Frequently Asked Questions

Do other high schools require students to perform ministry hours?

All five Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Orlando have school-wide service programs. In some public schools, students have the option of enrolling in a community service class. In high schools and colleges across the country, “service learning” is increasingly being recognized as an important component of a well-rounded education.

Will my service hours help me to be accepted into college?

Scholarship committees consider how involved a student was in community service when evaluating applicants. A minimum of 75 service hours is required to qualify for Florida Bright Future Scholarship funds. Florida Academic Scholars Funds (the top Bright Futures Award) require 100 hours of community service.

How can I find approved ministry opportunities?

Students will periodically be informed of both one-time and ongoing opportunities through the daily announcements, and events will be e-mailed and posted to Schoology. Students are encouraged to find other volunteer opportunities through the media, local churches and referrals from friends. Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to find their places of service. Parents are encouraged to check out the organization prior to the commencement of the service to ensure a safe environment. Many organizations require background checks and fingerprinting.

How do I know if the work I am performing is acceptable community service?

The easiest way to establish if it fits the criteria would be to ask:

Is the work being done for a non-profit organization or is it a project that will benefit a non-profit agency?
Does it fit with the corporal works of mercy?
- The Corporal Works of Mercy are the kind of acts by which we help our neighbors with their material and physical needs. They are: feed the hungry; shelter the homeless; clothe the naked; visit the sick and imprisoned; bury the dead; give alms to the poor.
When in doubt, check with the Vice Principal or Campus Minister.

How do students submit community service hours?

Students must fill out the community service form provided by the school in order to document hours. If the service was completed at Father Lopez, the students are still required to complete the school form. Once the paperwork is signed by the individual supervising the work and a parent or guardian, the students can either turn the form into their theology teacher or Attendance Coordinator. A link to the form can be found on the Community Service Overview page.

What role do parents play in the community service program?

Parental involvement is of great importance. Service Hour Verification Forms will not be accepted without a valid parent’s signature confirming that the work was completed in accordance with to the guidelines set forth in this document. Parents are encouraged to assist their children in the process of choosing a ministry site and are also advised to thoroughly investigate the site and/or organization to ensure their child’s safety. Parents who are involved in a service project through their parish or other organization may invite their children to join them and act as the documenting supervisor.

When can students start counting their service hours?

Students may start counting service hours during the summer preceding their freshman year.

How can I view documented student community service hours on ParentsWeb?

To view the total number of hours documented for a student, log into ParentsWeb and follow these three steps: 1. Select Family Information; 2. Highlight Student's Name under “My Profile”; 3. Select the Service Hours Tab.

Do transfer students have to do community service?

Students are obligated to complete the grade level requirements for those years that they are a student at Father Lopez Catholic High School. Students coming to FLCHS during the second semester of a school year will be responsible for one-half (1/2) of the required service hours for their grade level [see the chart below.] The requirements will not be prorated for students arriving before December. Any community service hours completed by a transfer student at another high school may be transferred to FLCHS, provided that proper documentation is available and that the hours follow the guidelines set forth by FLCHS.

How many hours are students required to complete?

Students who have attended Father Lopez all four years will need a minimum of 100 hours to graduate. There is a minimum requirement that is expected to be completed by the end of each year. The schedule is as follows: Freshman: 15; Sophomores: 20; Juniors: 25 hours; Seniors: 40 hours.These hours are cumulative, therefore they can be completed ahead of schedule and will count towards the total of 100 hours.

If your student transferred to Father Lopez any time after the first semester of freshman year, they are not responsible for the previous year’s requirements. However, we encourage all students to work towards a minimum of 100 hours to satisfy the Bright Futures 100% requirement. Adjusted requirements begin second semester freshman year and are as follows:

Transferred In:	Yearly Requirement:	Graduation Requirement:
2nd semester Freshman	7.5 hours	92.5 hours
1st semester Sophomore	20 hours	85 hours
2nd semester Sophomore	10 hours	75 hours
1st semester Junior	25 hours	65 hours
2nd semester Junior	12.5 hours	52.5 hours
1st semester Senior	40 hours	40 hours

Can donations count towards community service?

Donations cannot count towards community service.

Can parents or guardians complete hours for students?

Only the student themselves is able to complete hours towards their community service requirements.

What if my student wants to complete their hours at a for-profit organization?

All hours should be completed at a non-profit organization. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Vice Principal ([email protected]) or Campus Minister ([email protected]).