Freshmen Participate in Community Service Day Event

Ninth grade students at The Aquinas Institute took part in the school’s Freshman Community Service Day on Tuesday, October 23.

The annual project sends students out into the community to volunteer their time and energy where there is need. This year, freshmen were divided into 12 groups, and performed works of service at: Monroe Community Hospital, The Margaret Home, Bethany House, Mary’s Place, Cameron Community Ministries, Holy Childhood, CP Rochester, Oatka Cemetery, St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, Foodlink, Angels of Mercy and St. Ann’s Community.

• Feed the hungry
• Give drink to the thirsty
• Give alms to the poor
• Bury the dead
• Shelter the homeless
• Visit the sick/imprisoned

Among their efforts, Aquinas freshmen sorted clothing, organized food cupboards, cleaned, readied rooms, packaged hygiene products and food items, acted as companions, moved boxes and cleared brush from grave sites. Students had an opportunity to learn about the different organizations, the roles they play in the community, and how volunteer efforts are vital in helping these organizations fulfill their missions.

Community service is a major component of an Aquinas education. Students are required to complete a minimum of 64 hours of service in order to graduate, however, most students go above and beyond the minimum, completing, on average, 95 hours of community service throughout their high school careers.