GIVING MY GIFTS Parish Exploration and Reflections

Transcription

1 Parish Exploration and Reflections What return can I make to the Lord for all that He has done for me? (Psalm 116:12) + If we are truly DISCIPLES of Christ, our lives must be lives of STEWARDSHIP! + As disciples, we are challenged to realize that ALL THAT WE ARE and ALL THAT WE HAVE are GIFTS FROM GOD - our TIME, our TALENT, our TREASURE especially the very gift of life itself! +All of these gifts were FREELY and UNCONDITIONALLY given to us by God out of LOVE and God created us with the need to give and we give in a spirit of THANKSGIVING and JOY! + We do not own these gifts, but are called to use our unique set of gifts to love and serve God and neighbor to build the Kingdom of God! + Living a life of STEWARDSHIP will lead us - To a deeper awareness of God s presence in our lives - Into a more personal and profound relationship with Christ - Into a stronger bond with our parish and the Church - And it will strengthen us to share the Gospel message with all those we meet!

2 Directions: During your Confirmation preparation, you will be asked to use your TIME, TALENTS, and TREASURE in service to God and others and in a special way, to your parish community. You will be asked to complete a total of three Giving My Gifts - Parish Exploration Activities and to write a short reflection about each of these experiences. The goal of these exploration activities is to not only learn more about the life of our parish, but also to learn more about your own gifts and talents that are a critical and essential part of who we are as a faith community. It is also an awesome way to meet other people, of all ages, who are part of our St. Raphael family. Here are some possibilities of Parish Exploration Activities: + Teacher s Aide at Preschool PSR + PSR Babysitter + Littlest Angels Room + Donut Sales Volunteer + Blanket and Bundle Sundays + Helping Hands Food Drive + Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pies + Christmas Toy Drive + Adopt-a-Family Program + Coat Collection + Children s Clothing Drive + St. Augustine Meal Program + Pancake Breakfast + Neighbors Who Care + The Souper Bowl of Caring + Christmas in July + SVDP Back to School Drive + Keeping Connected in College Program + Altar server + Usher at Mass + Greeter at Mass + Lector at Mass + Choir member for Mass + Assistance with CYO Athletics programs + Assistance at the Parish Office + Market Day + Assisting at First Reconciliation/First Communion retreats And additional projects/programs listed in the Social Concerns Ministry Booklet, in the Parish Bulletin, or sent via throughout the year! Ideally, we ask that you pick one activity that is ongoing that you would commit to for the duration of your time of preparation (for example Preschool PSR aide, CYO assistant, usher/greeter for Mass, Market Day) The other two activities can be one-time events (for example- Pancake Breakfast, Donut Sale, Toy Drive). After you complete each activity, you are asked to write a reflection about your experience. Reflections for: 1st Exploration/Reflection due in November 2014 at Spirit Night #2 2 nd Exploration/Reflection due in May 2015 at Spirit Night #5 3 rd Exploration/Reflection due in August at Spirit Day Retreat (The 3 rd reflection should be for your ongoing activity.)

3 Name: Due: 11/9/14 Parish Exploration and Reflection #1

4 Name: Due: 5/3/15 Parish Exploration and Reflection #2

5 Name: Due: 8/30/15 Parish Exploration and Reflection #3 FOR ONGOING PARISH ACTIVITY