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Spiritual Life >  Service Program > 

Christian Service Program    
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Service programs are coordinated with the Religious Studies curriculum and administered by Campus Ministry. Service Programs follow the praxis model of curriculum theory and practice, looking toward engagement with the real challenge of existence in relationship. This curriculum encourages “commitment to human emancipation, an ability to think critically, in action…evaluating the process and…outcomes.”

Service programs support the mission of the school by fostering opportunities for students and faculty in non-academic settings. Some examples are: Arrupe Society, Best Buddies, Big Brothers and Summer Service Immersion.

A Brief History

The Christian Service Program at Georgetown Prep has its origins in requirements for religion classes since 1980. In 2004 these programs were transferred to the jurisdiction of Campus Ministry and the position of the Assistant to the Chaplain for Christian Service was created. These programs have continued to work closely with the Religion Department in support of their goals; therefore, the service program is essentially co-curricular in nature. The service program also supports the school’s mission of formation as open to growth, intellectual competence, religious, loving and committed to doing justice.

Objectives    
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By the end of his service at Georgetown Prep, coupled with retreats and worship, the graduate is well disposed to the experience of "Love in Action." The goal of the service programs, as well as of the Ignatian seminar, is formation toward the ideals of "The Grad at Grad."

Freshman Year: Generosity
Requirement: 4 hours
Starting from “The Prayer for Generosity” the freshman articulates a simplified, concrete version of what the words mean and how he might incorporate them into his life. The focus on generosity throughout the year filters through the spring retreat which leads him to the theme of sophomore year, “Finding God in All Things.”

  • A group project chaperoned by faculty member
  • 2-page reflection due week after service completion
     

Sophomore Year: Finding God in All Things
Requirement: 8 hours, placement of their choosing

Sophomore year calls the student to look beyond the act of executing service toward being attentive to those being served. The goal of this year is to reflect on the interpersonal relationships formed through service as well as to see God’s active role within that service.

  • Direct, interpersonal service with those experiencing economic poverty or other disadvantage
  • 4-paged reflection component due in the spring
     

Junior Year: Love in Action
Requirement: 12 hours, placement of their choosing

Focus on Christ’s message: “Love in Action” calls the student to the preferential option for the poor, to recognize God’s love growing within him and drawing him to offer himself in service to others.

  • Direct, interpersonal service with those experiencing economic poverty or other disadvantage
  • Select from four methods of reflection, described in OBJECTIVES, each due in the spring
     

Senior Year: Discernment for A.M.D.G.
Requirement: 50 hours, placement of their choosing during the summer between junior and senior year

The Senior focus on Ignatian discernment should lead him to make decisions for the Magis - the greater glory of God, in life and vocation.

  • Direct, interpersonal service with those experiencing economic poverty or other disadvantage
  • 10-entry sketchbook reflection component due the first day of school senior year.
  • Invited to articulate experience through words, action and leadership in various venues in the Prep community and beyond.

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