Service

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. . . Whatever you did for one of these . . . you did for me. " (Mt 25:35-36, 40)

Cathedral High School students, faculty, staff and alumni have a strong commitment to serving the needs of others. Campus Ministry provides a variety of service opportunities through its student-run group, Matthew 25, and Mission trips to Mexico and North Carolina

Matthew 25

The student group, Matthew 25 (formerly known as the Service Council) is a goup of CHS upperclassmen (and a select number of sophomores) who oversee the Christian service that is offered through Cathedral's Campus Ministry program. The service opportunities that are recommended to CHS students, families and friends include a variety of sites in the Springfield area.

Student leaders recuit their peers to volunteer their time at these various sites, encouraging all to live out the words of Jesus in Matthew 25: “’Whatever you did for one of these . . ., you did for me.’” (Mt 25:40)

Service opportunities through Matthew 25 will be posted on a monthly basis in religious studies classes--sign up for service right in your class!

Children’s Outreach

Students work with the children of East Forest Park in an after-school program at the Springfield Vietnamese-American Civic Association (SVACA) on Belmont Avenue. This happens every week on Mondays after school.

Students also work with the children of the North End at the Gray House, providing help with homework, and organizing activities and a snack for this after-school program. This happens every week on Tuesdays after school.

Homelessness Awareness and Outreach

Students raise awareness of the problem of homelessness in our city, and assist the needs of the Springfield Rescue Mission, especially through our Lenten “Hope Tote” project.

Hunger Awareness and Outreach

A group of about 15-20 students cook, deliver and serve a hot dinner at the Open Pantry Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen. This service is completed once a month at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church on State Street.

Students also assist in our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, in which we collect food to provide a full Thanksgiving meal for 25-30 needy families through St. Michael’s Cathedral Outreach Ministry.

Elderly Outreach

Students serve as part of the Activities Staff, planning, organizing and participating in events for the elderly and disabled residents at Saint Luke’s Home in Springfield.

Mission Trips

The Mission Trips that will be offered through Campus Ministry in the near future will be affordable opportunities for Cathedral students to work with organizations established in various communities because of a visible social need. The trip will include a preliminary interview with the Campus Minister, informational and educational meetings prior to the trip, and prayer and reflection throughout the process.