Service
Solidarity finds concrete expression in service, which can take a variety of forms in an effort to care for others . . . In offering such service, individuals learn to ‘set aside their own wishes and desires, their pursuit of power, before the concrete gaze of those who are most vulnerable… Service always looks to their faces, touches their flesh, senses their closeness and even, in some cases, ‘suffers’ that closeness and tries to help them. Service is never ideological, for we do not serve ideas, we serve people. -Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, #115
TRANSFORMATION THROUGH ACTION
Bishop Blanchet strives to inspire students to transform the world around them through a lifelong commitment to faith, scholarship and service. As such, Bishop Blanchet wants to encourage students to engage in service through a direct encounter with the poor and marginalized in their communities. Through a comprehensive service program, students at Bishop Blanchet will encounter others who think and live differently and work together in pursuit of social justice. In giving of their time and talents, they will live the Gospel values of courage, community, hope, love, mercy, justice, humility, and discipleship by acting beyond their own self-interest and in solidarity with others. Through working with various nonprofit organizations, students will come to a greater understanding of the world in which they live and the injustices which need their courageous action.
Four Focus Areas
Every school year, each Blanchet student will complete 20 hours of service under the direction of nonprofit organizations in any (or all) of the following focus areas: Each year, students may volunteer for a maximum of five hours at Bishop Blanchet events, such as the Bishop Blanchet Freshmen Welcome, Open House, etc. regardless of who is served by that event. Service to Blanchet is not required. The remaining hours must be completed with an approved nonprofit organization, while doing direct service in any of the four focus areas. Bishop Blanchet does not accept Service Hours for auctions, fundraisers or other philanthropic events.