The Community for Catholic Moms

Great Service Ideas?

I am beginning something new within my parish leadership team this year. I'm part of the Total Stewardship group and I am serious about getting volunteer efforts going for everything from families (as a whole) to kids in their 'tween years, high schoolers right up to us full-grown folks.

I would LOVE some fresh ideas especially for the families, 'tweeners and high schoolers.

Have you participated in, heard of or had a child volunteer for something they really enjoyed or the group on the receiving end really needed it? I'm all over heading to a local soup kitchen, senior facility or helping out within our own parish but might you have some additional suggestions for me? Would love some conversation around this topic if possible. Thanks!

Tags: families, stewardship, teens, volunteerism

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Permalink Reply by Heidi on November 15, 2009 at 1:50pm

At my husband's church (it is a small rural Lutheran church), the congregation sends cards, (thinking of you, get well, etc.) to all the folks on the prayer list once a month. Then everyone at chuch that Sunday signs them. The cards are placed on tables with pens. Usually the cards are store bought but sometimes children of the congregation make the cards.

At my daughter's school the 7th and 8th graders take one day in the fall after school to rake leaves for the homes of the elderly around the school grounds. They get quite a bit done in just about 2 hours because so many kids chip in. Then they have hot cider and hot dogs together afterward. They also collected soap and toiletry items to donate to a local charity.

My parish has an angel tree at Christmas, to support the needy we also do food drives and collect baby items for a pregnancy center.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Raybaud on November 23, 2009 at 9:28pm

Love the ideas, Heidi! Especially the first one. It's something I've never thought of before but such a nice thing to do.

I really appreciate your taking the time to share them with me. Thanks so much!