doers of the word

A Community of Faith & Service

Bishop Connolly welcomes students of all faiths, and together we stand as a community that reaches out with mercy and compassion to bring help and healing to those in need.

Service is an integral aspect of student life here at Connolly. In order to live our mission more fully, Bishop Connolly’s Christian Service Program seeks to nurture the gifts and virtues of discipleship. The connection between faith and works is so intimate that one cannot be a disciple without putting belief into action. With the help of our theology teachers, all students will learn how to make these connections between faith and works through service and coursework.

Each year, our students fulfill their service requirements by sharing their time, talents and knowledge at community programs, schools, churches and service sites across Greater Fall River and neighboring Rhode Island. Last year alone, Connolly students devoted 7,754 hours to Christian service projects throughout our communities. True to the mission it has embraced since opening its doors in 1966, Bishop Connolly continues to instill Christian values that teach our students to be “not only hearers, but doers of the Word.”

At BCHS, we are called to be “not only hearers, but doers of the Word.”

 

  • Freshman Christian Service Requirement

    Freshmen and L.E.A.P. students are required to complete 20 hours of community service throughout the academic year. All freshmen/L.E.A.P. students are encouraged to choose activities that will allow them to learn the importance of service to the family. This may include helping with chores, visiting sick relatives, or babysitting young family members. However, students are not limited to activities in the home and may engage in other forms of service.

  • Sophomore Christian Service Requirement

    Sophomores are required to complete 20 hours of community service throughout the academic year. All sophomores are encouraged to choose activities that will allow them to learn the importance of service to their school and/or parish community. This may include helping at school or parish events, tutoring a fellow classmate, or teaching faith formation classes. However, students are not limited to service to the school or parish community and may engage in other forms of service.

  • Junior Christian Service Requirement

    Juniors are required to complete 20 hours of community service throughout the academic year. While all juniors must complete service in the community, each student may choose where he or she would like to serve. Opportunities may include tutoring at an elementary school, working at a soup kitchen, or assisting at a local animal shelter. Students should use this opportunity as way to prepare for their 60 hours of service during their senior year.

  • Senior Christian Service Requirement

    Our senior course requirement, Theology IV, prepares students to become principled leaders in the 21st century, assuming the responsibility of Christian disciples. Students are introduced to the Church’s social teaching and are empowered to embrace the vision of modern discipleship. A special focus is placed on the Church’s outreach to other faith communities in the world. Apart from academic study, students gain a personal appreciation of the challenges facing society through the undertaking of a service project throughout the academic year.

    Seniors are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of community service throughout the academic year. Students complete 1 to 2 hours of Christian service on a weekly basis beginning in September and ending no earlier than mid-March. They may choose from a variety of approved service sites to complete their service project.