Maryvale Service Program

For the 2022-2023 school year, Maryvale’s Service Program is focused on faith-based service and working with the marginalized among us as we continue to practice the Works of Mercy.

An 80 hour commitment to Christian service work is required for graduation (the senior class will only be required to complete 20 hours of new service this year). Many of these hours will be completed as part of the school day (school-wide service retreats, Catholic Social Teachings classwork, team or club sponsored service). The remaining hours should be completed on your own, over your high school career. A list of approved organizations for this work is below. This is not an exhaustive list and will be updated periodically. If your organization or program is not listed, please complete the attached Service Request Form and submit to the Theology department for approval prior to your service.

Our service work will follow the Reflect-Serve-Reflect model with each student gaining a deeper understanding of who they are serving and why.

We do recognize the importance of volunteering in the community. This work, if not in a faith-based context, or in service to a marginalized segment of the population, would be accrued as general volunteer time, but would not satisfy the Service requirement.

Click here for a step-by-step guide about how to setup your x2VOL account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why so many hours? I am busy with school sports, club sports, rehearsals, homework, horse shows, work, and friends. I thought we didn’t have to do service anymore.

Yes, for the last 2 years covid restrictions did limit how much and in what ways we were able to fully participate in service to those around us. Thankfully though, many organizations are now open and waiting for help. And don’t forget, Maryvale is founded on the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Therefore, we are committed to community service and called to serve our neighbors in Christ. Each experience will give you an opportunity to understand why we are called to compassionately care for one another and to consider how God’s mercy is reflected through the time and talents you share.

Seniors only have to do 20 new hours this year. Are the other grades hours adjusted as well?

How is this fair? It seems like I have less time to complete a lot of hours!

It may seem like more hours but we took that into consideration and are building service into the school day. Therefore, the amount of hours you need to complete on your own is smaller. For example, if you are a junior you will have at least one service day each remaining year of high school - that’s 16 hours right there! Are you a member of a sports team or performing arts group? They are encouraged to include service into their season - there’s a few more hours. Taking Catholic Social Teaching (theology required class)? This class requires at least 15 hours of service as well.

What about the service hours I have already accrued? Where do they go?

May I still pack snack bags or write notes of encouragement for Baltimore Hunger Project?

I am new to Maryvale. How should I keep track of my service? Can I start this summer?

Welcome! You may absolutely get started on service over the summer. Remember to note the difference between faith-based or work with the marginalized among us, and general volunteering (working for free). General volunteering does not apply to the 80 hour requirement. We use the x2VOL system to track hours. New students should be added later this summer. Just keep track of your work and when we are together in September you will have the opportunity to set-up your account and input your time.

Approved Organizations

Catholic Charities (including Our Daily Bread, Christopher’s Place, Gallagher Services, My Sister’s Place)
Helping Up Mission
Local parishes and church communities
Esperanza Center
First Fruits Farm
Habitat for Humanity
Special Olympics Maryland
Maryland Food Bank
Ronald McDonald House
CASA
St. Vincent De Paul of Baltimore (including Camp St. Vincent and Beans & Bread)
Best Buddies
Sports Club
Baltimore Hunger Project (in-person packing events only)
Athletes Serving Athletes
Fransican Center
Julie Community Center