As a Catholic school, in the Marist tradition, the objective of the Service-Learning program is to help form good and virtuous citizens for our community, society and the greater world by combining academic study, civil engagement and practical experience. By utilizing this method of experiential learning, we help to educate the young men at Christopher Columbus High School to recognize the needs and injustices found within and outside our local community. Through personal reflection, planning and concrete actions, our students help those who have been marginalized by society and help restore a sense of dignity to all of God’s people.
At Christopher Columbus High School, the goal of the Service-Learning Program is three-fold: first, to deepen the culture of Christian service by allowing students to connect, through personal experience, to the tenements of Catholic Social Teaching; second, to instill within all members of the school community a commitment to life-long service and care for others who are on the margins of life. Lastly, through the collaboration of the Service-Learning Program with other academic disciplines, clubs and athletic teams, to instill the cycle of learning, acting and reflecting, along with a firm commitment to both charity and justice, which will become part of the moral character of all Columbus students, no matter where he goes in life or what career path he chooses to follow.
Consequently, the Service-Learning program, will allow students to gain a deeper insight and understanding of the five key areas that are the hallmark of all Marist students throughout the United States. These key areas, known as the Marks of a Marist Student are:
- Faith-filled Disciples: Marist students come to possess a strong sense of God and a personal relationship with Jesus, Mary and Saint Marcellin fostered through religious formation, a sacramental life, and prayer.
- Empowered Witnesses: Marist students, recognizing Mary as their model and companion, become joyful witnesses to God’s love in their lives, enabling them to see Christ in others, to live simply, morally and with integrity, respecting all of life and creation.
- Agents of Justice and Service: Marist students grow in their understanding of Catholic social teaching and stand in compassionate solidarity with the least favored.
- Servant Leaders: Marist students recognize that they are lovingly created by God with unique gifts and talents which, through their Baptism, they are called to develop and share with the Church and the wider community.
- Spirit-filled Members of Family & Community: Marist students embody a spirit which celebrates and welcomes all.