Saint Ignatius High School

Christian Action Team

C.A.T. is the umbrella service organization at Saint Ignatius and gathers weekly for all students to discuss and share about those whom they serve. Programs include Labre, Pallbearers, the Christmas Food Drive and more than a dozen others.

Service is the way to Salvation.

Jacob Zorc '23
Jacob Zorc '23 image

The Christian Action Team (C.A.T.) is the umbrella organization that helps students to create and deepen relationships through various service initiatives. This allows students to grow in their faith and teaches them to work for justice. The mission of C.A.T. is to live the Gospels, especially the Works of Mercy. With year-round opportunities to serve through Arrupe After School and Summer Programs, Labre, Pallbearers, L'Arche, and many more. C.A.T. works closely with Campus Ministry and Theology to walk with each student on their faith, service and justice journey, while students at Saint Ignatius and beyond. C.A.T. is open to students all four years and there are various levels of commitment. Students can join at any time! Attend one of our weekly C.A.T. meetings for inspiration from other students and invitations to serve. 

For the 2025-26 school year, C.A.T. Meetings will take place at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesdays before school in the  Companions Center for Faith That Does Justice. All are welcome!

Service Initiatives: 

  • Saint Benedict Joseph Labre Homeless Ministry: Sharing food and friendship with Cleveland’s homeless. Meets every Sunday, 5:00 p.m. at Gibbons Hall. Sign up at C.A.T. Contact Mr. Gill.
  • Saint Joseph of Arimathea Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry: Carrying deceased men and women to their final resting place. Open to juniors and seniors. Serving funerals as needed. Contact Mr. Mulholland '09.
  • Friends with L’Arche: Building community with people who have developmental disabilities. Occurs one Thursday of each month. Contact Mrs. Carroll.
  • Saint Bernard Movers: Delivers furniture to recently homeless individuals. Meets Mondays after school as needed. Sign up at C.A.T. Contact Mr. Gill.
  • Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Society of Prayer: Prays for sick and suffering in our community. Meets Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. in the Companions Center. Contact Mr. Pacetti '96 or Mr. Savastano.
  • Mission Collection: Collects donations for charities, agencies and causes. Occurs most Wednesdays. Contact Mr. Pacetti.
  • Rini Family Christmas Food Drive: Assembles and delivers 700 food baskets to needy Cleveland families. Core Team meets beginning early November. Contact Mr. Gill.
  • Spring Into Action: Organizes and executes a spring cleanup of Ohio City. Core Team meets beginning in mid-March. Spring into Action will take place in April. Contact Mr. Gill.
  • Saint Francis of Assisi Green Team: Oversees the school's recycling program through the lens of Caring for God's Creation. Meets Mondays in Campus Ministry right after school. Contact Mr. McCafferty or Mr. Savastano.
  • Arrupe After-school Programs: Runs after-school programs for neighborhood children Monday-Thursday and run from 3:15-5:00 p.m. Contact Mr. Gill.

C.A.T.’s mission includes the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy... 

Corporal

Spiritual

Corporal

Feed the Hungry

Spiritual

Counsel the Doubtful

Corporal

Give Drink to the Thirsty

Spiritual

Instruct the Ignorant

Corporal

Shelter the Homeless

Spiritual

Admonish the Sinner

Corporal

Clothe the Naked

Spiritual

Comfort the Sorrowful

Corporal

Ransom the Captive

Spiritual

Forgive Injuries

Corporal

Visit the Sick

Spiritual

Bear Wrongs Patiently

Corporal

Bury the Dead

Spiritual

Pray for the Living & Dead

Corporal

Care for Creation

Spiritual

 

... as well as the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching:

Life and Dignity of the Human Person 
Call to Family, Community, and Participation 
Rights and Responsibilities 
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable 
The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers 
Solidarity 
Care for God’s Creation

Faculty & Staff

C.A.T. Student Stories

Every year, the Christian Action Team publishes an annual report highlighting student service experiences and achievements. In 2020, that report took on a new look. Use the link below to read stories of how service helps form our students.