Archbishop José H. Gomez will celebrate Tuesday Catholic high school students and teachers from across the Archdiocese of Los Angeles during the 52nd annual Christian Service Awards Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
The ceremony will recognize 69 graduating seniors and seven teachers from 48 Catholic high schools who were honored for their commitment to community service.
According to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Department of Catholic Schools, this year’s graduating seniors collectively completed more than 35,000 hours of volunteer work in communities throughout Los Angeles and beyond.
Students supported hospitals, environmental initiatives and nonprofit organizations, including Dolores Mission, Catholic Charities, Kaiser Hospital, the Castro-Limón Foundation in Tijuana, Mexico and the Ronald McDonald House.
The annual Mass has been held for more than 50 years to recognize students and faculty members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to Christian service.
“The Christian Service Awards Mass is a moving moment each year for students, families, educators and Church leaders — shining a spotlight on the vital role Catholic schools play in forming young men and women committed not only to academic excellence, but to faith-filled leadership and service,” Erick Rubalcava, chief of mission and Catholic identity for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, said in a statement.
Christian service is a graduation requirement for students in Archdiocesan high schools and is tied to Catholic Social Teaching, which guides service and outreach efforts in Catholic education programs, according to the archdiocese.
The Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the cathedral in downtown Los Angeles.