FAQ and Eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Where can I pick-up and hand-in my Christian Service Activity Record Sheet?
You can pick-up a Christian Service Record Sheet at your school's Student Services department or print a form by clicking HERE.
You will also hand-in your completed Christian Service Activity Record Sheet at your school's Student Services department.

Should I stop after I accumulated 40 Christian Service Hours?
It is reccomended that you continue beyond 40 Christian Service hours to increase your resumé, help out the community and possibly receieving scholarships for your post-secondary education.

Why do I have to get a volunteer verification letter from the supervisor of my Christian Service activity?
Some Christian Service Animators require a volunteer confirmation letter from the superisor of the volunteer activity for clarification of the activity, especially if the activity is unclear or exceeds 40 hours.  This letter will be attached to your Christian Service Record Form and recorded in your OSR (Ontario Student Record).

Can a relative sign my Christian Service Record Form as my supervisor?
No.

Can I receive volunteer hours for filing at a Law Firm?
No, because the Law Firm is a profit organization.

Can I babysit for my neighbours?
Only if there is EVIDENCE of any serious needs which MUST be approved by your Christian Service Animator.

Can I receive hours for attending workshops?
No, because it is not community service of helping the community.  The workshop is benefiting the student, not the community.

Can I receive volunteer hours for shovelling my elderly neighbours driveway?
You can only receive Community Service Hours for shovelling someones driveway if you are REGISTERED with the City of Hamilton's non-profit organization "SNOW ANGELS".

Can I coach a hockey/soccer/swimming club?
Only if the organization is not-for-profit.

 

ELIGIBLE AND INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

 

Examples of ELIGIBLE activities include:

  • The volunteer service takes place outside instructional time (i.e., before school, during lunch, during spare, after school, weekends, holidays). 
    An event or activity designed to be of benefit to the community;
  • An event or activity to support a charitable agency, institution or foundation that conforms to Catholic standards;
  • Any structured non-profit program that promotes free tutoring, mentoring, visiting or coaching, or whose purpose is to assist others who require the benefit of that assistance;
  • Participation in global humanitarian initiatives/projects that do not conflict with Catholic values;
  • Participation in an event or activity that promotes positive environmental awareness and action;
  • Participation in activities that promote the human rights and well- being of all groups in society, as long as the values of these groups are in harmony with Catholic teaching;

Examples of INELIGIBLE activities include:

  • Any profit-making business;
  • Any association with an organization or an organizational activity that conflicts with the ethical standards and teachings of the Catholic Church;
  • Any informal activities, such as child care or yard work, unless special circumstances are involved;
  • Working for a political party or a candidate during an election;
  • Any activity that provides direct financial benefit or other gain (political, social etc.) to the student or to the student’s immediate family;
  • Is a requirement of a class or course in which the student is enrolled (e.g., co-operative education portion of the course; job shadowing; work experience);
  • Takes place during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day. However, activities during the student’s lunch breaks or spare periods are permissible.
  • Would normally be performed for wages by a person in the workplace;
  • Involves the operation of a vehicle, power tools, or scaffolding;
  • Involves the administration of any type or form of medication or medical procedure to other persons;
  • Involves handling of substances classed as “designated substances” under the Occupational Health and Safety Act;
  • Requires the knowledge of a trades person whose trade is regulated by the provincial government;
  • Consists of duties normally performed in the home (i.e. daily chores)
  • Is a personal recreational activity;
  • Involves a court-ordered program (e.g., community-service program for young offenders, probationary program).