Stewardship Hours
Students Benefiting From Volunteering
Some students dread completing their required service hours; however, many teachers and students believe that benefits come from stewardship, including a source of pride and fulfillment in serving others.
With over 200 hours, senior Lexi Grimm currently has the highest number of service hours of any student. She regularly makes time in her busy schedule to volunteer at the Andover Public Library. This effort will lead her to have completed 300 hours before graduation.
"I've realized that volunteering for my community is really important and should be prioritized," Grimm said. "This is why I've dedicated every Saturday to volunteering. If there is an event going on during that time, I'll usually reschedule it a few hours back."
Sacrifices, such as time, are essential in stewardship and Christianity. Religion teacher Beth Ferraro explained why she advocates for stewardship.
"My hope is that by the practice of stewardship, they see the value in practicing a Christian way of life," Ferraro said. "It's not all about us. It's important that we understand that love requires a sacrifice, and definitely service is a sacrifice for people. I'm not saying that nobody enjoys it. There could be a time that you went and actually enjoyed it. But more importantly than that, understanding that when I help other people, it demands a sacrifice on my part, and that makes me a better human being, helps me better achieve solid love."
Former religion teacher Nikko Uy, who now teaches English, has previously coordinated KMC volunteers for The Lord's Diner. Prior to working at KMC, he worked as a cook at The Lord's Diner. He described the necessary sacrifice made while serving others.
"There's a death to yourself when you're serving another person, and that's what we're asked to do on a daily basis," Uy said. "And so, through our stewardship program, they have to encounter a community that maybe is in need in a different way than we are in need. But, hopefully, through that service, they're able to recognize Christ in places that arenât always obvious."
Grimm said she has found joy in her volunteer work. At the library, she enjoys assisting others and helping provide opportunities to read.
"I really enjoy volunteering at the library because it's very peaceful and fulfilling," Grimm said. "Every book I put away increases the chance that someone will pick it up and enjoy reading it. I've grown to like the meticulous process of shelving books because I can get into a rhythm and get a lot done. Once I became more familiar with the layout of the library, I've tried to help out the patrons as much as possible. Helping the patrons not only benefits them but also brings me joy to do so. I'm happy when they ask me a question because I know I have the experience to answer it, and then help them."
Grimm enjoys giving back to the community through her volunteer work, but not everyone feels the same way. Regardless, this is not to say that they do not still benefit from their service, as Ferraro pointed out.
"I'm not saying that you will love every bit of work that you do, but hopefully it's a softening of your heart and the understanding like this is good for me, even if I don't love every minute of it, but it's really good for me," Ferraro said. "I have seen students take pride in the work that they've done. So, it makes us better human beings, and the world needs better human beings really badly."
Uy said God gave him a message when he was working at The Lord's Diner, and he saw Christ in a guest who asked Uy to pray with him. For Uy, this moment with someone in need brought to light the true purpose of stewardship and The Lordâs Diner.
"Don't forget your prayer," Uy said. "Don't forget the reason why the service is good for both parties, but don't forget the true reason why we're here. The [Holy] Spirit is moving our hearts in beautiful ways, and the food is just bringing us together. That's how I saw God moving us, just in building up that community and reminding me to keep Him at the center of those relationships."
Freshmen are required to complete 10 hours of service hours by the end of the year. Sophomores must complete 15 hours; juniors, 20 hours. Seniors must complete 35 hours, with a total of 80 hours throughout high school, including one time serving at The Lord's Diner. A student may obtain credit for volunteering at any of the pre-approved organizations found on the list in the Service Hours Program, which can be found on Kapaun.org. Additionally, a student may obtain credit for volunteering at his or her parish, or at KMC. All other stewardship activities must be pre-approved by Rev. Seth Arnold.