Charitable works, such as those performed through direct service, are an essential response to our faith. Service reminds us of our connection to those members of our human family who are most in need. The relationships we form during service help us to see the face of Christ present in the marginalized. When we integrate reflection on Catholic social teaching and social justice issues into our service experiences, we—and those we serve—can experience transformation.
Act, Reflect, Transform Model of ServiceWe can sometimes have a tendency to view service projects as isolated events that start upon arrival at the service site and end upon exit. This tendency can mean a missed opportunity to make service truly transformational for both those who serve and for those served. The good news is that there’s a tried and true process for service called Act, Reflect, Transform that can help make service transformational! Take me to this resource.
Service Trip Materials and Resources
Planning a service trip? Get flyers, reflection tools, handouts, and
basic nuts and bolts for planning your trip from the Catholic Relief
Services Service Trip Resources Site.
Take a Step Activity
This icebreaker or introductory activity asks participants to step
forward or backwards in response to a series of questions. The results
and discussion that follows may surprise you! Take me to this resource.
"The Stack of the Deck" Activity
This demonstration uses volunteers from the audience and decks of cards to help identify some of the root causes of poverty. Take me to this resource.
Find Community Groups Promoting Life and Dignity
Find Community Groups Funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)
CCHD is the Gospel at work and Catholic social teaching in action. Since 1970, CCHD has provided funding for groups of poor and low-income persons who are empowered to address the root causes of poverty in their communities. Get involved with a CCHD group in your community. Contact your diocesan CCHD representative to identify a local group.
Find Community Groups that Help Pregnant Women
Many groups in your community are helping pregnant women, providing counseling, and assisting with their basic needs. Contact your diocesan Pro-life representative to identify a local group that you can get involved with.
Find Community Charities Agencies
Catholic Charities agencies provide a wide range of services — housing,
emergency services, health care, child care, adoption, and other
critical services. For information on how you can help contact your local agency.
Find Catholic Long-term Service Agencies
Discerning long-term service? Search the databases at the below web
pages to identify an organization you can partner with for service
opportunities in the United States or internationally lasting anywhere
from several weeks to several years.
Catholic Volunteer Network
Search the RESPONSE directory of service organizations