Serving Others
Service is a big and important part of passionately living as a Catholic everyday, and so carrying out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy is one of the focuses of PLACE. Our inspiration comes from Paul Shane Spear, who once observed:
“As one person, I cannot change the world, but
I can change the world of one person.”
Again this year, we are excited to be able to work together as a team of energetic, enthusiastic individuals to help “change the world” of those around us. Students will complete at least two service projects, which will include Loaves and Fishes and a second project.
LOAVES AND FISHES
All students will have the opportunity and are expected to volunteer one Saturday morning at Loaves and Fishes, which operates out of St. Paul and St. James Church in New Haven. This service project is part of the Confirmation PLACE program. After working at Loaves and Fishes, please complete the appropriate reflection assignment:
1st-year reflection
2nd-year reflection
Sign up for Loaves and Fishes can be found here.
Loaves and Fishes is rooted in community and is the largest food pantry in the Greater New Haven area, serving individuals with consistency, dignity, and care. It began in 1982 when its founder started stocking the St. Paul and St. James Church office with food after neighbors came seeking support. As the community’s needs changed, so did Loaves and Fishes, and a decade later they added a clothing closet. It continues to grow and stands as a vibrant and responsive community organization that provides high-impact, people-focused programs thanks to the many volunteers who unselfishly give of their time in support of their neighbors.
SECOND SERVICE PROJECT
In addition to Loaves and Fishes, please volunteer your time and service for another project. Currently, the opportunities listed below are available. Click on the project name to access the sign-up sheet. More opportunities will be added as the year progresses. If you know of any organizations that need assistance, please let us know and we’ll reach out to them.
- Music Ministry – Choir or play an instrument – ongoing (set your own date)
- Read at Mass – ongoing (set your own date)
- Altar Serve – ongoing (email confirmation@stmargaretchurch.com for more information)
- Lead a Faith Formation class (grades 1 – 8) – October to April
- Fall Food Drive – collect and sort food – October 24 and 25
- Easter Food Drive – collect and sort food – February 27 and 28
- 2027 Chrism Mass – receive the Holy Oils at the Cathedral during Holy Week – March 23
- Box of Joy – assemble, distribute, and collect boxes of Christmas gifts for children in third-world countries – TBD
- Create rosettes from palms to distribute on Palm Sunday – February 19