Instructions

We are part of a COMMUNITY!!! A world-wide community which has been commissioned to live as Christ! We are taught to be our “brother’s keeper” and to serve the community. Jesus himself said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers you did for me.” Matthew 25: 40

Service projects are not just about getting them over with, they are about experiencing living and loving as Christ. This is why we are required to experience several types of service. 

At Our Lady of Perpetual Help, we require three service projects. These service projects are divided into three categories: parish, community, and family. After completing each service project, the candidate must fill out the reflection form.

-You cannot accept payment for ANY of your service hours

-You cannot “double-up,” that is, count any of your Confirmation service hours also for school hours, etc, and visa versa

-These projects must ALL be COMPLETED by March 2, 2025. 

-All Confirmation service projects are the candidate’s responsibility. You need to seek out the service opportunities, make the appropriate phone calls, and perform the service.

-It is strongly encouraged for candidates to perform service with parents and/or sponsors when possible. Service is an opportunity to grow in faith together. 

• Pray about it! Examine your own talents and gifts. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Do not just seek the easy way out or the fastest way to finish. 

• Challenge yourself and be creative! Besides ongoing established programs at school or locally, you might have some new ideas to explore or share with others. Your service project should lead you to a greater desire to serve further, draw out virtues in your life, and ultimately bring you closer to God. 

• Do not go at it alone! Discuss this with your parents, sponsor, teacher, and friends. They are all good resources and support. You may want to put together a group project with your friends such as raking leaves for an elderly neighbor or visiting the elderly at a nursing home. 

• Use the suggestions!

• Do not stop service at your 3 projects! It’s OK to keep going. Part of the reason for the service project requirement is that we are called to serve for the rest of our lives. You can continue your service project throughout the year. In addition, prayer and fasting is also a great spiritual work of mercy for others – a great service! 

Your actions will not only be appreciated, but chances are, they will touch the lives of both the people you meet and many people you may never even see.  The greatest reward of serving others is how it makes you feel about yourself.  That special feeling is God’s way of telling you thank you! Thank you for caring!  Thank you for making a difference in the world!

Jesus tells us time and time again how important it is to serve others as a part of leading a Christian life.  A genuine commitment to others is ultimately a commitment to Christ.  It will make a difference in the choices you make and even the vocation that you are called to.  In the book of Matthew Jesus says to the people “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”  In other words, if you are feeding or clothing the poor, you are doing the same for Jesus.

• Arrange to lead Bingo at a nursing home, senior center, or senior housing complex. Bring healthy treats or dimes for prizes. Be sure to speak loudly and clearly while calling the game. Have a few young people at each table to assist the players. Or play games like cards, checkers, or chess to provide a one-on-one opportunity to get to know the seniors.

• Arrange to visit a senior facility to sing to and with the people. Learn some songs from when the seniors were young; they will love to sing them. If your youth group has accomplished musicians, have them accompany the singers.

• Build bird feeders and bird houses for seniors to hang in their yards. Find a parish member who can teach young people how to make a bird house or feeder from a simple pattern. Explain the project to a local building supply store and request material donations.

• Interview long-time members of the parish and put together a booklet or DVD of their stories and recollections. Make copies and share it with the whole community.

• Host a “senior prom.” Decorate, serve healthy treats, and play music from your guests’ era. Dance with those who can, and encourage everyone to move to the music. Be sure that the hosts and hostesses dress well for this special occasion. Reaching Out in Your Parish

• Help with church mailings and other large, labor-intensive projects. Folding, stuffing, labeling, and stamping a bulk mailing can be an overwhelming task for one person alone. Or it can become a time to visit and listen to music for a group. Catch up with friends and help the church at the same time!

• Take responsibility for all the hospitality ministries at Mass. Sign up to serve as greeters and ushers at one Mass a month. As children get older, they may prefer to serve in these ministries with their peers rather than with their families.

• Make publicity posters for parish events. Kids are often more creative than many adults. Share those creative talents and publicize church events.

• Offer to clean the church. Keeping the church tidy inside and out is a big job. Many hands make work quick and fun. Besides, the church belongs to us, the parish members. It is up to us to take care of our church.

• Set up ministry mentors. Give kids an opportunity to find out more about a ministry before making a commitment. Ask volunteers to mentor young people who are interested in getting more involved. Kids can shadow volunteer ministers or find out what people find most rewarding about their ministry. 

• Organize a shoe and sock collection. People on the street suffer severely from foot problems. It is nearly impossible for the homeless to keep their feet clean and dry. Shelters often provide foot baths. However, clean socks and shoes are always in demand.

• Arrange to work at a food shelf. Donations need to be gathered from area drop boxes and organized at the agency. Food also needs to be parceled for distribution. If you do not have a local food shelf in your area, volunteer at a food bank. Second Harvest is a national food bank network. Each bank needs volunteers to divide huge quantities of food into smaller portions to be given to those in need. Once the food is divided, a variety of foods need to be packaged for people to pick up. To find the Second Harvest nearest you call 1-800-532-FOOD or go to their website at www.secondharvest.org.

• Arrange to visit a shelter. If possible, talk to the guests, listen to their stories, and offer to play cards. Staff at the shelter can offer tips on preparing for the visit and interacting with guests.

• Organize a coat and mitten collection. Fall and Christmas are good times to hold these drives. Many children outgrow their winter clothes each year or replace them at Christmas time. Attach mittens and gloves to keep pairs together.

• Arrange to serve a meal at ta shelter. Some shelters provide the food for you to prepare and serve, while other shelters may ask you to furnish the food. Check with the shelter to find out their volunteer requirements, such as age, adult/child ratio, attire, and food preparation regulations.

• Make birthday boxes. Help children in poverty celebrate their birthdays. Collect cake mixes, frostings, candles, and small toys or books. Decorate bakery cake boxes and fill with birthday items. Be sure that toys are appropriate for both boys and girls. Also, keep all ages in mind. Distribute the Birthday Boxes to shelters and food shelves.

• Organize a children’s book collection. Donate the books to shelters, food shelves, or churches and schools.

• Make special treats for children at food shelves or shelters. Make candy treat bags or decorate cookies and cupcakes. These kinds of treats are a rare contribution for children in poverty. The treats will be appreciated and will help the children know that others care for them.

• Organize a collection and make baby care kits for shelters. Collect items for baby care packages. Items could include formula, diapers, wipes, washcloths, and baby bath soap. Distribute the care packages to shelters and food shelves.

• Arrange to host a party or picnic for children living in a shelter or transitional housing facility. Plan games and activities. Provide and serve special treats.