PARACLETE CHRISTIAN SERVICE
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?
An essential component of our life as a Christian is to live our faith. If we claim to be Christian, but never take action, our faith may become self-centered. 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 Corporal Works of Mercy, as found in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25 and the Spiritual Works of Mercy, rooted in the Tradition of the church:
The Spiritual Works of Mercy:
Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned.
The Corporal Works of Mercy:
Bury the dead, counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish the sinner, comfort the afflicted, forgive offenses, bear wrongs patiently, pray for the dead.
WHY ARE STUDENTS EXPECTED TO DO CHRISTIAN SERVICE AT PARACLETE?
Paraclete, as a Catholic 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 Church. This is implied in and is consistent with our Mission and Vision statements.
HOW DO STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROGRAM AND REQUIREMENTS?
During the first week of school, the Christian Service Coordinator visits each freshman religion class to give students a thorough description of the program and its expectations. Students record and submit their projects/hours in their Google Classroom for Christian Service. There, they will also find the slides presented during class that will give them all the details about the program and its requirements. Opportunities for Christian Service projects will be posted on that site for students to consider. Parents are encouraged to review the slide presentation if they have questions.
HOW MUCH SERVICE IS REQUIRED?
Freshmen and Sophomores— Two (2) projects OR ten (10) hours per semester = four (4) projects OR twenty (20) hours per school year
Juniors and 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 the Christian Service Coordinator to discuss expectations.
Places many Paraclete Students serve:
- Our Lady of Charity (St. Vincent de Paul)
- Women’s Clinic of the AV
- Saddle Up
- Grace Resources
- Lancaster Veteran’s Home
- AYSO VIP (Special Needs Soccer)
- Boots On The Ground (Veterans)
- Painted Turtle
- Antelope Valley Hospital
- St. Mary’s/Sacred Heart/St. Serra
- Local churches
FOR SUGGESTIONS OF ACTIVITIES THAT ARE RELEVANT TO THE CORPORAL & SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY, GO TO USCCB.ORG.