Service Learning

Light of the World Service Learning Program

Service to the community is an integral part of the mission of St. Michael’s Catholic Academy. The Light of the World Service Learning Program inspires students to follow the example of Jesus as they recognize the dignity of the human person. The program fosters commitment to a lifetime of giving to the local and global community, instilling the belief that service to others is expected and required. Students involve themselves in projects such as preparing daily meals for homeless children, visiting and befriending the elderly, sponsoring events for programs geared toward the needs of the disabled and those in poverty, and numerous other collaborations with a wide variety of organizations. The opportunities are endless! Service at St. Michael’s is a way of life, a cornerstone of the educational experience. 

Learn more about Light of the World Service Learning. 

“YOU are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:13-16

Frequently Asked questions

List of 5 items.

  • What are the service requirements for students?

    • 20 hours minimum due at the end of each academic year
    • Four-year students must have 80 hours completed by the end of their senior year
    • Transfer students must complete the minimum number of hours for each year while in attendance at St. Michael's
  • How are service hours logged?

    Service hours are logged using MobileServe, which can be accessed through an iPhone, Android app, or Internet browser. Students must use their St. Michael’s user name and email address when logging hours.  Service logs should include the following so the hours are properly recorded:
    • Service Organization
    • Service Category
    • A story or description of the service
    • One form of verification from the following list:
    • Supervisor name and email verification of hours from an official address
    • Photos of service work
    • Electronic Signature from supervisor
    Follow this link and click on "Video: How to Create a Service Log” to view a MobileServe step-by-step guide to logging service hours

    Parents, guardians, family and friends cannot approve service hours unless permission is obtained from the Registrar.
    Service for the school year begins on June1st and ends on May 31st of the following year.

    Service awards are determined based on hours submitted by April 1 of each school year.

    Contact Rae Harrison, Registrar at rharrison@smca.com with questions or concerns. 
  • What counts as service?

    • Anything on the SMCA Recommended Service Opportunities List
    • SMCA Service Trips (hours vary per trip)
    • Leading an SMCA retreat 
    • Service hours acquired elsewhere must be at a non-profit organization that has principles consistent with Catholic values
    • Students are encouraged to find service opportunities that facilitate direct encounter with the poor, materially and spiritually:
    “Those who are oppressed by poverty are the object of a preferential love on the part of the Church which, since her origin and in spite of the failings of many of her members, has not ceased to work for their relief, defense, and liberation through numerous works of charity which remain indispensable always and everywhere” (CCC 2448) 
    • Service with a governmental organization requires approval from the Registrar.
    • If in any doubt, contact the Registrar, Rae Harrison at rharrison@smca.com.
  • What does not count as service?

    • Service to family members and friends like babysitting siblings, tutoring classmates, driving people to school or mowing the lawn
    • Working for an individual person
    • Internships
    • Political action and fundraising
    • Managing a sports team, SMCA or otherwise
    • St. Michael's calculates hours for fostering animals differently than the parent organizations.
    • Students may not receive any type of compensation for service.
    • Written permission from the Registrar, Rae Harrison (rharrison@smca.com) must be acquired for any exception to these rules.
  • What service recognition awards are available?

    • St. Teresa of Calcutta Award - Granted to every student who completes 100+ service hours in the current academic school year.
    • Love in Action Award, along with name recognition and a cord at graduation, this award is given to students who have contributed 200+ hours in their high school career.

List of 1 items.

  • We are a

    Family of Families