Gift of Service Explanation Sheet

Confirmation Class of 2016

Jesus said, “Here I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27)

One sure sign of increased maturity is increased responsibility. As you mature in your faith, you will discover increased responsibilities in this area of your life, too. It is not enough that you know about your faith but to have the desire to put your faith into action. How often do you go out of the way to help others? When and in what ways have you put your faith into action?

The following are upcoming and ongoing opportunities of service events. These gifts of service are meant to enable you to serve others, either by yourself or with others. If you have an idea for a service project and would like to know how to get it approved, please don’t hesitate to contact myself via email or phone.

Before making a commitment to a project, spend some time reflecting on the variety of ways in which you can use your talents and gifts. You may also wish to talk with your sponsor or parent about your service. You are encouraged to research and discover real needs that people in your family, neighborhood, parish, school or community have. Opportunities will be continuously emailed to update families every few months. May the Holy Spirit be with you as you serve in Christ’s name.

Upcoming Opportunities:

  1. CYT Kids Against Hunger Event – Saturday, February 28th from 1-4pm
  2. Students are invited to join other youth from parishes in our area to participate in packaging meals for Kids Against Hunger, hosted at St. John Neumann. Permission Forms and $10 donation are DUE to Amy Roose by Thursday, February 19th. Forms can be found on parish website under the Junior High page
  3. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, March 21st
  4. The High School Youth Ministry sponsored event is seeking volunteers to assist with their Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. Time is still be determined, but students will be needed to help set up, welcome guests, assist with games and activities, and coordinate the egg hunt.
  5. St. Colette Annual Family Service Day – Sunday, March 22nd from 2-4pm
  6. Last year we had a very successful kick-off of this event. Many families of all sizes came together and spent a few hours rotating through different service stations. This year we will be hosting the same event with some new stations and some popular stations from last year. A parent is required to attend with the student.

Ongoing Opportunities:

  1. Altar Serving
  2. Students that are current Altar Servers that serve on a regular basis may utilize their service for one (1) requirement. Students that are interested in becoming an Altar Server are welcome to call the Parish Office to schedule training and become a part of this important liturgical ministry.
  1. Brown Lunch Bag Project
  • Sister Judie Ann distributes over 100 lunches daily to the homeless in Detroit. She uses #8 brown lunch bags (these bags are available at GFS) and decorates them with uplifting messages and drawings (ex. Flowers, rainbows, etc and “Jesus Loves You”, “Have a Blessed Day”, seasonal messages/drawings too). Every lunch she passes out is in one of these beautifully decorated bags. Students are asked to provide at least one days worth of decorated bags (Parent and Sponsor encouraged to help!)

3. Cookie Making for Soup Kitchen

  • We are always in need of donations of cookies (any variety) that volunteers can take down to the soup kitchens. Many times donations of “sweets” get overlooked as the focus is on the main meal. Students will need to bake either 100 large sized cookies (individually bagged) or 200 small sized cookies (2 cookies bagged together). These can be dropped off at the office anytime. Parent and Sponsor encouraged to help!

4. Plarn!

  • Our Mat Maker ministry is always in need of help with making of plarn (plastic yarn). It takes about 700 plastic grocery type bags that are cut in specifics to create the plarn, which is crocheted or knitted into sleeping mats for the homeless. Students needing instructions or demonstration are invited to contact Amy Roose for details! Once you master this simple task, it is easy to assemble. Students will need to cut and piece together enough plarn for one mat. 700 bags may seem daunting, but like I mentioned, this process goes quickly once mastered! You would also be provided a tremendous help to our mat makers as they prefer to spend their time crocheting the mat and ask for help with the plarn making!