Service & Outreach
Think. Lead. SERVE.
At St. Joseph Regional High School, we are dedicated to forming the Vir Fidelis, the Faithful Man, who lives out his faith through humble and meaningful service. Guided by our Campus Ministry and Theology Departments, the 2025-2026 SJR Service Plan provides opportunities for students to deepen their relationship with God, serve others, and grow as leaders.
Our program emphasizes serving God through the local community primarily, but also through our school and one's parish. This willingness to serve is inspired by our patron saint, St. Joseph, whose heart was generous and virtuous.
Volunteer Hours and Reflection Essay
Requirements:
- Volunteer Hours: All students must complete a minimum of 20 hours of service for the school year.
- A minimum of 5 hours is due one week before the end of each marking period. Students should see their Theology teacher for the exact dates.
- The final date for all 20 hours is April 24, 2026 for seniors and May 29, 2026 for all other grades.
- Reflection Questions: After completing 20 hours, each student is required to answer a series of reflection questions about their service experiences. These questions must be done in whatever marking period a student completes his 20 hours, but no later than the above dates.
Encouragement: Students are welcome to exceed the 20-hour requirement, and they are required to submit the reflection questions only once.
Service Opportunities
Students can choose service projects offered through SJR or pursue external opportunities that align with the guidelines below.
Examples of In-House Service Projects coordinated or hosted by us:
- School-wide drives: Halloween Candy Drive, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Christmas Toy Drive, Baby Needs Drive, or any drive we sponsor for a charitable cause
- SJR Sandwich Club
- Trips to Mercy House in Newark
- Visiting senior living facilities or serving at soup kitchens
- summer camps hosted by the Marist Brothers at their Esopus Retreat Center
Qualifying Service Guidelines
Eligible Projects:
- Service that directly benefits people such as children, elderly, poor, handicapped, special needs, or disadvantaged individuals
- Must be above and beyond family or group responsibilities, such as:
- Household chores or babysitting for relatives or neighbors.
- Duties tied to organizations like National Honor Society or sports programs.
Additional Notes:
- Students cannot leave school early for service unless they are participating in an SJR-sponsored project.
- If you are unsure whether a project qualifies, about a project, consult your Theology teacher or Mr. Limey in Campus Ministry before you do it.
Non-Qualifying Service Examples
- Paid work or anything done for a for-profit organization.
- Coaching for-profit sports programs or leagues.
- Babysitting, tutoring, or helping neighbors with tasks they can do themselves.
- Assisting political organizations (unless it is a community-wide charitable event).
- Service benefiting anyone older than 6th grade (except for the handicapped).
- Just because you do something for free doesn't mean it qualifies as community service!
Service must benefit the community at large and align with our mission to help the poor, elderly, handicapped, or disadvantaged.
Suggestions for Service Projects
Students are encouraged to find projects aligned with their interests or family values. Here are some ideas:
- Volunteering at a blood bank or charity organization
- Coaching grammar school children (6th grade or below)
- Assisting at a nursing home, assisted living facility, or hospital
- Participating in environmental clean-ups or serving at a food pantry
- Working with Habitat for Humanity or Special Olympics
- Volunteering with local groups like the Knights of Columbus or a parish youth group
Recognition for Outstanding Service
SJR celebrates exceptional service contributions:
- Service Awards are presented to seniors who demonstrate meaningful commitment and accumulate the highest service hours.
- Theology teachers may offer additional incentives and recognition for exemplary service.
Important Dates
- all hours done during the summer of 2025: September 19, 2025
- first 5 hours are due: October 31, 2025
- second 5 hours are due: January 16, 2026
- third 5 hours are due: March 20, 2026
- fourth 5 hours are due: April 24, 2026 for seniors, May 29, 2026 for the other grades.
For questions or guidance, contact your Theology teacher or Mr. Limey in Campus Ministry. Let’s come together as brothers who serve and make a lasting impact in our communities!
