Spiritual Life

Community Service

An Integral Part of Life at AHN

Community service is an integral part of life at Academy of the Holy Names. It provides practical ways to live the Gospel Message in today’s world. The entire school community is involved in ongoing educational projects and in actual community service opportunities in the Albany area and beyond. 
 
As with the mission and charism of the Sisters of the Holy Names, there is emphasis on social justice issues locally, nationally and worldwide. AHN holds a service day for middle school students and a retreat day for each high school grade. 

Service Requirements

The high school division’s community service requirements are overseen by the Theology Department. Service is a requirement for all students.

  • Freshmen: 5 hours
  • Sophomores: 5 hours
  • Juniors: 10 hours
  • Seniors: 20 hours
  • One group project per grade
  • One reflection paper per student, per grade

You may want to know

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: What is the charism of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary?

    The sisters are dedicated to the full development of the human person through education, social justice, prayer and the arts. They live each day promoting their core values which are at the heart of their charism. Special concern for the poor and disadvantaged people, woman and children characterizes their ministry in every setting.

    Therefore, the focus of our service program at Holy Names is service to people who are poor or marginalized. Reaching out and responding to people who are impoverished, abandoned or living at the fringes of society.

  • Q: What are some examples of places I can go to participate in service?

    Some examples are: Teresian house (or any other senior living facility), Habitat for Humanity, City Mission, Grassroots Givers, SALT, Regional Food Bank, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Junior Ladies of Charity, Special Olympics and one of our mission trips.

  • Q: Is service mandatory for graduation?

    Yes, service is a requirement at our school. It is through service that we express our faith actively and love for our brothers in sisters.

  • Q: Will service at an animal shelter be accepted?

    The answer to this question is no. When you are questioning if a particular service project will qualify as service, look back to the charism of the Sisters of the Holy Names and ask yourself if the project benefits poor or marginalized persons. If it does, then it qualifies. If you have to make an argument for how it serves people, chances are it does not align with the charism of the Sisters of the Holy Names.

Academy of the Holy Names