Following Jesus’ Example of Service
Service is the action of helping someone or doing work for the benefit of others.As Catholics, we follow Jesus’ example of service. He provided for the hungry and cared for the sick. Like Jesus, we do our best to help other people get the things that they need. We work to ensure that others have what is rightfully theirs. When Catholics serve others, they give witness to Jesus Christ. At the end of each Mass, we are commissioned to go in peace and love and serve the Lord. A way to do this is by serving others. Catholics are we are called to do good works every day of the year, but days of service are an opportunity to come together with others to perform good works as disciples of Jesus and members of our community.
The Works of Mercy
We give witness to Jesus when we perform the Works of Mercy, acts of love that help us care for the needs of others, both physical and spiritual. The Corporal Works of Mercy, which address the physical and material needs of others, are: feed the hungry; give drink to the thirsty; clothe the naked; visit the imprisoned; shelter the homeless; visit the sick; and bury the dead. The Spiritual Works of Mercy, which address the needs of people’s hearts, minds, and souls, are: admonish the sinner; instruct the ignorant; counsel the doubtful; comfort the sorrowful; bear wrongs patiently; forgive all injuries; and pray for the living and the dead.
Service Learning
Service learning is a learning experience for students of all ages that fosters civic responsibility and gives students the experience of observing and responding to real needs in the community through service work. These experiences help students develop a spirit of and a commitment to service as they grow. Catholic kids and adults can and do learn through service, and there are all kinds of service opportunities that are available and appropriate for Catholic kids and families.
Service for Catholics of All Ages
Mobilize your community with service this September or any time of year. Download the 10 Service Projects Children Will Love eBook for fun and Catholic kid-approved service project ideas. These projects allow students to be engaged and make a real difference in their communities, guided by a leader or concerted community effort. These projects provide students with the opportunity to know, love and serve the Lord and are manageable to plan and implement!
Praying to Unite Us in Service
A quote attributed to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta is “If we pray, we will believe; if we believe, we will love; if we love, we will serve.” Begin service-learning efforts or service initiatives for young Catholics and Catholic families with this prayer service, which includes Scripture, an anointing of the hands, and prayers for the community and world. Share it as a community if your Catholic parish or Catholic school will join together in a day of service, or with individuals and families to use to support their good works in the service of others any day of the year.
As we remember 9/11 and those who lost lives in the tragic events of the day and its aftermath, we continue to seek answers and process our grief. When trying to make sense of tragedy, acts of violence, widespread damage, casualties, etc., we can turn to God for understanding and healing. Download and share a Prayer for Unity in Times of National Tragedy Prayer Card as a support and a resource in times of grief or tragedy.
Join with Catholics across the nation and across the world in service and prayer on the National Day of Service and Remembrance and all year long.
