Loyola High School's Christian Service Program (CSP) shines as a beacon of faith in action, profoundly impacting both students and the communities they serve. This initiative guides Loyola students to seek God through service activities, fostering empathy and spiritual growth.

CSP offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in service, ranging from aiding underprivileged communities to environmental conservation efforts. Through reflection papers and hands-on experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of others' challenges, fostering compassion and empathy in their daily lives.

“A key characteristic of a Jesuit education is to help students realize that their individual talents are to be developed for the good of the whole community. Students are encouraged to use their gifts in the service of others out of love of God” expressed President Marcelle De Freitas.

A highlight of the program is Experience Week for Secondary 4 students, where they immerse themselves in service activities within marginalized communities in Quebec and abroad, including the Dominican Republic. This invaluable experience benefits those in need and leaves a lasting impression on the students, cultivating a lifelong commitment to social justice and service.

One notable project this year involved students painting rocks with supportive messages for patients and their grieving families at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence. “I was crafting a piece of someone's soul, a message of enduring hope and love that will continue to resonate long after it's received,” said Carver Secko ‘27. This project underscores how even simple acts of service can make a lasting impact on both the giver and the receiver.

Thomas Béliveau ‘24 reflects on his first volunteering experience in Secondary 1 when he went bowling with adults with special needs. “This was a truly humbling experience that set the tone for my high school years. It made me realize that giving is better than receiving.”

Louis Félix Valiquette, Loyola’s Campus Minister, plays a pivotal role in the program, focusing on building and maintaining relationships with community organizations “I support students in their reflective processes, helping them to see the divine in their actions and grow spiritually.” By embodying the five characteristics of the "Grad-at-Grad"—being Open to growth, Intellectually competent, Religious, Loving, and Committed to doing justice—students become well-rounded individuals ready to make positive contributions to society.

CSP is a journey of faith, empathy and personal growth that enriches both the students and the communities they touch. It exemplifies the spirit of being women and men for others, preparing students to lead lives of meaningful service.