Service Programs
at Loretto
“A Loretto graduate expresses her spirituality through service.” Expected
Schoolwide Learning result.
“We strive to instill in each of our students an understanding of self,
knowledge of service, and a commitment to the common good of the world.” Loretto
High School Mission Statement
Christian Service Requirements
The principles of Catholic Social Teaching require us to commit ourselves
to work for the common good, especially the poor and the vulnerable. In response
to these principles, Loretto High School students are required to complete
service hours in each of their 4 years of high school. These hours are in association
with required theology courses. Each theology course that is taken includes
as a requirement a minimum of 5 hours of service along with a reflection paper
about the student’s experience. By the completion of her senior year,
each student is required to take a trimester of Christian Service Class. This
practicum class requires a minimum of 30 hours of service at a placement and
occurs in tandem with discussion, instruction and reflection. It is our goal
that as a result of this four year service commitment, Loretto will send forth
young women who not only demonstrate concern for the common good and reverence
for all life, but who continue to express their spirituality through service
to the community.
Service at Loretto also includes Works of Charity
We take great joy in providing for the needs of local service organizations
through a minimum of three annual collections.
In the fall, usually in conjunction with Homecoming activities, we collect
diapers and wipes for Wellspring Women’s Center in Oak Park, St. John’s
Women and Children’s Center in Sacramento and Maryhouse, a division of
Loaves and Fishes. In the fall of 2007 we collected almost 90,000 diapers for
these agencies, which keeps them supplied for an entire year.
During Advent we collect toys, socks and necessities for the guests of St.
Philomene’s Bounty Program. In December of 2006 we supplied decoratively
wrapped Christmas gifts for over 800 guests between the ages of newborn to
18 years old.
During Lent we collect money for our sister school in Entally, India, Sacramento
Life Center, Cottage Housing and a deserving charity of the girls choice.
Loretto students also provide a monthly meal for 25 students at the Mustardseed
School and breakfast for 200 women at Wellspring Women’s Center.
Loretto students give over 15,000 hours to the Sacramento Community and beyond
every year. Service projects include:
St. Philomene Bounty Program
St. Ignatius Feed the Needy
Holy Family Feed the Needy
Canine Companions for Independence
Guide Dog Training
Sisters of Mercy Jubilee Celebration
Dyer Kelly Headstart Program
Howe Avenue School
Whitney Avenue School
Ralph Richardson Center
Rio Americano Special Ed Program
Camp ReCreation
Camp Ronald McDonald Muscular Dystrophy Camp
Impact Tutoring Program
Summerbridge Summer Program
Walk to Ride
Mustardseed School
St. Philomene School
Quinn Cottages
Loreto Entally, India
Wellspring Women’s Shelter
St .John Women and Children’s Center
Maryhouse
Loaves and Fishes
Central Downtown Food Basket
Babcock Elementary Schools
Arden Rehabilitation Center
Watoto Project in Uganda, Africa
HEART Program in Kenya, Africa
Casa de Los Pobres, Tijuana, Mexico
Vacation Bible Schools through out Sacramento County
Sierra Service Project for Native Americans
Church Mission trips for rebuilding in Mexico and New Orleans
Kiwanas Club
Fulton-El Camino Park and Recreation Department
Effie Yeaw Nature Center
United Cerebral Palsy Saddle Pals Program
Summer Christian Service
Summer service is an alternate to taking the Christian Service class during
senior year. The summer class includes two days of class, one at the beginning
of summer break and one at the end. It is open to girls who will be seniors
the following school year and to a limited number of juniors if there is room
in the class. There are three class assignments that are emailed to the instructor
throughout the summer and there is a final project which is presented to the
entire class.
Summer Options Include:
Some summer options for service are an immersion trip to Tijuana, Mexico,
being a camp counselor at Camp ReCreation or MDA Summer Camp in Eagle Lake
or working at Loaves and Fishes. This is not at all an exhaustive list but
is to let you know some options for summer placements. Individually planned
projects are welcome but need to be approved by the Service Coordinator, Theresa
Sparks. More information about summer service options will be coming during
third trimester.
Questions, please email the Christian Service Director,
Theresa Sparks, tsparks@loretto.net
or call 482-7793 ext. 208.
