Being Marist – Days of Service

Throughout the year, freshmen and sophomores are given the opportunity to participate in a Marist Day of Service with Campus Ministry. On Friday, December 1, students and faculty partnered with our neighbors at Lazarus House Ministries to serve those in need.

Our commitment to service is a defining characteristic of the Central Catholic mission and of being Marist.

Raider Service Programs

• Marist Days of Service
• The Marist Service Experience
• LaValla Service Weekends

Through Marist Days of Service, student volunteers, along with Campus Ministry and Faculty members, partner with a local organization to serve those in need.

Photo Album: Marist Day of Service

Friday, December 1, 2023 - Lazarus House Ministries

Click here to view and download photos on SmugMug.

Participants served at Lazarus House Ministries in the soup kitchen, thrift store, and offices at 412 Hampshire Street, as well as the Emergency shelter on Holly Street and food pantry at 242 Hampshire Street. All locations were within walking distance.

Students

• Brianna Chege '26
• Shantal de la Cruz '27
• Madelyn Manry '27
• Lyannis Reyes '26
• Alexus Ruo '26

Faculty

• Mrs. Jennifer Chatigny, Visual Arts Teacher
• Mr. Timothy Hart '85, Campus Minister
• Mr. Christopher Merrill '89, Director of Strategic Communications

A group of students also participated in a Marist Day of Service on Friday, October 27, 2023.

Students

• Junior Cosme '26
• Diego Duverge Cruz '27
• Maddie Gryglik '26
• Katiana Marte Santana '26
• Rose Muller '26
• Caleb Okyere '26
• Daniel Perez '27
• Jayden Vasquez '26

 

About Marist Days of Service

Campus Ministry offers a Marist Day of Service several times each year during the school day, open to a limited number of freshmen and sophomores.

Students will miss their Friday classes and are responsible for all missed material.

Service is a key component of our Campus Ministry program.

Participants will perform service at local organizations and discuss the importance of service and why volunteering is being Marist.

Students take time for prayer, for small group discussions, and for reflection on our service.

 

About Lazarus House Ministries

Since opening its doors as an emergency homeless shelter in 1983, Lazarus House has been breaking the cycle of poverty in the Merrimack Valley region.

Their food and clothing programs assist families by stretching their dollars so they can afford rent, heat, and utilities. Housing provides a safe haven for homeless families and individuals.

Lazarus House Ministries was co-founded by a Marist Brother and member of the CCHS Faculty & Administration: Bro. Thomas Petite, FMS.

 

Service at CCHS

We are Marist & Catholic.

We believe in something bigger than ourselves.

Here, students of all faiths and religious identities share a commitment to serve those most in need.

Students experience an inclusive journey of personal growth while making a positive impact on the world.

We believe in our own potential and in the goodness of others.

Guided by the vision of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, we are inspired to make the world a better place by serving and leading.

In addition to the Marist Day of Service, Campus Ministry offers additional opportunities for service and leadership.

 

The Marist Service Experience

All students participate in our Marist Service Experience, known as One Day, in which they give at least one day (24 hours) of service to those who need it most.

Over 80% of CCHS students give well beyond their one day of service and continue to assist those in need. The program grows from the mission of Central Catholic High School: to make Jesus known and loved, to educate the whole person, and to serve others, especially the least favored.

Service projects and opportunities are designed to help students discover how they can make a difference in our world by leading and through building relationships with the least favored.

Students often volunteer their time to assist the poor, the homeless, the sick, the elderly, those in nursing homes or assisted living, as well as people who are mentally or physically challenged or have special needs.

 

LaValla Service Weekend

Juniors are invited to join students from other Marist schools at the Marist Brothers Retreat Center in Esopus, NY for LaValla Service Weekends.

The theme this year looks at economic equality. This opportunity also includes doing some manual work around the grounds of the Retreat Center.

This annual program is inspired by the foundational community of the Marist Brothers in LaValla, France, and invites us to live the family spirit and solidarity of the Brothers and Fr. Champagnat at LaValla.

Open to a select number of students and an adult advisor from each of the school’s in the Marist network, it is a weekend of prayer, community, and service at the Marist Brothers Center in Esopus. This weekend involves working with students and adults from other Marist schools around the property updating or installing new features, as well as prayer and fun activities.

The weekend is sponsored as a joint program of the Province of the USA Offices of Marist Youth Ministry and Vocations as well as the Marist Brothers Center at Esopus.

Photo Album: Lavalla Service Weekend

Friday, October 6 - Monday, October 9, Marist Brothers Center at Esopus (NY)

Click here to view and download photos on SmugMug.