Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board

Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, graduating students who complete 50 or more hours of Christian Community Service will receive the Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement, with a bronze, silver, or gold seal based on their total hours upon graduation.

This official certificate recognizes student leadership, dedicated community involvement, and helps students stand out when applying for jobs, post-secondary programs, apprenticeships, and scholarships.

For more information about this initiative, please visit your Guidance Counsellor in Student Services, contact your school's Christian Service Animator, or CLICK HERE for additional details from the Ministry of Education.

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Christian Community Service Hours
“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve...” (Mark 10:45)

Secondary students must complete 40 hours of Christian Community Service Volunteer work to graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) as per Ontario Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum No. 124a.

Service to others is central to Catholic education and the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. It reflects the example of Jesus and Church teachings. Through this program, students fulfill graduation requirements while practicing their baptismal commitment to serve others, especially those "who are least among us" (Mt. 25:35-36, 40).

At-A-Glance Brochure & Christian Service Information Manual

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Six-Step Christian Service Checklist

• The volunteer service occurred following Grade 8 graduation starting July 1st (of your grade 8 grad year).
• The volunteer service was organized through a not-for-profit organization, listed on the Approved Opportunities list AND/OR approved by your Christian Service Animator.
• The volunteer service took place outside instructional time (i.e., before school, during lunch, during spare, after school, weekends, holidays). 
• You did NOT receive any pay, salary, wages or benefits.
• Filled out a Christian Service Activity Record Form with a supervisor’s signature, parent/guardian signature and student (yourself) signature.
• If you fulfilled all the requirements above, hand-in your completed Christian Service Activity Record form to your school's Student Services office.

Christian Service Animators

Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School 
Ms. K. McHarge, [email protected], in school Wednesday

Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School
Mr. R. Bullard, [email protected], in school Wednesday (8:30pm-1:30pm)

Cathedral High School & Wilma’s Place
Mr. G. Bullard, [email protected], in school Thursday Morning, Wilma's Place - Thursday Afternoon

St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School
Mrs. L. Marchionda, [email protected], in school Wednesday (CO-OP Office)

St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School
Ms. L. Lawlor, [email protected], in school Wednesday

St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
Ms. K. McLaughlin, [email protected], in school Wednesday

St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School
Mr. L. Pongetti, [email protected], in school Wednesday