The DCHS Works of Mercy (Service) program is an integral part of the overall curriculum. In accord with our motto, “Be Doers of The Word,” (James 1:22) and our obligation to educate students to be responsible world citizens and active participants in their faith, we require that all students perform volunteer service prior to graduation. The Works of Mercy remind us of our call to serve others as brothers and sisters in Christ (Matthew 25:31-46) and to meet their bodily and spiritual needs.

Students must complete at least twenty Works of Mercy hours for each school year until they reach the eighty hours required for graduation. The minimum cumulative total to reach each year is: twenty for freshmen, forty for sophomores, sixty for juniors, and eighty for seniors. The eighty hours are required to be completed over three categories - church, Delone Catholic, and community - with at least twenty hours completed in each category. The graduation requirement is complete as soon as the student reaches a cumulative total of eighty hours with at least twenty in each of the three categories and the verification forms have been submitted to the Works of Mercy moderator by the necessary due date. 

All Works of Mercy hours must be completed by the last day of school for the year. Hours must be submitted no later than September 1 of the following school year. After Sept. 1, hours will no longer be accepted.  For any senior, the Works of Mercy requirement must be completed by the end of the second quarter. Any senior Works of Mercy verification forms turned in after this date will only be recognized as half the hours submitted.  

A parent’s signature is no longer acceptable for the “Adult Project Supervisor." The student should obtain another adult assisting in the service for verification. The Works of Mercy validation form is available in the Spiritual Life Center, in the Main Office or online.  Please note that credit for Works of Mercy hours begins June 1 of the student’s eighth grade year, as stated in the handbook.  

If you have any questions with respect to the Works of Mercy Program, please do not hesitate to contact the Works of Mercy moderator of Delone Catholic High School.

All requests for volunteers are posted on Delone Catholic's website, but also consider these Works of Mercy suggestions:

Church: lector, altar server, choir member, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, helping with CYO sports, nursery aides, religious education teachers or aides, PAL, parish festivals, bingo, ushers, youth group activities that enhance the parish life, maintenance, etc. Please note that while attending liturgical services (such as Mass or Stations of the Cross) or Adoration of Blessed Sacrament are admirable and encouraged activities, they do not count for Works of Mercy hours.

Delone Catholic: tutor, open house tour guide, assembly set-up, school board committee, Music Association carnival, teacher helper, maintenance, manager, trainer, scorekeeper, concession stand, , etc.

Community: hospital volunteer, Christmas gift wrapping, blood donor, Habitat for Humanity, food drive projects, Red Cross helper, public library helper, nursing home volunteer, assisting elderly neighbors or family, scouting activities, camp counselor, political campaign activities, environment clean-up, helping at any parish or public grade school, etc.

Please note: Works of Mercy hours can be completed during school time provided the individual does not miss any academic time during the service.

Works of Mercy Validation Form

Special Additional Opportunities During Social Distancing

Due to the current unprecedented circumstances facing us, the Works of Mercy program is being expanded to allow for additional opportunities while students are at home and not able to serve the Church or community. This expansion will allow students to earn Church and/or community Works of Mercy Hours for activities that, in the past, have not qualified for the program, such as personal prayer and helping their immediate family.

Spiritual Growth hours give students the opportunity to grow in love and charity while away from the school building. Family service hours give students the opportunity to serve family, the domestic church.  A list of options is included below, to assist students in pursuing Spiritual Growth and Family service hours.

Students are also invited to suggest any other ideas not listed to Mrs. Phenicie for approval.  Mrs. Phenicie will continue to email the students with new opportunities as they arise.

**Please note that when completing the forms for your Works of Mercy hours, students need to be specific in the details (for example, students need to include “1 hour cooking dinner, 30 minutes vacuuming the living room” rather than just “chores around the home,” or “I read ‘The Mass Is Still with Us Even Under Quarantine’ from the Notre Dame Journal,” rather than “I read a religious article”).

Frequently Asked Questions

Spiritual Life Office

Rev. Samuel Miller
Chaplain
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Mrs. Katherine A. Phenicie
Spiritual Life Director
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