By following the model of Jesus’ self-giving love, students grow in empathy, deepen their faith, and discover the transformative power of service. Rooted in our Theology curriculum, this program challenges students to embrace compassion, humility, and justice through direct service to those in need. These experiences not only foster personal growth but also aim to ignite a lifelong commitment to serving others through the heart of the Church. We hope to kindle a spirit of giving that will last a lifetime for our students.

Because service is an integral part of the spiritual development of each student, students are expected to complete a minimum of 80 hours by the end of senior year. At least 40 of the hours must be focused on the Corporal Works of Mercy. All hours must be completed at an approved agency, and the list of approved agencies is updated monthly on the CMT Google Classroom page. The code to join this page is 25hx6lg.

Note: Transfer students’ hours will be adjusted based on when they enroll at Bishop Miege. 

Students will have their service hours verified through x2VOL, our electronic reporting and tracking platform. Freshmen will set up their x2VOL accounts in their Theology classes. Transfers will set up an appointment in the Campus Ministry Office to set up their accounts.

By connecting with an agency students learn more about the individuals, families, and communities in need of help, and at the same time students learn more about the agencies that are providing the assistance. Students need to get approval from the Campus Ministry office for any agency that is not on the approved agency list.

Corporal Works of Mercy hours can be completed through agencies that directly help the people described above (examples: hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, mission trips, Project UpLift). Corporal Works of Mercy hours can also be completed by assisting agencies on projects that indirectly help the people described above (examples: Harvesters, Giving the Basics, and TurnStyles).

For freshmen and sophomores, CWM hours must directly or indirectly benefit people in need, animals, or the environment. For juniors and seniors: CWM hours must directly or indirectly benefit people in need. Service hours related to animals or the environment will not count toward the graduation requirement. The service may not be for a relative, and students may not receive payment for services. Service hour totals will be updated monthly on PowerSchool and are available for students and parents to view. 

Hours served in excess of the annual requirement will also be applied toward the Campus Ministry Service Awards:  Silver, Gold, and the Mary Perrini Community of Caring Award. The deadline for submitting service hours to x2VOL for the purpose of second semester grading and awards consideration is April 15.  

“Picture this: it’s spring break, and you’re in the mountains of West Virginia — not lounging, not relaxing — but strapping on work boots, getting your hands dirty, and making a real impact in a place that truly needs it. I had the opportunity to spend a week serving the community of Dunlow, West Virginia, and it changed my life.

The mission was clear: help those in need. We split into teams and tackled projects like home repairs, church renovations, and food distribution. On the first day, we were welcomed by a sweet woman. She hugged each of us, one by one, thanking us just for being there. I’ve never felt that kind of raw gratitude before. It was humbling.

My job was to help install insulation and drywall in a local church that was damaged by a flood. Every day, the older women from the church made us lunch as their way of giving back. That small gesture meant so much — it showed us how those who were in no position to give still gave from the heart.

While we were at the church, others repaired houses, handed out food, and built meaningful connections with the people of Dunlow. But it wasn’t just about physical work; it was about people. We met families who’ve been trapped in cycles of poverty for generations. For many of us, it was the first time truly seeing what life is like without the things we take for granted: consistent meals, a safe home, and a vibrant community in Bishop Miege. 

Before this trip, I never thought much about how lucky I am. I took so many things for granted — my education, my friends, even just having heat and electricity. I also realized how often I limited myself socially, sticking to my routine and rarely connecting with people outside of my bubble.

This experience shattered that bubble. I met more people in a week than I had in months. I built friendships, laughed with strangers, and saw how service connects us in ways nothing else can.”

–  Mateo Gajewski, West Virginia mission trip attendee, Class of 2026