Service Learning

Inspired by the Sisters of Mercy and their mission, Mater Christi School’s six core values are more than just words — they are our tradition, our philosophy, and our vision:

• Spiritual Growth and Development
• Personal and Educational Excellence
• Concern for Human Dignity
• Global Vision and Responsibility
• Compassion and Service
• Collaboration

Beginning in pre-school and throughout their Mater Christi School education, students are taught and given opportunities to put these core values into action. As part of their MCS Religion curriculum, seventh and eighth grade students participate in Reaching Out, in which they learn the purposes, procedures, and outcomes of service by spending a day volunteering at a non-profit agency in the Burlington area. Past organizations have included the Salvation Army, King Street Youth Center, Burlington Boys and Girls Club, St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, Ronald McDonald House, Mercy Connections, and COTS.

The Mater Christi School community also joins together to support three service partners, which are selected at the beginning of each academic year by a committee of faculty and staff members. With input from the organizations, the committee determines a schedule, usually once per trimester, for the MCS community to provide support to these partners. Recent partners and support have included: COTS (winter clothing drive, blankets, and COTS Walk); Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf (food drive); Joseph’s House (personal hygiene drive), and others.