Being a Christian means living out our faith in the Church and in our community. Christ calls us to a real concern for the poor. Jesus ministered to all those in need. Notre Dame students are encouraged to participate in the volunteer service projects in the Church and community at large. We also wish to recognize service that is already being done.

“I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” – John 13:15

Notre Dame’s Christian Service Program began in the 1993-94 school year, offering students a chance for recognition for service to their local and faith community. In addition to the Christian Service Program, each student club performs community service.

Students who complete a minimum of 80 volunteer hours receive a Christian Service Letter. Volunteer service means that the work is done on the students’ own time without pay. Areas of service are faith community (parish), school community (Notre Dame), and secular community (home town).

Junior varsity status requires 80 hours. Varsity status requires 120 hours. Students are eligible for a junior varsity or a varsity letter at any time during their academic career at Notre Dame. Service hours performed during the summer before the student’s freshman year to graduation are eligible. Faculty advisers will review the candidate’s documentation of service hours.

The Christian Service Letter is the same letter used for junior varsity and varsity sports and academics. A silver ichthys will accompany the junior varsity letter, and a gold ichthys will accompany the varsity letter. The ichthys is the fish used as a symbol of Christianity. A gold bar will be awarded for each 40 hours beyond the varsity letter. A maximum of two bars will be awarded.