Mercy Spirit ~ Service to OTHERS

“Mercy High School nurtures compassionate leaders committed to addressing human needs, working for justice and serving the poor.”  Mercy High School Mission Statement

The Service Program of Mercy High School stresses Christian Service to the school and the greater community. Students are encouraged to help others in need. The volunteer program promotes the school’s philosophy of learning how to care and serve, and how to put Christian values into action. How to be the hands of God to one another! How to be a Woman Who Makes a Difference!

Below you will find the 2 different aspects of our Service Program. Please note that 40 hours from the MCAP category are required for graduation. If you do not see the service that you plan to perform listed below, check with Mrs. Dennis in E-35 for review and approval of your plans prior to completing your service.  

Aspects of the Program:

Mercy Volunteer Service Program (M V S P) – In-School Service

• Teacher’s Aide
• Tutoring a Fellow Mercy Student
• Library Media Center Aide
• Development Office Aide
• Alumni Office Aide
• Admissions Department Aide
• Athletic Office Aide
• Administration Aide
• Special Events
• Auction
• Open House
• Fashion Show
• Mercy Market Place
• Benton Harbor Drive
• Thanksgiving Food Drive
• Christmas Toy DriveDances (ie. Father/Daughter etc)
• Etc.

Mercy Community Service Program (M C A P)* – Community Volunteering

• Health Care
• Hospice
• Hospitals
• Patient Services
• Education
• Tutoring – other than a fellow Mercy student (outside of Mercy)
• Teacher’s Aide (outside of Mercy)
• Parish Community
• Worship/Liturgy
• Altar server
• Eucharistic Minister
• Lector
• Choir
• Religious Education
• Teachers – (If Catholic you must be a confirmed)
• Teacher’s Aide
• Vacation Bible School
• Special Events
• Festivals
• Dances
• Food Drives
• Serving the Poor and Needy

• Mission Trips
• Habitat for Humanity
• Hands on Detroit
• Overseas or out of the country work
• Soup Kitchens
• Community Outreach Programs
• Young People
• CYO Catholic Youth Organization
• Rainbow
• Boys and/or Girls Camp Volunteer
• Sports Teams
• Camp Volunteer (example Spring Hills)
• Day Care Volunteer
• Senior Citizens
• Nursing Homes
• Helping in and around their homes
• Cleaning
• Yard work
• Grocery Shopping
• Driving a Senior Citizen to an appointment

*Service Requirements for Graduation (MCAP):

2 components of MCAP Service will be required of all students for graduation. See details below.

Requirements

1. 40 hrs volunteer MCAP service required over your 4 years here at Mercy (please refer to above lists).
2. MCAP community student volunteer service outside Mercy High School through an agency, church, community center, hospital, etc. is to be supervised, work evaluated and a completed Individual Service Form signed by your project supervisor. It is preferred that your service be continuous with one agency on a regular basis; however, it is not mandatory.
3. Components of Mercy Community Action Program:
1. The MCAP service experience itself – with supervisor signed back-up paperwork.
2. A Reflection Paper describing the experience and what the student has learned from it. (Guidelines for the paper are available from Mrs. Dennis in E-35 or on-line)

Process

1. Students must meet with the Service Coordinator during their off time at some point prior to the 2nd semester of their Junior (11th) year.
2. Students are encouraged to make their own arrangements for service opportunities with the assistance of their parents, through their youth groups, churches and other connections. If you need further assistance in finding a service opportunity, guidance will be given by the Service Coordinator. Also, see postings on the Service Bulletin Board.
3. The service requirement may be accomplished during the summer months with the approval of the Service Coordinator.
4. Both components of the MCAP program MUST be completed by April 30th of the student’s senior year.

NOTE: Students who turn in service hours above and beyond the graduation requirement, will be given service credit for each hour volunteered. These service credits will be accumulated over the years that the student is at Mercy and will be recorded on the student’s official final transcript. 

Service Awards will be given each year to recognize those students who have given 100 or more hours of service, beyond the service hours required for graduation, to either MVSP, MCAP or a combination of both.

FORMS:

List of MCAP Volunteer Sites (pdf)

Individual Service Record: Each time a student does volunteer service for one hour or more, she may fill out an Individual Record Form and have it signed by the supervisor of the service. Forms are available to download or are available in the Service Office and are to be returned there when they are completed.

Group Service Record: Staff may use the Group Record Form to record the service for a group of students who worked together on the same project. Students/staff would list the students on the form with their corresponding hours.

Reflection Paper: Guidelines are available to download or are available in the Service Office.