Service in Community, 6-12
Primary: How can I be part of a larger community? Ages 6-13Secondary: What does it mean to do the right thing? Ages 6-13
What are my gifts and talents and how can I use them? Ages 13-18
How do I live my values? Ages 19-35
Description: Parishes match groups of willing young parishioners with needs within their parish and local community. Coordinators identify needs within the parish and community and invite young people with their adult mentors or parents to participate in meeting the needs. Participation allows young people to be part of the community response to a real need and raises awareness of needs in the parish or of those who attend the parish. The previous successes section can give ideas for service projects that encourage intergenerational service.
Previous Successes:
- Our Lady of Peace Church, Erie (suburban, approximately 2,400 households) Our Lady of Peace Boy Scout Troop formed groups to shovel the sidewalks and high traffic walkways at the church on Sunday mornings before Masses. Scouts speak of a sense of pride and ownership in the work that they are doing and are often excited to share stories about how much snow they shoveled and their experience shoveling.
- Trumbull County North Mar Church offered free oil changes in the Church parking lot for single mothers and widows. Young people worked alongside more experienced adults to care for over 100 vehicles. A summary of the Church event can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRxCahNNXJU.
Investment:
- Coordinator to identify needs, invite and organize volunteers.