Senior Service

Integral to the School’s mission, the Service Program lives the order of the day of loving God, working hard, and taking good care of one another. By engaging directly with the people they serve, students understand the Gospel’s truth that to love God, they must love their neighbors, particularly neighbors who are most in need.

“It is a great blessing to witness the spiritual growth of our students as they engage in their service experiences. They come to understand that the Gospel value of loving our neighbor is a universal calling, the root of all of our humanity, and the summit of St. Sebastian’s lofty mission.”

John C. Eaton Director of Service Program Religion Department Appointed to faculty in 2003 B.S., Boston College

The Service Program is required of all students in seventh through twelve grades throughout the entire calendar year. Students’ work has included tutoring and mentoring inner city youth, coordinating clothing and food drives, serving at food pantries, helping run programs for senior citizens, and assisting both children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.

St. Sebastian’s is committed to service trips that immerse students in settings that work directly with people and help students come to know more of themselves and God through serving others.

The Service Program concludes with the Senior Service Program. Beginning in mid-April, when non Advanced Placement coursework is complete, each senior is required to commit one hundred and fifty hours of service to a non-profit organization which serves needy members of the community. The work done at the placement site must involve consistent one-on-one contact. Through weekly discussion groups, seniors are required to reflect upon the meaning of their experiences. At the conclusion of their service the entire senior class gathers in the Chapel to share their stories with one another and with the faculty. This morning of oral presentation often ranks among each senior’s finest hours.

The philosophy underlying the Service Program is rooted deeply in the Catholic mission of the School. Our students’ faith and God’s love is given a tangible sign when we seek to emulate Christ by serving our neighbors. Students learn that loving their fellow human being is right and just, and that humbly reaching out to others is an appropriate response to Jesus’ teachings.

Students engage in annual services trips in far off places impacted by natural disaster or protracted poverty, and they engage in weekly service opportunities in our Boston community. Their local outreach includes tutoring at St. Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy, leading art projects at The Cotting School, serving meals at The Paulist Center Food Pantry, and participating in The Miracle League.