2011-12 Mass Schedule

Retreats
All students attend a class retreat each year.  These retreats are all day events.  They provide a variety of activities to engage the students in a fresh look at their values and beliefs.

Attention BMCHS Students! Would you like to be a leader for a Retreat?  Come to the Campus Ministry Office and find out details.

Freshmen Sept. 16     

Sophomores Oct. 21     

          

Juniors Feb 17  

Seniors May 11                                  

Kairos Retreats
Juniors and Seniors may take advantage of this program.  Kairos – meaning “God’s Time”, provides a 3 day retreat experience that offers a combination of prayer, reflection and personal witness.   Kairos “4-th Days” are a series of on-going get-togethers that keep the spirit and comradary of this special program a part of each person’s daily lives.

Girls' KAIROS   November 8-11, 2011   

             
Boys' KAIROS   March 13-16, 2012

SERVICE HOURS
Scripture teaches us, “Here I am Lord; I come to do your will.”

Mission:
As a Catholic High School, our community believes firmly in providing a holistic education-the development of the whole person.  During the high school years, we encourage and hope that each person grows physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.

The service requirement is a vehicle for spiritual growth.  In Scripture, it is clear that Jesus’ mission included service to others.  In the Gospel of Matthew, when people asked: “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty? “  Jesus responded: “I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me. “  He not only helped others, but He also expected His followers to do the same.

By reaching out, we are able to discern the needs of our fellow brothers and sisters.  The talents that we so often take for granted are developed and appreciated.  With Jesus as our model, we give in turn to our community the gifts that God has given us.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS

Objective:
The object is to challenge our students to live their faith and work for a just society.  Students are asked to witness to the word of God through their words and actions.  St. Francis of Assisi said, “Be Christ for others, using words only when necessary.” Also, to enlighten students about the times we live in due to various factors such as: poor economy, lack of future jobs, the decline of the nuclear family, and rising school loans.

Service Defined:
Service is defined as anything that involves giving of your time for a non-profit organization that serves our community, for which you do NOT receive compensation, award, or recognition.  The organization for which you provide service must not be in conflict with the values and beliefs of Bishop McNamara Catholic High School.

Service is NOT fund-raising, working for profit business, family business, collecting toys, or participating in walk-a-thons.  NB: Just because you do not get paid, does not mean it automatically qualifies for Service.

Annual Service Requirement
Freshman- Each student must participate in a school provided service trip and attend the freshman retreat to learn about how service to others is important to their lives. Also, they are responsible for submitting 1 ***reflection paper by the last day of regular classes.

Sophomores/Juniors-  Each student is responsible for completing 15 hours per year and submitting 1 reflection paper each year by the last day of regular classes.

Seniors
Senior hours (15) and reflection papers are due by the end of the first semester.

**Failure to meet requirement
The Catholic Church states in Canon Law that, “Parents are the primary teachers in a child’s life.” Our goal is not to make students life miserable, but to teach them how to live in the world and be Disciples of Christ.

**Parents will be notified if their child is lacking the proper number of Service Hours. If the parents and student do not work together to meet the requirement after all avenues have been exhausted through dialogue with the Campus Ministry Office, the following will take place: Their name and information will be forwarded to the Dean’s Office. Student could face the possible discipline actions: students will be ineligible for all extra-curricular activities until both the hours and reflection paper have been verified.  Students will be able to practice (coach’s discretion) but not play in a game until requirements are met.  In addition, seniors who have not completed hours and paper by the end of the first semester will not be allowed to participate in any school sponsored dances until requirements are met.

APPROVED ACTIVITIES
*Parish, Church, Synagogue-Related                               School
                *Set up or clean-up at church festivals                   *Auction
                *Altar Server                                                            *Phonathon
                *Lector at Mass                                                        *Thanksgiving Dinner
                *Mission trip                                                              *assisting in sports or extracurricular items
                *Vacation Bible School                                             with which you do not participate: i.e,
                *Teaching CCD classes                                             Dir. of Admissions Office; Big                                                                                                   Brothers/Sisters, etc… 

• Non-profit Organizations                                          
  If you would like to do some service for an agency that does not appear hear, please talk to Campus Minister BEFORE starting the service for PRE-APPROVAL.
  American Cancer Society                                           Salvation Army                                  
  Arthritis Foundation                                                  YMCA
  Catholic Charities                                                       Young People’s Theatre                     
  Habitat for Humanity                                                 Hospitals (St. Mary’s and Riverside)
  Hospice of Kankakee Valley                                      Veteran’s Home
  Humane Society or other animal rescue                      Nursing Homes
  Relay for Life

**All community service must be verified on the organization’s letterhead and include the following:  Date(s)/time(s) of service, activity performed, supervisor’s name and signature, position, phone number and e-mail address. 

***Reflection papers should be 300-500 words, typed in font 12 Times New Roman, double-spaced with spelling and grammar checked and e-mailed to the required e-mail address posted in Campus Ministry Office.  Reflection paper should relate all of your service from the year. Such as from the Beatitudes or reflect how you have helped to build God’s kingdom.

Service Hour Verification Sheets

Amy Bovie

Fr. Dan Belanger C.S.V.

Deacon Patrick Skelly