks, or completing projects such as recording their stories. This is a great opportunity to learn more about working with the elderly and really brighten up their day. Anyone interested should contact Martha Mortensen at mmortensen@ssjrochester.org. Hours fulfill freshman or sophomore themes
St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, Catholic Worker House – Founded by Dorothy Day, the Catholic Worker movement is dedicated to serving the poor and resisting social injustice. The St. Joseph’s House serves meals and provides shelter to the poor and homeless of Rochester. Volunteer opportunities include helping serve and set up meals and staying overnight assisting those offered shelter. Anyone interested should contact the House Coordinator, Jasmin Reggler at (585) 353-9882 or jreggler@saintjoeshouse.org. Hours fulfill sophomore or junior themes.
House of Mercy – Founded in 1985, the House of Mercy is open 24/7 serving those affected by homelessness in Rochester. Service opportunities include working in the kitchen preparing and serving food, helping in the clothing distribution room, and working at the front desk as a greeter. To help our please fill out their volunteer application from their website. Hours fulfill junior theme.
Cameron Community Ministries – Being a “Man for Others” includes being a role model. Cameron has been serving the Cameron St.-Lyell Ave neighborhood for over 30 years. They help provide donations, serve meals, and most importantly offer an afterschool program for those in the neighborhood. If you like getting to work with younger children, Cameron needs volunteers for its afterschool program (3:30 – 6 p.m.) tutoring, playing with, and setting examples for children from kindergarten to six years old. Contact Amanda Cannon at Amanda.Cannon@cameronministries.org to figure out how you can help. Hours fulfill sophomore or junior themes.
Mary’s Place Refugee Outreach – Mary’s Place helps provide the many refugees resettled in Rochester with donated clothes, English language tutoring, and other services. Students get to help sort donations and interact with clients. Times to volunteer are after school until 5 p.m. Monday-Friday or during the day Saturday. Contact marysplacevolunteer@gmail.com. Hours fulfill sophomore or junior themes.
Saint’s Place – Saint’s Place is another organization that supports refugees by providing household goods, clothing, and educational opportunities to those resettled in the Rochester area. They help set up new apartments for dozens of refugees every year! Volunteers can help with tutoring, work in the Clothing Closet, or assist with delivering supplies and furniture to refugees at their new homes. Only open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Students can volunteer here on days off or during school breaks. Contact Michele Quinn at michele@saintsplace.org for more information on how to help. Fulfills sophomore or junior themes.
Foodlink – Foodlink is the largest food bank serving the Rochester area along with the surrounding counties. Foodlink partners with a network of human service agencies to provide food to those in need and target the root causes of hunger. With more than 1 in every 7 Americans, and 1 in 5 children, facing food insecurity and hunger on a daily basis, Foodlink provides important solutions to a major issue. You can find out more about Foodlink, how to donate and volunteer on their website. Hours fulfill sophomore or junior themes.
Heart & Seoul Camp – Heart and Seoul is a Korean culture camp offered by McQuaid Jesuit. The camp is open to anyone who wants to learn more about Korean culture, history, and heritage. McQuaid Jesuit students ages 13-18 are needed to volunteer as CITs (counselors in training) and counselors working with the younger children. McQuaid Jesuit students get the unique opportunity to volunteer alongside students from Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul who will be leading many of the activities around Korean history and culture. Interested students should contact Mr. Hood for more information. Hours can fulfill the Sophomore theme.
Heritage Christian Stables – Using the method of therapeutic horsemanship, Heritage Christian Stables offers a therapeutic riding program for people of all ages with disabilities. Volunteers are needed to help with riding lessons as side walkers and leaders. This is an opportunity to interact not just with individuals with differing abilities or disabilities but also to gain experience in working with animals. This is open to all high school age students and hours can fulfill the freshmen or sophomore themes. Please contact Nicole Whilden at nwhilden@HeritageChristianServices.org to learn how you can volunteer.
Nativity Preparatory Academy – Following the Nativity model established by the Jesuits, Nativity Prep offers a tuition-free and values-based education to 5th through 8th grade students who were not well-served by the Rochester City School District and who come from economically disadvantaged families. One of things they do differently is offering daily, after-school enrichment activities. They are looking for students interested in working with children who would be able to help tutor in various subjects, coach sports like soccer or basketball, or moderate other enrichment activities. Volunteer obligations would be once or twice a week after school. Nativity Prep is located only a couple miles away from McQuaid right off of Clinton Avenue. Please contact Ms. Meredith Smith (msmith@nativityrochester.org) if interested. Hours volunteered here would fulfill the sophomore and junior themes.
Greenovation Inc. – Greenovation focuses on waste diversion and the recycling and reuse of items so they do not end up in a landfill. Instead of simply throwing household items away, Greenovation helps people reuse these items and educates the community on environmental impacts of landfills. They need volunteers most Saturdays anytime from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. To learn how to volunteer or get additional information please contact Kimberly Connolly at rochestergreenovation@gmail.com. Hours fulfill the freshman theme.
These are just a few of the many organizations in the Rochester area. Please contact Mr. Baber in Mission and Ministry with questions about these organizations or about what types of service might count for certain theme hours.