PARACLETE CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for the deed.
Proverbs 19:17
Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for these least children of mine, you did it for ME.
Matthew 25:45
WHAT IS CHRISTIAN SERVICE?
A very essential component of our life as a Christian is to live out our faith. If we claim to be Christian, but never act on it, our faith will become stale and eventually die. Jesus spent his life in the service of others; healing the sick and reaching out to those most ignored by society. These are outward expressions of unconditional love for our neighbors and one of the central teachings of Christianity.
The Paraclete Christian Service program is based on the teachings of Jesus as found in the Gospel of Matthew,
à practicing charity in the world around us as an act of social justice, compassion, and Christian love.
WHY ARE YOU EXPECTED TO DO CHRISTIAN SERVICE AT PARACLETE?
Paraclete, as a Catholic & Christian community, should be a witness to the larger community, the Antelope Valley, of the love of Christ. When we actively reach out to the world this way, we are representatives of Paraclete and the entire Catholic/Christian church.
WHAT QUALIFIES AS CHRISTIAN SERVICE?
Ultimately, overseeing the approval of all Christian Service projects/hours is THE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY AND THE SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY as stated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (see Google Classroom). Other opportunities should fit under the theme categories of Church, Family, or Community.
WHAT DOES NOT QUALIFY AS CHRISTIAN SERVICE?
You may not be paid or reimbursed in any way for your time;
Service that can be considered a “family responsibility”, such as mowing the lawn for a relative is not acceptable;
Service that can be considered a ”friendly favor” such as house or pet-sitting for a neighbor is not acceptable.
Questions to consider:
- Could the recipients of your service have afforded to pay you or someone else if they wanted to?
- Was the service so easy that it didn’t require any real sacrifice on your part?
- Were you helping someone in real need or were you just making things more convenient for someone perfectly able, but not willing to help themselves?
HOW MUCH SERVICE IS EXPECTED?
FRESHMEN — Two (2) projects OR ten (10 hours per semester = four (4) projects OR twenty (20)
hours per school year
SOPHOMORES – Two (2) projects OR ten (10) hours per semester = four (4) projects OR twenty (20)
hours per school per year
JUNIORS – Three (3) projects OR fifteen (15) hours per semester = six (6) projects OR thirty (30)
hours per school year
SENIORS – Three (3) projects OR fifteen (15) hours per semester = six (6) projects OR thirty (30) hours
per school year
*** TRANSFER STUDENTS – need to meet with your religion teacher to discuss expectations.
Projects or hours may be indirect or direct service.
50% of projects or hours are expected & preferred to be direct service (face-to-face service with the recipient).
Your religion teacher may be a source of ideas and information and you will need approval from him or her for your particular project.
ACTIVITY GUIDELINES
OVERVIEW If your activity falls into one of the following themes and/or the following specific categories it will probably be accepted.
THEME # 1 CHURCH Many organizations have a minimum age of 16 for volunteers. Freshmen and Sophomores are encouraged to visit your parish or church as the best place to start. Most parishes/churches have their own outreaches to the poor, the homeless, the elderly and children. This way you represent your parish/church and school at the same time. If you are not affiliated with a particular parish/church see your religion teacher to discuss opportunities.
THEME # 2 FAMILY This may be the most difficult type of activity to find (reminder look at page 1). If you provide service or care to a family member beyond “traditional” chores related to a family relationship OR you volunteer to assist with a Paraclete sponsored event.
THEME # 3 COMMUNITY Due to age restrictions, most community organizations are looking for Juniors and Seniors to volunteer. You provide service to a noon-religious organization in the Antelope Valley Community that provide services to people who need a Corporal or Spiritual Work of Mercy.
CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY
The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They “are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their “bodily needs.” They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life.
- FEED THE HUNGRY
- GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY
- SHELTER THE HOMELESS
- VISIT THE SICK
- VISIT THE PRISONERS
- BURY THE DEAD
- GIVE ALMS TO THE POOR
SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY
The Spiritual Works of Mercy long have been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history. Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to “help our neighbors in their spiritual needs.”
- COUNSELING THE DOUBTFUL
- INSTRUCTING THE IGNORANT
- ADMONISHING THE SINNER
- COMFORTING THE SORROWFUL
- FORGIVING INJURIES
- BEARING WRONGS PATIENT
- PRAY FOR THE LIVING & THE DEAD
FOR SUGGESTIONS OF ACTIVITIES THAT ARE RELEVANT TO THE CORPORAL & SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY, GO TO USCCB.ORG.
Do not pass by a man in need, for you may be the hand of GOD to him.
Proverbs 3:27
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
BE KIND ANYWAY
If you are honest, people may cheat you
BE HONEST ANYWAY
If you find happiness, people may be jealous
BE HAPPY ANYWAY
The good you do today may be forgotten
DO GOOD ANYWAY
Give the world your best and it may never be enough
GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY
For you see, in the end it is between
YOU AND GOD
It was never between you and them anyway.”
St. Mother Theresa
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
Jackie Robinson 42