St. Theresa Service Learning 

 “If you want to be important -- wonderful. If you want to be recognized -- wonderful. If you want to be great -- wonderful.  

 But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 

That's a new definition of greatness.“

Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King, expanding upon the words of Jesus, “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant”, (Matthew 20:26) accentuates that our standard is different than the standard of our culture.  Jesus repeatedly said, in both word and deed, that extending our hearts and hands to others, in humility, is central to being His disciple.  As Christians we have an undeniable call to serve others.  

In answer to this call, the St. Theresa Service Learning program provides meaningful opportunities for all students to become involved in service to others.  Each class has an age appropriate service project that enables students to make a tangible difference in the world.  In addition to their class service project, Middle School students complete fifteen hours of community service

Recognizing the school as part of the St. Theresa Parish, we work together with parish leaders to create a rich environment of Christian service.  Our class service projects are intertwined with the service efforts of the parish. The Parish Outreach program provides Middle School students with various opportunities to complete their community service.  These connections allow our graduates to easily transition into parish service.

Reflection on service is an important part of our program.  Beyond fulfilling a requirement, students are also growing in their awareness of the essence of service:

* Fundamentally, someone in need is helped.

* A ripple of good will is set in motion.  People who receive our help often go on to help others.

* We are changed:  Our hearts and minds are opened.  We learn about other peoples and cultures.  Stereotypes of the poor, elderly, etc. are dispelled.

* The structures of injustice are changed:  Our awareness of oppression grows and we bring that awareness to others in our sphere of influence. Awareness is the first step toward change, which is followed by understanding, then social action.

* We touch God:  The presence of God is in every human being, even if it is just a tiny speck.   When we reach out to others, we touch the presence of God in them.  We have connected to God.  And, as we reach out to others, we engage with the presence of God in ourselves, even if it is just a tiny speck, encouraging that bit of God in ourselves to grow.

As mindfulness develops, service becomes an experience of connecting with God.

Anna Giannelli Good

Service Learning Coordinator

510.547.3146 x36

a_good@sttheresaschool.org

a_good@sttheresaschool.org

510.547.3146 x36

MIddle School Service Learning Forms can be found in the folder of the below link.

Service Learning Forms

Below are links to Middle School Service Learning news and information.

Student Friendly Service Opportunities

Service Learning Information