SERVIAM: Community Service Program

SERVIAM is a Latin word for “I will serve,” is the school's community service program inspired by the Marianist tradition and the example of Mary. It also stands for Service Empowered by Responsibility, Values, Involvement, Action, and Mary, highlighting Mary as a model of humble and faith-filled service.

MARIANIST IN NATURE

Guided by the teachings of Pope Francis’ encyclical on Laudato Si' and the Marianist Charism of Blessed WIlliam Joseph Chaminade, SERVIAM encourages students to choose service opportunities that align with their interests, reflect on their experiences, and share what they learn with others through off-campus engagement. The program is rooted in the five Characteristics of Marianist Education (CMEs):

Formation in Faith - strengthens and deepens one's faith;
Integral Quality Education - supports quality Catholic education through service;
Family Spirit - builds unity and community through volunteerism;
Service, Justice, Peace, and Care for Creation - promotes respect for life and the environment;
Adaptation and Change - fosters civic involvement and community learning.

SERVIAM LINKS

The SERVIAM Logo and its Meanings (with an Informational Video - What is the Program all About?)

A circular emblem for Archbishop Riordan High School, featuring hands holding a statue of a saint beneath a large %22R%22 on a purple background, is positioned above the word %22SERVIA%22 with a red stylized %22M%22 on a white background.

Circle & Hands: The Community Service Program is expressed in various off-campus opportunities and events (locally, interstate, and globally)
Arches: Symbolizing the welcoming spirit of Archbishop Riordan High School through its facade
Mary: Blessed William Chaminade's inspiration at the "Our Lady of Pillar" church in Saragossa, Spain.
SERVIAM: "I will serve" acronym for: Service Empowered by Responsibility, Values, Involvement, Action, and Mary.
M with the Cross: Guided by and following the Marianist tradition, leading us in communion with Jesus.
Lead, Inspire, Serve: Based on the "Wedding at Cana" Gospel narrative, where the Blessed Mother Mary led and inspired the servants to serve the guests at the banquet with the best wine (through which the first miracle of Jesus happened), highlighting her as the model of humble and faith-filled service.

Christian qualities of a servant-leader:
- Lead: Empowered with humility and set a positive example
- Inspire: Encouraging other through one's faith and actions
- Serve: Helping those in need with love and compassion

Serviam Requirements

Students are required to complete two community service opportunities during the semester they are enrolled in Theology serving the outside community.
Service opportunities must be verified by a supervisor at the organization using the MobileServe app.
Community service completed during another semester can still be added to the MobileServe app to keep a record for college transcripts, job applications, community service awards and scholarships, but will not count toward the Theology requirement.
Students will also receive two standard grades in Theology class:
- Comprehension: the two outside service experiences were completed and entered onto MobileServe by the deadline (December 1st for 1st semester & May 3rd for 2nd semester. No late exceptions)
- Synthesis: A one-page reflection connecting their service experiences to concepts learned in their Theology class

Questions? Email SERVIAM@riordanhs.org

How to Find Opportunities

Steps in Creating a MobileServe Account

Steps in Reporting your Completed Serviam Opportunity (with a Video Guide - How to Record Completed Serviam?)

1. Open your MobileServe app
2. Log Hours: 1.00 (the default number representing the completed service opportunity)
3. Service Org: (Non-Profit Organization or any Off-Campus Service events)
4. Service Categories (Choose what type of Off-Campus service you’ve completed)
5. Complete the Prompt (Number of Hours and Reflections)
6. Email and seek the signature of your Supervisor
7. Post a picture of you candidly working (not a selfie or unnecessary photo)
8. SUBMIT

Here is a video guide

Service Recognition and Awards

General SERVIAM Award

All Students. Each semester, Archbishop Riordan High School recognizes Theology students who complete more than the required SERVIAM off-campus opportunities. These students will be acknowledged by House during R-Time and in the Family Bulletin before each semester ends, and receive a simple token of appreciation from Campus Ministry.

1st Semester: Completed services from August 20th to November 30th
2nd Semester: Completed services from January 1st to April 30th

Special SERVIAM Awards

Marianist Service Award (A Blessed William Jospeh Chaminade Award):
This annual award honors students who show outstanding dedication to Christian service and live out the Marianist charism of "Bringing Jesus into the World Like Mary Did." It is given to students (Freshmen to Seniors) who complete more than eight (8) off-campus SERVIAM opportunities for the whole year. It will be recognized with a SERVIAM patch and a Certificate of Merit.

To be Eligible:

The student has to submit a 2-minute reflection video to Campus Ministry discussing the SERVIAM experience in light of the Marianist values, the CMEs on or before April 12th.

Reflection Video Prompts:

What Marianist Characteristics have you learned or experienced through SERVIAM?
How has SERVIAM impacted you personally?
What have you learned about the people or communities you served?
How can you live out the CMEs and the spirit of SERVIAM in your future endeavors?

Has completed all grade-level Theology service requirements.
All opportunities on Mobile Serve by April 15th. Were verified and approved.

Blessed Jakob Gapp Service Recognition (for a Graduating student):
Named after Blessed Jakob Gapp, a Marianist martyr who stood for justice during World War II, this is the highest service honor given to a graduating student who exemplifies the true spirit of SERVIAM.

Critera:

A graduating student (male and/or female)
Recipient of the Marianist Service Award
Participated in the Immersion-Outreach Service Trip (preferred but not required)
Among the top students who have been actively engaging in on and off-campus service
Positive feedback from teachers and staff (and from service agencies) on work ethic and attitude
In good academic and disciplinary standing
Selected by the Director of Campus ministry and associates

Recognition:
The recipient receives a SERVIAM Medal and a plaque or Certificate of Merit recognizing the student as a Role Model of Service.