Faith & Service

The Role of Faith and Service at St. Francis High School

At St. Francis High School in Sacramento, our educational experience is firmly rooted in the Catholic faith tradition, while embracing and welcoming students of all religious backgrounds. Through our service programs, young women are empowered to grow in character, deepen their spirituality, and strengthen their commitment to social justice and community service.

The Campus Ministry Department plays a central role in helping students and faculty engage with their faith, lead with compassion, and serve both locally and globally. Students take active roles in retreat planning, liturgical celebrations, and justice awareness campaigns, making a meaningful impact both on campus and in the broader world.

Opportunities Offered Through Campus Ministry:

• School-Wide and Classroom Prayer: Daily prayer and reflection rooted in Catholic values.
• Student-Led Liturgies: Masses and special celebrations planned and led by students.
• Retreat Leadership and Participation: Including Kairos retreats, offering students the chance to reflect, grow, and bond spiritually.
• Service and Justice Initiatives: Educational campaigns and local service projects that promote awareness and action for social justice.
• Donation Drives: Student-led collections benefiting local nonprofit organizations in Sacramento.
• Faculty and Staff Faith Formation: Ongoing opportunities for spiritual development among school leaders.
• Big Sister Program: A mentorship initiative helping incoming freshmen—“Little Sisters”—transition into high school with support and guidance.

Building Leadership Through Service

At St. Francis Catholic High School in Sacramento, students are empowered to lead through faith-based service. The school’s comprehensive programs encourage young women to take initiative, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact in their communities.

Opportunities for Student Leadership in Service

Students actively participate in planning and leading retreats, organizing liturgical celebrations, and coordinating service projects. These roles foster a sense of responsibility and provide practical experience in leadership within a faith-based context.

The Ministry Leadership course helps students develop faith-based leadership skills while serving the St. Francis community through Campus Ministry. Students support liturgies, retreats, service projects, and the Big Sister mentoring program, while learning about leadership styles, communication, and team management. Students also design and lead ministry projects using their unique gifts.

St. Francis also offers a Christian Service Leadership course that count towards student’s Elective graduation requirements. This year-long course is required for all Christian Service Leaders (CSLs) at St. Francis Catholic High School. Designed to develop faith-based servant leadership, the course helps students grow in leadership, promote service and social justice, and model the school’s core values: Faith, Excellence, Leadership, and Service.

CSLs lead service initiatives, participate in retreats and school events, and must complete service hours on time. Students must remain in good disciplinary standing to maintain their leadership role.

Faith-Based Service Learning Projects

Service learning at St. Francis integrates academic study with community service. Students engage in projects that address social issues, reflecting on their experiences to deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings and social responsibility.

Engaging with the Community: Service Opportunities at St. Francis

St. Francis High School offers diverse opportunities for students to engage with both local and global communities, emphasizing the importance of service in personal and spiritual development.

Local and Global Service Projects

Students participate in various service projects, from local community initiatives to international outreach programs. These experiences broaden their perspectives and instill a lifelong commitment to helping others.

Partnering with Charitable Organizations

The school collaborates with numerous charitable organizations, providing students with avenues to contribute meaningfully to society. These partnerships enhance the impact of student efforts and reinforce the school’s mission of service.

Fostering Spiritual Growth and Personal Development

St. Francis High School is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual and personal growth of its students through programs grounded in Catholic values.

The Role of Catholic Social Teachings in Service

The school’s curriculum incorporates Catholic Social Teachings, guiding students to understand and act upon principles such as human dignity, solidarity, and the common good. This foundation informs their approach to service and social justice.

Growing in Faith Through Service and Reflection

Through retreats, prayer services, and reflective practices, students deepen their faith and develop a stronger sense of purpose. These experiences encourage them to live out their values in daily life and future endeavors.