Elizabeth Ann Seton Service Award
Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American born saint, started the first American parochial school and orphanage where she cared for the poor. She also began the first American community of women religious, following the example of St. Vincent de Paul. Like Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, we are called to a life of service and love of God.
With the celebration of the church’s New Year, SMCMS asks all students to reflect on their commitment to living a life like that of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Because people often make a new-year’s resolution at the start of a new calendar year, each year, we ask students to make an Advent resolution to grow in faith, love and service of others. This is a resolution that we encourage each student to commit to, regardless of what day or season it is!
By completing the following, any SMCMS student can earn a Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Award and be recognized for his or her efforts at the end-of-the-year awards celebration. Participation in this program is completely optional and will not be reflected in the Religion class grade. Please note that these requirements are in addition to the service hours already due each quarter.
To earn the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, a student applicant must do the following. All forms highlighted below are available on the SMCS Forms page.
1. Live as a disciple of Christ, setting a positive example for other youth. Student must complete letter a and two of letters b, c and/or d:
- Actively participate in all school liturgies & prayer services as confirmed by the self-reflection sheet – must be signed by religion teacher
- Obtain the recommendation of one adult other than a relative
- Secure a document confirming active participation in regular church liturgies parish recommendation – may be signed by deacon, priest or parish minister
- Return a signed parent recommendation form
2. Witness to one’s faith by exhibiting Christian morals and integrity. Student must complete letter a and either b or c:
- Participate in an interview with Mrs. Kalaus or a religion teacher to discuss the requirements listed above
- Submit a one-page, typed statement (double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font) describing his/her faith, beliefs, and daily prayer life and how he/she is an example to others
- Submit a four-week faith journal that will describe student’s Christian morals and integrity
3. Demonstrate Gospel values through service to others. Student must complete all requirements:
- Submit a student service log showing service to others completed on a regular basis
- Complete at least 12 hours of service between December 1 and April 30 of the current school year
4. Exhibit Christian leadership in parish, school, community and family.
- During interview, student must list and describe service to others in each of these areas (at least one hour in each). Student service log (from #3 above) will be reviewed to confirm this leadership.
* Students striving for a second year award, must show 3 additional hours of service (total of 15)
*Students striving for a third year award must show 3 additional hours of service (total of 15) PLUS show proof of attending an additional prayer experience in church or youth group, beyond your weekend commitment to liturgy. See religion teacher for details and approval of activity.